Having many different actors embody Dylan’s personas was a genius move, but I think it would have been better as a cohesive story with all Dylan personas in the same universe, maybe all in conflict with one another, as Dylan’s inner conflicts were part of what defined some of his most iconic eras
@@user-ge3oy1vl6v THE STYLE in which it is shot; the surreal and almost hallucinatory way in which the images from one scene seem to bleed into the next; the absurd way in which social censor descends on these two not very bright young people, and their inability to even understand why they're being condemned let alone how they should combat it. That's just for starters.
Among the discussions of best biopic performances, I rarely hear Cate Blanchett talked about. She captured Bob’s style amazingly as Jude, to the point where she disappeared and I no longer saw Cate.
i think probably people get too bogged down in shallow aspects of a celebrity that aren't actually essential to who they are. because of the fact that she doesn't really look like him and is, of course, not a man, it's like she isnt even in the running for most people
@@jamesgeorge7579 she was brilliant, I agree with the OP that she totally disappeared in the role. She had the attitude and tics of 60s Dylan down to a T, you can tell she absorbed all existing material
Absolutely adored this movie when I saw it, everyone did a fantastic job but Cate Blanchett was a revelation as “Jude Quinn”! This was the movie that made me realize her range as an actor, there were times when I didn’t see her anymore but saw Dylan himself. How she didn’t win an Oscar for this role is wild to me.
the fact that your youtube videos are such beautiful representations of your passions and perspectives is giving the content a personal fingerprint, that bleeds into art as a whole, not divided or restricted, but free. Thank you so much Elliot… the love you have for music and film is truly a reflection of the complexity of your character and inner world.
To Todd Haynes, the point of a biopic isn't listing out major events in a person's life, but to let the audience experience what it feels like to be in contact with that person in some kind of capacity (as fans, as friends, as media, etc.) His David Bowie "biopic" Velvet Goldmine so sincerely depicts the experience of a budding teen/young adult finding solace in 70s glam rock with Bowie was at the center, the feeling of self-discovery, belonging, loneliness, rebellion and nostalgia. He captures the artist's impact rather than hard facts. I wish more people would take Haynes' approach to biopics.
what I want from a biopic is seeing their creative side, watching them in the studio working with the engineers and producers to make something that has touched me
I'm Not There and Love and Mercy are my two favorite biopics on artist ever. Not only because I love Bob Dylan and Brian Wilson but because one gave me a mystic artistic expression of one of a mysterious artist in an uncompromising way, while the other is a perfect depiction of the creative process. These movies are what make me wish biopics took more risk to give us a true sense of the artist it's trying to show us. To me a biopic shows us a few of (not all) biggest events in a style that best suits the artist in question, but also shows us the details in the events that are the why instead of the how. That is what sets these two movies apart and why I love them so much.
in my opinion.... this film is one of the greatest films of the 21st century. if there's a definition of "the anti bio-pic", it's this one. todd haynes not only nailed exactly who bob dylan is but told it in a way that really showcases why this man is too complex to be a typical bio-pic. a traditional bio-pic on dylan wouldn't work at all because of the phases he's been through. having six different actors play variations of dylan made absolutely total perfect sense. because of this film, i began to binge on bob dylan's music with "the basement tapes" and "blonde on blonde" being among my all-time favorite albums.
I love when biopics go the surrealist way because they're so interesting and they are captivating the essence of the musician better than any other regular biopic could. I love this movie and other that do something similar with his subject ilike gainsbourg: vie heroique.
This is my favorite movie, I’ve always been a huge fan of Dylan because of my dad and so when I was younger and first watched it with my dad it felt like a real bonding experience for us. I’ve watched it countless times over the years and it’s a real buoy and comfort for me whenever alongside his music whenever I’m feeling lost.
This is actually my favorite biopic. Its so unbelievably creative, captivating, and inspiring, and seriously captures Bob Dylan's spirit. It's a perfect movie, imo.
I love this movie. In college I took a class on the 60's. My semester project was on Bob Dylan. I used this movie in parts of my project, particularly the part where he's being interviewed and talks about "cause of peace/hunk of butter/burning draft card burning yourself" doesn't do anything, except disassociate you from the evils in the world. When I got the comments back on this paper I realized my professor was a dipsh*t who didn't really understand anything about Bob Dylan's view of the world and was married to an idealized view of the 60s rather than what it was, an absolutely horrific decade of atrocity, hatred, myopia, violence, and bigotry with a great soundtrack. I had a presentation on Dylan coming up for the final part of the project and scrapped everything I'd been working on. Instead, I changed the presentation to me playing and singing "Ballad of a Thin Man" while maintaining eye contact with prof the whole time because, as my very arrogant 22 year old self told this boomer teaching the course, "There's something happening and you don't know what it is, do you Mr. Jones?"
Your comment is so perfectly put I commend you on scraping the final part of that project and switching it up to what you did.. I wonder if that professor learned anything from you and the not so subtle point you made. Did he get it ? Probably not . WHAT a shame that he missed the fact that he had a true genius his students.. missed
My favorite parts are the storylines that are less literal. Cate Blanchett and Christian Bale’s characters are Dylan in all but name, but the others as you said are more metaphorical and sort of assign different parts of his personality to the character. I’ve always been fascinated by the post-crash, pre-74 tour Dylan. I’d like to see a movie just on that, a huge icon retreating from the limelight, raising his family and going back to his roots, putting out a hodgepodge of good and bizarre albums just trying to re-find himself, meanwhile the psychedelic hippie movement is still churning in the background.
I saw this movie completely by chance with my dad at an open theatre local youth center organised. He loves Dylan, he's very particular about movies and is not very artistic. I didn't know about the approach movie would take, so we went in completely blind. I honestly thought he wouldn't enjoy it. He did. He felt like there was a constant character of Dylan throughout all segments, Cate Blanchett included. I still remember it years later. Great movie.
