Non-Dylan/Todd Haynes afficionados need not apply.
Like many of Todd Haynes movies, I'm Not There is an acquired taste. It's inventive, different and highly experimental. It's part-biopic, part history of the folk music form. While all of the characters sort of embody the spirit of Dylan, they are based both on Dylan and on assorted mythical figures such as Woody Guthrie, Ramblin' Jack Elliot and others. There are scenes where the story teeters towards straightforward narrative only to pull back into complete existentialism for long periods of time. The performances are strong across the board, with standout work from Cate Blanchett and young Marcus Carl Franklin. I enjoyed the movie on the whole, but find it very difficult to recommend. Unless someone is a Dylan fanatic or loves Todd Haynes stranger material, I'm Not There is a trying experience.
ReelzChannel Rating: 