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I'm Not There
Todd Haynes falls into that category of filmmakers whom I respect but don't always enjoy. I loved Superstar and enjoyed Poison. I found Safe to be too slow and Velvet Goldmine to be a weak take on a splendid era of music. Far From Heaven was a splendid homage to the films of Douglas Sirk and his latest, I'm Not There is a biopic about Dylan, but then again, it isn't.
The concept is grand. Multiple actors protray Bob Dylan at different stages of his life to illustrate how a creative chameleon evolves. But Haynes also chooses to call each incarnation by a different name - some cultural touchstones (Woody Guthrie, Arthur Rimbaud, Billy the Kid) some obsure references (Jack Rollins) and some just seemingly out-of-the blue (Jude Quinn, Robbie Clark.) This disjointed story-telling is interesting, but devoid of connection. I felt nothing for any of these characters - I enjoyed watching the nuanced performances, but there was no emotrional connection to mr Dylan.
You could argue that's the point - and given the title of the film, I'd agree, but it still felt like a hollow exercise nonetheless.
I respect the effort and artistry, by remain unmoved and generally disinterested.
6/10
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"Little, vicious minds abound with anger and revenge, and are incapable of feeling the pleasure of forgiving their enemies."
Earl of Chesterfield
"A man that studieth revenge keeps his own wounds green, which otherwise would heal and do well."
Francis Bacon
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