Just brilliant. I remember watching this movie when it came out on DVD and loved it then and this TH-cam video is fantastic and does it justice. Big fan of your work. Two thumbs up. You're a master of the TH-cam format.
I'm not there is probably my first film where I experienced the amalgamation of experimenting with abstracts and events in Dylan's life something which you dont see much in Biopics. Loved this film a lot
Thank you for this truly brilliant analysis of a very misunderstood film. I have the DVD of I'm Not There and I'm going to have to watch it again now. One observation I would like to add is that I believe the Richard Gere segment is a bringing to life the magical and strange world of the Basement Tapes, which is a carnivalesque land that exists outside of the times and tumult of the late 60s. I can't remember the exact dialogue but I know they make allusions to characters like Tiny Montgomery (a song from the Basement Tapes). Those recordings were heavily inspired by old American folk music and the story lines of songs from the Anthology of American Folk Music, which seem non-sensical on the surface yet somehow tap into some sort of American collective unconsciousness. I think the Richard Gere segment is a manifestation of this unconscious world. In any case, I really enjoyed this video and agree that I'm Not There and Love & Mercy are the pinnacle of the modern rock biopic.
You do need to be quite a Bob Dylan nerd to understand half of the scenes in this film. But though confusing at times, I believe no other film could describe Dylan so well. It all comes together, all the different characters and chapters forming the mystery that Bob Dylan is. Really great movie! :)
The scene of Robbie and Claire outside the courtroom, shot from the window of the courthouse above them and with no noise… Robbie charges Claire with his complaints which we can’t hear but we see his kids run up to hug him because they love him even though he and Claire are too caught up in their pain to notice their children’s love and pain. It’s such an effortlessly human moment in this film that we only get to see from afar, as if it’s a moment too intimate to get close to, while also not allowing us to hear what they are saying highlights the greater context of the effect of those words we can’t hear. Stunning filmmaking.
I presented a paper on I'm Not There (and Velvet Goldmine) at a conference about five years ago, and your video hits most of the points I was making about the film. Great video!
Here's Dylan talking about his movie "Renaldo and Clara" in 1978: "This film reveals that there’s a whole lot to reveal beneath the surface of the soul, but it’s unthinkable. That’s exactly what it reveals. It reveals the depths that there are to reveal. And that’s the most you can ask, because things are really very invisible. You can’t reveal the invisible. And this film goes as far as we can to reveal that."
I've been meaning to watch this movie for a while now. Not too much of a Dylan fan (not because I don't like him, just haven't stopped to listen to his music), but having Cate Blanchett as Bob Dylan got me interested. I didn't even know there were more people playing him in this. Will definitely watch it now.
I watched this movie for the first time last night and OMG. I can’t believe it went under my radar for all these years. I like Bob Dylan, I’m not a die hard fan, but now this movie got me more invested in his discography. Also, Heath Ledger was AMAZING in this film, one of his best roles😎
I just started watching your videos yesterday and I am severely hooked. Just when I thought I had seen everything about the Beatles I now have so much more to explore. I am also a fan of most music from the 70’s and it’s refreshing to see someone from your generation that appreciates it too.
Loved your take! Thank you for reminding me about hte film that made me discover and fall in love with Dylan and for reminding me what I always loved about him and been fascinated by
I remember watching this movie 10+ years ago..i had no idea who Bob Dylan was, i was not familiar with him or his music, but i finished the movie understanding him, as a person and as an artist, it did not add to my knowledge of his life story, but everytime i liaten to a bob dylan song now i just remember a part of this movie, and feel a deep understanding to him, this movie was my interdiction to Dylan, am not his biggest fan, but i feel like i know theam deeply now, even if he's noty favorite artist, even if i don't know all of his songs, i just understand him
Yes! _I'm Not There_ IMO is the 26th best movie of 2007 (don't take that too harshly, 2007 was the best year for movies of all time). People always talk about the Cate Blanchett sequences, but my favorite part has always been the Richard Gere/Billy the Kid stuff, since it deals with the era of Dylan's discography that I grew up most familiar with thanks to my dad. The "Going to Acapulco" sequence is also irresistibly creepy in the best way and I've been thinking about its themes a lot lately in relation to my work. It has strong end of _Fiddler on the Roof_ energy.
this was such a good video, you absolutely GET it!!!! I'm Not There is hands down my favourite biopic - if we can really call it one - and you've hit the nail on the head with it here. Cate Blanchett as Jude Quinn drives me up the wall, with how well she plays the part, but as a whole the imagery and elusiveness of the film really blows most other biopics out of the water for me 😁
Saw the title of your video. I immediately watch the I'm Not There on Tubi TV before I watched ur full video. Honestly, surprised with the casting. The 6 personas of Bob Dylan and its different visual styles is so creative and experimental. This movie changed my taste for biopic. Also, Cate is just amazing in this movie and captures the tired look of Bob Dylan so well. Anyway, thank you so much for making great videos. Your videos introduce me to get into the Beatles more and great movies to watch. Thank you so much and have a nice day ❤
Hey Elliot, I have watched all your videos and you keep surprising me with how you can succeed making these wonderful "love letters" to your favorite artists with such quality, authenticity and sincerity - thank you for your work! Best wishes from Lithuania
This was EXCELLENT, Elliot! Thank you for making it! I just watched the movie for the first time because a film discussion group I'm in picked it and your recap really brought to life a lot of stuff I missed, and gave me a MUCH deeper appreciation for the movie. As I watched it, I knew that the director was doing A LOT visually that made it very meta, but it was cool to see how you laid that all out. Much more I could rave about with your video---it was all really great---so I'm going to share it with the group. Again, thanks for taking the time to make it!
Not sure if you're a jazz guy, but I'd love to see how you feel about Miles Ahead. It's an over-the-top fun fictional adventure with Miles Davis and Ewan Mcgregor going after a macguffin, with flashbacks to actual events in Davis' life as the B-plot. Very interesting way to do a biopic and I'd be interested in more films like that.
I love this film. I discovered it 2 years ago by accident and ordered it on DVD the next day. I love that I learned more about Bob Dylan but not enough to understand the man
I think that a Beatles biopic could take inspiration from this movie. Imagine every era of their career represented with a different visual style that matches with the story being told. During the early sixties, you can have a cinematic black and white style, very polished and professional, representing how they were perceived by the media and how their image was very important at the time. Then, in the late sixties, you switch to a more documentary style, inspired by the "Let It Be" film. Everything feels raw and messy because the Fab Four narrative is over and the end of the band is near.
I've been wanting a video explaining the movie. Dylan is one of my favorite artists but i struggled the first time watching the movie in understanding it but then learning more bout him and watching the documentaries and piecing the movie together makes a great re watch. My all time favorite movie Kate Blanchetts version of Dylan is my favorite
Such a great analysis! I love Todd Haynes' work, especially I'm Not There and Velvet Goldmine. The way he approaches music in film is amazing. This video taught me a lot about the movie I didn't know before. Thank you for another wonderful video!
I really enjoyed the seven rules for life in hiding advice including don't say anything the person in front of you can't understand, never trust a cop in a raincoat, if told to look at yourself don't and don't create anything or you will be chained to it etc.
ngl the final line in this video dropping the reason why i'm not there is titled i'm not there is brilliant wonderful work as always, elliot love the outfit btw
Unlike many TH-cam review videos this one was actually insightful and astute. I'm Not There has a certain ''elusiveness'' about it, like its subject's persona.
you should really make a video about Velvet Goldmine (the unofficial bowie biopic by Todd Haynes) the same guy that directed im not there did that movie. its an amazing film i swear a video from you about it would be amazing
This channel and the Poliphonic one are my favorites on youtube, but this video puts you in another level!! I really love that someone is talking about this move, and your take is amazing, and a long video is what this movie deserve. Thanks!!
I came in with so many questions and you answered every one of them, and then answered ones I never thought to ask. Easily my favorite rock biopic of all time, possibly my favourite film review of all time.
Something pretty wild, my grandmother knew Bob Dylan in college (he was a friend of her room-mate's boyfriend and would visit their dorm to play), and one time he had finished playing some folk songs (this was before his first album btw) and she came up to him and told him he should try to write some of his own songs... She may have been one of a few or a lot of people to tell him that but it's still really cool that she knew him.
Excellent work Elliot. I recently watched this film for a second time and got a lot more from it than my first viewing. It’s very much the Anti-Bohemian Rhapsody. Top marks for your hair and ensemble too!
Thanks for taking the time to review this. I'm a huge Dylan fan, and loved his earlier docs like 'Don't Look Back' and 'Eat the Document'. But this one? Nnnnot so much. I'm Not There was difficult to get through, and in the end, left me totally disappointed. What shocks me about this particular film is how many people think it's 'one of the best biopics ever', etc. It's like being the only kid who says the emperor is not wearing any clothes. To each their own I suppose. Would love to see a review of Dylan's other stuff though.
I mean fair enough, but did you not watch the video ? First and foremost, I’m not there isn’t a ‘doc’, and really it’s barely a biopic (a reference seen in the opening shot which is referenced towards the end of this video, whereupon it states it is: ‘inspired by the music and many lives of bob Dylan’ the first time I watched it I was also a bit disappointed but having revisited it, I feel it is one of the better movies of its kind I’ve seen. Is it the best? Idk, and I will say that My definition of a biopic is not necessarily: ‘a story that tries to tell the capital T truth of a persons story.’ And If that’s what you were looking for you were always going to be disappointed as it’s not what Haynes was trying to do. But if you can let go of that expectation i think it is a fascinating film in and of itself, which I think might be part of what he’s trying to say in this video…
@@joeherbert7555 no problem. Just thought I’d offer a second (or third I guess, depending on how far you got into the video) perspective. I understand wanting something from a biopic (or any kind of art really) that you ultimately don’t feel you get by the end of it. I’d like to think that it’s not a matter of ‘getting it’ but that one day you’ll put it on and view it entirely as a piece of fiction and that perhaps you’ll enjoy it. Maybe not but maybe. That’s certainly how I had to view it to enjoy it. All said, Beyond what the video here expressed, I’m personally looking forward to what looks to be a more straightforward Dylan story in ‘A Complete Unkown’ to make up for what was lacking of the real story in im not there
This is a great film. I love your treatment of it. I don't usually like biopics for exactly the reasons you cite. And I think most biopic performances are mere caricatures of the real subjects. While there is some caricature in each of these portrayals, they are compelling characters on their own. I'm Not There goes far beyond any other biopic I can think of. The most underrated or under-appreciated film of its decade.
In defence of C. Bale, first off he has a strong British accent, I thin Haynes, making the stupendously genius approach he used to this movie , it means to me Haynes played on Bales really strange attempt to mimic an accent that was nowhere near here, and use it to show the mainly conceptions of Dylan talking like this. We know this is exaggerated., but really it serves up to see so people conception of Dylans unique out there voice. It is the common persons' idea of Bob accent. Another point is Bale has always been a master of switching accents to perfection, he would have rose to this and when Haynes was happy with his accent, I'm sure that's what we heard. Great video. This has really straightened out a lot about the man and the movie. Good stuff, you got a sub bro
yes i love this movie - most biopics really are very standardised & tend to make all their subjects seem the same. This is so much more interesting. Blanchett is luminous - love the scene where she & the Ginsberg character are shouting at a statue of the crucified Jesus 'We preferred your earlier stuff'!
Insanely wonderful expression of why this film is both so powerful and effective as a bob dylan story. I always look forward to your stuff! Keep it up king!
Hi Elliot, longtime watcher of your channel, first time commenter. Just wanted to say your channel has educated me and exposed me to some really great music I was previously unaware of, particularly with post-Beatle solo work. I am stoked to watch this video; Bob Dylan is my favorite artist and I'm Not There is in my top ten favorite movies, so stoked to hear your opinion and analysis. Thanks for all you do. Take care and best of luck to you and your channel.
In 1966 Dylan laid down some of the greatest live sets of Rock and Roll of all time . The Box set titled Bob Dylan the live 1966 recordings is one of the greatest box sets of All time and maybe the greatest live box set of all time . Luckily every show on the Europeon tour was recorded off the mixing desk using a Nagra reel to reel deck as well as 3 shows being recorded professionally on multi track. Each show us fantastic and the Real Royal Albert Hall gig was an outstanding stand alone release. Despite the fact that the set lists and arrangements were the same every night each concert is very different in mood and vibe and each song manages to be different every night despite the arrangements being the same
Thank you Elliot. I am a loyal loving ,and blessed Dylan fan. This vudeo blew me away. Love your thoughts and insights into this film - you can see where Todd H.'swas comjng from but you also seem to have a very unique window into clearly understanding the complicated simplicity of this old soul Bob D. Cant wait for your first Movie. Thank you for this. Truly Brilliant!
Excellent review, Elliot! I am a Dylan fan and have long loved 'I'm not There' - a true masterpiece in my view, but I fear that you already have to 'know' Dylan to really appreciate it. Clearly, you do, and I impressed by your erudition and research - and including the great clips from the other Dylan documentaries. 'I'm Not There' also got me to watch some Fellini movies for the first time, too. A couple of small notes; 'Suse' is pronounced as 'Suzie' - not quite sure if you said that. Also, it's really unclear just how badly Dylan was injured in his famous motorbike accident - but that is a matter that is never likely to be clarified. Good work - I really enjoyed your review, thank you.
You've done it again, Elliot. Wonderful video! This film really captures the chameleon-like shape shifter that Dylan was and is. Favourite Dylan line: "You don't need my autograph; if you needed it I'd give it to you."
I just re-watched "Watchman" recently, and noticed the opening song was "The Times They Are A-Changin". Man it brought a tear to my eye, and made me want to listen to more Bob Dylan songs. SO my question for the Bob Dylan fans, what are your 5 favorite songs from Bob Dylan, that I should listen to?
I’m glad you eventually got to this. It’s a great little film that eschews biopic conventions (so early too). You would think more biopics would follow this films lead instead of regressing back to basic structures. But times don’t a-change that fast I guess. BTW, would love to see you review Control the movie about Joy Division’s first lead Ian Curtis.
I've always insisted that we don't need any other generic bob dylan biopic (yes including the chalamet one) because I'm Not There has captured him better than any other director right now can
This was so incredibly well made, thank you for sharing this. I also loved the shoutout to Patti Smith, I can see why she looked up to Dylan even before she met him
I’ve always enjoyed Bob Dylan’s music but I never knew much about him. I just knew he was kind of an enigma of a musician and having a biopic that’s not actually a biopic seems just perfect for him. I’ve never seen the movie (didn’t even knew it existed until I clicked on this video lol) but now I definitely have to check it out! Thank you for yet again introducing me to a biopic movie I never new existed!
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the casting is insane and pretty immaculate i really wish biopics would take experimental risks like this more often
Having many different actors embody Dylan’s personas was a genius move, but I think it would have been better as a cohesive story with all Dylan personas in the same universe, maybe all in conflict with one another, as Dylan’s inner conflicts were part of what defined some of his most iconic eras
I wish ALL MOVIES would do this in general
There's a good experimental one staring Dennis Quaid as Jerry Lee Lewis. It's very good, actually.
@@JeffRebornNowhow is that experimental?
@@user-ge3oy1vl6v THE STYLE in which it is shot; the surreal and almost hallucinatory way in which the images from one scene seem to bleed into the next; the absurd way in which social censor descends on these two not very bright young people, and their inability to even understand why they're being condemned let alone how they should combat it. That's just for starters.
When I saw this with my grandpa, he summed it up best by saying: “This isn’t a movie about Dylan. This is if Dylan himself was a movie.”
Boom!
Great quote
great grandpa!
very well said
Indeed !!!
Among the discussions of best biopic performances, I rarely hear Cate Blanchett talked about. She captured Bob’s style amazingly as Jude, to the point where she disappeared and I no longer saw Cate.
i think probably people get too bogged down in shallow aspects of a celebrity that aren't actually essential to who they are. because of the fact that she doesn't really look like him and is, of course, not a man, it's like she isnt even in the running for most people
@@blew1t she doesn’t sound like him either. It was ridiculous.
@@octagonseventynine1253 i think u missed the point of my comment lol
What's funny is that of the six she looks the most like the image of Bob Dylan I have in my head lol
@@jamesgeorge7579 she was brilliant, I agree with the OP that she totally disappeared in the role. She had the attitude and tics of 60s Dylan down to a T, you can tell she absorbed all existing material
Pretty amazing how Batman and The Joker both played Bob Dylan a year before The Dark Knight.
I don't know if I ever noticed that before but it is pretty wild.
Batman + Joker = The Jokerman
"There must be some way outta here" said the Joker to the Thief.
Absolutely adored this movie when I saw it, everyone did a fantastic job but Cate Blanchett was a revelation as “Jude Quinn”! This was the movie that made me realize her range as an actor, there were times when I didn’t see her anymore but saw Dylan himself. How she didn’t win an Oscar for this role is wild to me.
YES! She's sooooo talented. My favourite actor ❣
2007 was just a really stacked year.
My 65 yr old father was shocked to learn 'Jude' was a woman!
This.
Watch her movie TAR. It’s a masterpiece and masterclass acting from Cate Blanchett
the fact that your youtube videos are such beautiful representations of your passions and perspectives is giving the content a personal fingerprint, that bleeds into art as a whole, not divided or restricted, but free. Thank you so much Elliot… the love you have for music and film is truly a reflection of the complexity of your character and inner world.
To Todd Haynes, the point of a biopic isn't listing out major events in a person's life, but to let the audience experience what it feels like to be in contact with that person in some kind of capacity (as fans, as friends, as media, etc.)
His David Bowie "biopic" Velvet Goldmine so sincerely depicts the experience of a budding teen/young adult finding solace in 70s glam rock with Bowie was at the center, the feeling of self-discovery, belonging, loneliness, rebellion and nostalgia.
He captures the artist's impact rather than hard facts. I wish more people would take Haynes' approach to biopics.
what I want from a biopic is seeing their creative side, watching them in the studio working with the engineers and producers to make something that has touched me
I'm Not There and Love and Mercy are my two favorite biopics on artist ever. Not only because I love Bob Dylan and Brian Wilson but because one gave me a mystic artistic expression of one of a mysterious artist in an uncompromising way, while the other is a perfect depiction of the creative process. These movies are what make me wish biopics took more risk to give us a true sense of the artist it's trying to show us. To me a biopic shows us a few of (not all) biggest events in a style that best suits the artist in question, but also shows us the details in the events that are the why instead of the how. That is what sets these two movies apart and why I love them so much.
in my opinion.... this film is one of the greatest films of the 21st century. if there's a definition of "the anti bio-pic", it's this one. todd haynes not only nailed exactly who bob dylan is but told it in a way that really showcases why this man is too complex to be a typical bio-pic. a traditional bio-pic on dylan wouldn't work at all because of the phases he's been through. having six different actors play variations of dylan made absolutely total perfect sense. because of this film, i began to binge on bob dylan's music with "the basement tapes" and "blonde on blonde" being among my all-time favorite albums.
I love when biopics go the surrealist way because they're so interesting and they are captivating the essence of the musician better than any other regular biopic could. I love this movie and other that do something similar with his subject ilike gainsbourg: vie heroique.
This is my favorite movie, I’ve always been a huge fan of Dylan because of my dad and so when I was younger and first watched it with my dad it felt like a real bonding experience for us. I’ve watched it countless times over the years and it’s a real buoy and comfort for me whenever alongside his music whenever I’m feeling lost.
Dylan is the man. Growing up in Minnesota and playing guitar, he's always been a MASSIVE inspiration as an artist.
This is actually my favorite biopic. Its so unbelievably creative, captivating, and inspiring, and seriously captures Bob Dylan's spirit. It's a perfect movie, imo.
I love this movie. In college I took a class on the 60's. My semester project was on Bob Dylan. I used this movie in parts of my project, particularly the part where he's being interviewed and talks about "cause of peace/hunk of butter/burning draft card burning yourself" doesn't do anything, except disassociate you from the evils in the world. When I got the comments back on this paper I realized my professor was a dipsh*t who didn't really understand anything about Bob Dylan's view of the world and was married to an idealized view of the 60s rather than what it was, an absolutely horrific decade of atrocity, hatred, myopia, violence, and bigotry with a great soundtrack. I had a presentation on Dylan coming up for the final part of the project and scrapped everything I'd been working on. Instead, I changed the presentation to me playing and singing "Ballad of a Thin Man" while maintaining eye contact with prof the whole time because, as my very arrogant 22 year old self told this boomer teaching the course, "There's something happening and you don't know what it is, do you Mr. Jones?"
Your comment is so perfectly put
I commend you on scraping the final part of that project and switching it up to what you did.. I wonder if that professor learned anything from you and the not so subtle point you made. Did he get it ? Probably not . WHAT a shame that he missed the fact that he had a true genius his students.. missed
one thing I love about Elliot Roberts is his array of different costumes to fit each video. Looking like a mad man in this one!
Thought I was the only one noticing this
My favorite parts are the storylines that are less literal. Cate Blanchett and Christian Bale’s characters are Dylan in all but name, but the others as you said are more metaphorical and sort of assign different parts of his personality to the character.
I’ve always been fascinated by the post-crash, pre-74 tour Dylan. I’d like to see a movie just on that, a huge icon retreating from the limelight, raising his family and going back to his roots, putting out a hodgepodge of good and bizarre albums just trying to re-find himself, meanwhile the psychedelic hippie movement is still churning in the background.
I saw this movie completely by chance with my dad at an open theatre local youth center organised. He loves Dylan, he's very particular about movies and is not very artistic. I didn't know about the approach movie would take, so we went in completely blind. I honestly thought he wouldn't enjoy it. He did. He felt like there was a constant character of Dylan throughout all segments, Cate Blanchett included. I still remember it years later. Great movie.
Just brilliant. I remember watching this movie when it came out on DVD and loved it then and this TH-cam video is fantastic and does it justice. Big fan of your work. Two thumbs up. You're a master of the TH-cam format.
I'm not there is probably my first film where I experienced the amalgamation of experimenting with abstracts and events in Dylan's life something which you dont see much in Biopics. Loved this film a lot
Thank you for this truly brilliant analysis of a very misunderstood film. I have the DVD of I'm Not There and I'm going to have to watch it again now. One observation I would like to add is that I believe the Richard Gere segment is a bringing to life the magical and strange world of the Basement Tapes, which is a carnivalesque land that exists outside of the times and tumult of the late 60s. I can't remember the exact dialogue but I know they make allusions to characters like Tiny Montgomery (a song from the Basement Tapes). Those recordings were heavily inspired by old American folk music and the story lines of songs from the Anthology of American Folk Music, which seem non-sensical on the surface yet somehow tap into some sort of American collective unconsciousness. I think the Richard Gere segment is a manifestation of this unconscious world. In any case, I really enjoyed this video and agree that I'm Not There and Love & Mercy are the pinnacle of the modern rock biopic.
You do need to be quite a Bob Dylan nerd to understand half of the scenes in this film. But though confusing at times, I believe no other film could describe Dylan so well. It all comes together, all the different characters and chapters forming the mystery that Bob Dylan is.
Really great movie! :)
The scene of Robbie and Claire outside the courtroom, shot from the window of the courthouse above them and with no noise… Robbie charges Claire with his complaints which we can’t hear but we see his kids run up to hug him because they love him even though he and Claire are too caught up in their pain to notice their children’s love and pain. It’s such an effortlessly human moment in this film that we only get to see from afar, as if it’s a moment too intimate to get close to, while also not allowing us to hear what they are saying highlights the greater context of the effect of those words we can’t hear. Stunning filmmaking.
I presented a paper on I'm Not There (and Velvet Goldmine) at a conference about five years ago, and your video hits most of the points I was making about the film. Great video!
Here's Dylan talking about his movie "Renaldo and Clara" in 1978: "This film reveals that there’s a whole lot to reveal beneath the surface of the soul, but it’s unthinkable. That’s exactly what it reveals. It reveals the depths that there are to reveal. And that’s the most you can ask, because things are really very invisible. You can’t reveal the invisible. And this film goes as far as we can to reveal that."
I've been meaning to watch this movie for a while now. Not too much of a Dylan fan (not because I don't like him, just haven't stopped to listen to his music), but having Cate Blanchett as Bob Dylan got me interested. I didn't even know there were more people playing him in this. Will definitely watch it now.
I watched this movie for the first time last night and OMG. I can’t believe it went under my radar for all these years. I like Bob Dylan, I’m not a die hard fan, but now this movie got me more invested in his discography. Also, Heath Ledger was AMAZING in this film, one of his best roles😎
I just started watching your videos yesterday and I am severely hooked. Just when I thought I had seen everything about the Beatles I now have so much more to explore. I am also a fan of most music from the 70’s and it’s refreshing to see someone from your generation that appreciates it too.
Loved your take! Thank you for reminding me about hte film that made me discover and fall in love with Dylan and for reminding me what I always loved about him and been fascinated by
Would add that the covered songs included are exceptional, particularly Calexico & Tom Verlaine. A wonderful movie.
This was one of my dad’s (a HUGE music and Bob Dylan fan) favorite movies, and it’s definitely one of the most unique bio picks out there
Casting Cate Blanchett was genius. And this is really a fantastic account, linking the films and directorial styles of the time. Thanks!
I remember watching this movie 10+ years ago..i had no idea who Bob Dylan was, i was not familiar with him or his music, but i finished the movie understanding him, as a person and as an artist, it did not add to my knowledge of his life story, but everytime i liaten to a bob dylan song now i just remember a part of this movie, and feel a deep understanding to him, this movie was my interdiction to Dylan, am not his biggest fan, but i feel like i know theam deeply now, even if he's noty favorite artist, even if i don't know all of his songs, i just understand him
Yes! _I'm Not There_ IMO is the 26th best movie of 2007 (don't take that too harshly, 2007 was the best year for movies of all time).
People always talk about the Cate Blanchett sequences, but my favorite part has always been the Richard Gere/Billy the Kid stuff, since it deals with the era of Dylan's discography that I grew up most familiar with thanks to my dad. The "Going to Acapulco" sequence is also irresistibly creepy in the best way and I've been thinking about its themes a lot lately in relation to my work. It has strong end of _Fiddler on the Roof_ energy.
Looks like you’ve gone for the 7th Dylan look. Great video
this was such a good video, you absolutely GET it!!!! I'm Not There is hands down my favourite biopic - if we can really call it one - and you've hit the nail on the head with it here. Cate Blanchett as Jude Quinn drives me up the wall, with how well she plays the part, but as a whole the imagery and elusiveness of the film really blows most other biopics out of the water for me 😁
That’s a drag. Maybe the viewers won’t get “it”
Saw the title of your video. I immediately watch the I'm Not There on Tubi TV before I watched ur full video. Honestly, surprised with the casting. The 6 personas of Bob Dylan and its different visual styles is so creative and experimental. This movie changed my taste for biopic. Also, Cate is just amazing in this movie and captures the tired look of Bob Dylan so well. Anyway, thank you so much for making great videos. Your videos introduce me to get into the Beatles more and great movies to watch. Thank you so much and have a nice day ❤
lol I did the exact same thing
Is it still there
Best review of "I'm Not There"... Thanks for helping us appreciate this wonderful bio-pic that is and isn't at the same time.
I hope this film gets more & more recognized as the years go by. Its a wholly unique take & representation of the artist's life
I almost didn't watch this and didn't think I would be interested in this film. Now I have, and I am. Thank you for what you do so well Elliot.
Hey Elliot, I have watched all your videos and you keep surprising me with how you can succeed making these wonderful "love letters" to your favorite artists with such quality, authenticity and sincerity - thank you for your work!
Best wishes from Lithuania
This was EXCELLENT, Elliot! Thank you for making it!
I just watched the movie for the first time because a film discussion group I'm in picked it and your recap really brought to life a lot of stuff I missed, and gave me a MUCH deeper appreciation for the movie. As I watched it, I knew that the director was doing A LOT visually that made it very meta, but it was cool to see how you laid that all out.
Much more I could rave about with your video---it was all really great---so I'm going to share it with the group. Again, thanks for taking the time to make it!
I am a pretty big Dylan fan, and I think this movie completely captured what I feel about his career. Very clever.
This director is excellent for having this amount of attention to detail, but you’re also excellent for being able to point it out so well.
Not sure if you're a jazz guy, but I'd love to see how you feel about Miles Ahead. It's an over-the-top fun fictional adventure with Miles Davis and Ewan Mcgregor going after a macguffin, with flashbacks to actual events in Davis' life as the B-plot. Very interesting way to do a biopic and I'd be interested in more films like that.
Whoever did the arrangement and production for the Dylan covers in this movie created a masterpiece. This soundtrack is perfect
I love this film. I discovered it 2 years ago by accident and ordered it on DVD the next day. I love that I learned more about Bob Dylan but not enough to understand the man
I think that a Beatles biopic could take inspiration from this movie. Imagine every era of their career represented with a different visual style that matches with the story being told. During the early sixties, you can have a cinematic black and white style, very polished and professional, representing how they were perceived by the media and how their image was very important at the time. Then, in the late sixties, you switch to a more documentary style, inspired by the "Let It Be" film. Everything feels raw and messy because the Fab Four narrative is over and the end of the band is near.
I've been wanting a video explaining the movie. Dylan is one of my favorite artists but i struggled the first time watching the movie in understanding it but then learning more bout him and watching the documentaries and piecing the movie together makes a great re watch. My all time favorite movie Kate Blanchetts version of Dylan is my favorite
i just watched this movie last week. This is the only way to do a proper Dylan biopic.
Such a great analysis! I love Todd Haynes' work, especially I'm Not There and Velvet Goldmine. The way he approaches music in film is amazing. This video taught me a lot about the movie I didn't know before. Thank you for another wonderful video!
I want Elliot to talk about velvet goldmine it's such a goated movie
i love velvet goldmine omgg
The second time I saw this movie I thought, of Jude Quinn, "Wow, that guy is a really good actor."
I really enjoyed the seven rules for life in hiding advice including don't say anything the person in front of you can't understand, never trust a cop in a raincoat, if told to look at yourself don't and don't create anything or you will be chained to it etc.
I loved how the film ended how it started. It shows how there is no end to Dylan's music, it will forever be a part of the soul of american music.
ngl the final line in this video dropping the reason why i'm not there is titled i'm not there is brilliant
wonderful work as always, elliot
love the outfit btw
Unlike many TH-cam review videos this one was actually insightful and astute. I'm Not There has a certain ''elusiveness'' about it, like its subject's persona.
you should really make a video about Velvet Goldmine (the unofficial bowie biopic by Todd Haynes) the same guy that directed im not there did that movie. its an amazing film i swear a video from you about it would be amazing
This channel and the Poliphonic one are my favorites on youtube, but this video puts you in another level!! I really love that someone is talking about this move, and your take is amazing, and a long video is what this movie deserve. Thanks!!
Can't believe it I've been wanting this since he started talking on biopic
I came in with so many questions and you answered every one of them, and then answered ones I never thought to ask. Easily my favorite rock biopic of all time, possibly my favourite film review of all time.
Something pretty wild, my grandmother knew Bob Dylan in college (he was a friend of her room-mate's boyfriend and would visit their dorm to play), and one time he had finished playing some folk songs (this was before his first album btw) and she came up to him and told him he should try to write some of his own songs... She may have been one of a few or a lot of people to tell him that but it's still really cool that she knew him.
I've dying for someone to talk about this film in lenght for so longg
Excellent work Elliot. I recently watched this film for a second time and got a lot more from it than my first viewing. It’s very much the Anti-Bohemian Rhapsody. Top marks for your hair and ensemble too!
Watched this movie dozens of times as a teenager. Absolutely love it.
We are still living off-the-table scraps of Dylan & 60s Rock..
I wish there were more major releases like I’m Not There. Awesome film.
Thanks for taking the time to review this. I'm a huge Dylan fan, and loved his earlier docs like 'Don't Look Back' and 'Eat the Document'. But this one? Nnnnot so much. I'm Not There was difficult to get through, and in the end, left me totally disappointed. What shocks me about this particular film is how many people think it's 'one of the best biopics ever', etc. It's like being the only kid who says the emperor is not wearing any clothes. To each their own I suppose. Would love to see a review of Dylan's other stuff though.
I mean fair enough, but did you not watch the video ? First and foremost, I’m not there isn’t a ‘doc’, and really it’s barely a biopic (a reference seen in the opening shot which is referenced towards the end of this video, whereupon it states it is: ‘inspired by the music and many lives of bob Dylan’ the first time I watched it I was also a bit disappointed but having revisited it, I feel it is one of the better movies of its kind I’ve seen. Is it the best? Idk, and I will say that My definition of a biopic is not necessarily: ‘a story that tries to tell the capital T truth of a persons story.’ And If that’s what you were looking for you were always going to be disappointed as it’s not what Haynes was trying to do. But if you can let go of that expectation i think it is a fascinating film in and of itself, which I think might be part of what he’s trying to say in this video…
@@joeherbert7555 no problem. Just thought I’d offer a second (or third I guess, depending on how far you got into the video) perspective. I understand wanting something from a biopic (or any kind of art really) that you ultimately don’t feel you get by the end of it. I’d like to think that it’s not a matter of ‘getting it’ but that one day you’ll put it on and view it entirely as a piece of fiction and that perhaps you’ll enjoy it. Maybe not but maybe. That’s certainly how I had to view it to enjoy it. All said, Beyond what the video here expressed, I’m personally looking forward to what looks to be a more straightforward Dylan story in ‘A Complete Unkown’ to make up for what was lacking of the real story in im not there
Ayy finally we got a Bob Dylan video!!
God Elliot you really are one of the most underrated TH-camrs out there
This is a great film. I love your treatment of it. I don't usually like biopics for exactly the reasons you cite. And I think most biopic performances are mere caricatures of the real subjects. While there is some caricature in each of these portrayals, they are compelling characters on their own. I'm Not There goes far beyond any other biopic I can think of. The most underrated or under-appreciated film of its decade.
Our boy Elliot killing it with the outfits once again
In defence of C. Bale, first off he has a strong British accent, I thin Haynes, making the stupendously genius approach he used to this movie , it means to me Haynes played on Bales really strange attempt to mimic an accent that was nowhere near here, and use it to show the mainly conceptions of Dylan talking like this. We know this is exaggerated., but really it serves up to see so people conception of Dylans unique out there voice. It is the common persons' idea of Bob accent. Another point is Bale has always been a master of switching accents to perfection, he would have rose to this and when Haynes was happy with his accent, I'm sure that's what we heard. Great video. This has really straightened out a lot about the man and the movie. Good stuff, you got a sub bro
I love how you dress up as the artist/ person when you talk about them
This will always be the best biopic than the one they're making right now.
Man, I forgot how much I loved this film. Haven't seen it in years.
A fabulous film. Enjoyed your video too (and you rocking Dylan's 1965 look) - wonderful insights and backstory. Thanks, man.
yes i love this movie - most biopics really are very standardised & tend to make all their subjects seem the same.
This is so much more interesting. Blanchett is luminous - love the scene where she & the Ginsberg character are shouting at a statue of the crucified Jesus 'We preferred your earlier stuff'!
Insanely wonderful expression of why this film is both so powerful and effective as a bob dylan story. I always look forward to your stuff! Keep it up king!
What an incredible video essay. Thank you.
Hi Elliot, longtime watcher of your channel, first time commenter. Just wanted to say your channel has educated me and exposed me to some really great music I was previously unaware of, particularly with post-Beatle solo work. I am stoked to watch this video; Bob Dylan is my favorite artist and I'm Not There is in my top ten favorite movies, so stoked to hear your opinion and analysis. Thanks for all you do. Take care and best of luck to you and your channel.
In 1966 Dylan laid down some of the greatest live sets of Rock and Roll of all time . The Box set titled Bob Dylan the live 1966 recordings is one of the greatest box sets of All time and maybe the greatest live box set of all time . Luckily every show on the Europeon tour was recorded off the mixing desk using a Nagra reel to reel deck as well as 3 shows being recorded professionally on multi track. Each show us fantastic and the Real Royal Albert Hall gig was an outstanding stand alone release.
Despite the fact that the set lists and arrangements were the same every night each concert is very different in mood and vibe and each song manages to be different every night despite the arrangements being the same
Always a good day when Elliot uploads.
Thank you Elliot. I am a loyal loving ,and blessed Dylan fan. This vudeo blew me away. Love your thoughts and insights into this film - you can see where Todd H.'swas comjng from but you also seem to have a very unique window into clearly understanding the complicated simplicity of this old soul Bob D. Cant wait for your first Movie. Thank you for this. Truly Brilliant!
Thank you, Elliot Roberts. You nailed it. This wonderful filmed deserved this well researched and insightfully compelling revue. Terrific; both!
I had chills when you said the last line. Damn, this is perfection
Excellent review, Elliot! I am a Dylan fan and have long loved 'I'm not There' - a true masterpiece in my view, but I fear that you already have to 'know' Dylan to really appreciate it. Clearly, you do, and I impressed by your erudition and research - and including the great clips from the other Dylan documentaries. 'I'm Not There' also got me to watch some Fellini movies for the first time, too.
A couple of small notes; 'Suse' is pronounced as 'Suzie' - not quite sure if you said that. Also, it's really unclear just how badly Dylan was injured in his famous motorbike accident - but that is a matter that is never likely to be clarified. Good work - I really enjoyed your review, thank you.
You've done it again, Elliot. Wonderful video!
This film really captures the chameleon-like shape shifter that Dylan was and is.
Favourite Dylan line: "You don't need my autograph; if you needed it I'd give it to you."
One of my favourite films and now one of my favourite TH-cam videos!
I just re-watched "Watchman" recently, and noticed the opening song was "The Times They Are A-Changin". Man it brought a tear to my eye, and made me want to listen to more Bob Dylan songs. SO my question for the Bob Dylan fans, what are your 5 favorite songs from Bob Dylan, that I should listen to?
Man I was wait for you to do something Dylan related. I think this is one of the best representation of an artist, period!
I love how Elliot always dresses as the subject of his videos. Also I am so jealous of your hair, mannnnn.
I’m glad you eventually got to this. It’s a great little film that eschews biopic conventions (so early too). You would think more biopics would follow this films lead instead of regressing back to basic structures. But times don’t a-change that fast I guess. BTW, would love to see you review Control the movie about Joy Division’s first lead Ian Curtis.
I've always insisted that we don't need any other generic bob dylan biopic (yes including the chalamet one) because I'm Not There has captured him better than any other director right now can
This was so incredibly well made, thank you for sharing this. I also loved the shoutout to Patti Smith, I can see why she looked up to Dylan even before she met him
The look you’ve gone for really reminds me of David Bowie’s brief hippie era in 1969- especially the hairstyle!
tysm for the upload elliot you are by far my favourite youtuber and i love bob dylan i was having a bad day and your video cheered me up :D
I’ve always enjoyed Bob Dylan’s music but I never knew much about him. I just knew he was kind of an enigma of a musician and having a biopic that’s not actually a biopic seems just perfect for him. I’ve never seen the movie (didn’t even knew it existed until I clicked on this video lol) but now I definitely have to check it out! Thank you for yet again introducing me to a biopic movie I never new existed!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO! This is my favourite movie, and I've been waiting for vids on it for ages! You're the perfect man for the job!
Perfectly timed. Arise, Sir Roberts.
Dylan Worst to Best next?
I love the approach of this film. Thanks for a great breakdown!