I'm Not There.
Weinstein Company, The | Release Date: November 21, 2007
6.7
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 149 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
93
Mixed:
28
Negative:
28
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User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
ColinS.Jan 19, 2008
Literally the best film that I have ever seen.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
AJJan 26, 2008
Haynes uses Dylan's many media constructions as a vehicle for a postmodern meditation on the way we perceive the lives of public figures as a collection of symbols and narratives. His work is really more of a deconstuctive critique of Haynes uses Dylan's many media constructions as a vehicle for a postmodern meditation on the way we perceive the lives of public figures as a collection of symbols and narratives. His work is really more of a deconstuctive critique of the typical biopic than it is an honest attempt to depict Dylan's life. I think it is a great success in that effort. It did feel a little hollow though and it was unable to capture the emotional power and intimacy of Dylan's most focused and introspective work. One of postmodernism's primary flaws is an inability to speak to an emotional human core beyond social constructions. Still, Haynes has produced an outstanding and thought provoking work of art! I do think that perhaps one must "speak Dylan" to really understand the film's many references, but anyone should be able to appreciate it, if only for the amazing music and captivating imagery.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
SteveE.Feb 4, 2008
I could see how someone who wasn't a Dylan fan might walk away thinking this was the worst movie ever, but I thought it was one of the most complex, beautiful, and intelligent films I have ever seen.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
FrankL.Feb 6, 2008
It
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
TylerC.Feb 6, 2008
This may be arrogant, but I think you have to love Bob Dylan to enjoy this movie. I think this is one movie you have to be interested in before the opening titles roll. If you are, it may end up being a favorite, as it is one of mine.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
MarkSJul 8, 2009
Rather than using standard narrative, this movie tries to capture the essence of Dylan through a series of arresting images, sometimes without an obvious connection --- rather like a Dylan song. However, if you don't know anything about Rather than using standard narrative, this movie tries to capture the essence of Dylan through a series of arresting images, sometimes without an obvious connection --- rather like a Dylan song. However, if you don't know anything about Dylan, this film will frustrate you.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
JackS.Nov 23, 2007
I'm not a hardcore Dylan fan in any way, but [i]I'm Not There[/i] is an amazing film. Well done filmmaking whose only minor fault is that when the film ends, it basically just ends. And while there's a threadbare path of a I'm not a hardcore Dylan fan in any way, but [i]I'm Not There[/i] is an amazing film. Well done filmmaking whose only minor fault is that when the film ends, it basically just ends. And while there's a threadbare path of a narrative, it's all a patchwork that simultaneously makes no sense but makes all the sense in the world. Less of a biopic and more of a respectful parody of the weird life of an odd icon. Seriously, if this film was tweaked a few degrees in another direction it could be pure just a pure parody.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
ChadS.Jan 5, 2008
Any discussion of "I'm Not There" has to begin with Cate Blanchett, who gets everything right: voice, body language, attitude, and most impressively, this awesome Aussie nails down Bob Dylan's aura. Her performance goes way beyond Any discussion of "I'm Not There" has to begin with Cate Blanchett, who gets everything right: voice, body language, attitude, and most impressively, this awesome Aussie nails down Bob Dylan's aura. Her performance goes way beyond male impersonation. This is not a gender-bender freakshow. "I'm Not There" could've stopped there and receive its kudos, but like the singer-songwriter himself, this wildly ambitious film is alternately arresting, inpenetrable, and off-the-rails mad. "I'm Not There" recreates Sam Peckinpah's "Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid" with Richard Gere(playing Dylan as Billy the Kid), even though Kris Kristofferson(who narrates "I'm Not There") played the infamous gunslinger in the original. In one amazing scene, Gere stares into the wilderness, and is greeted by a Vietnam War-montage, which stares right back at him, seemingly at his conscience, creating a juxtaposition between the apolitical nature of the film and the political context in which "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid" was released; 1973, when the war still raged on. The filmmaker crosscuts the Gere's section with the Robbie Clark(Heath Ledger) storyline as a way to show how Dylan is multi-layered and hide what's really on his mind. Clark is an actor who starred in a biopic about Dylan(Dylan as Jack Rollins, played by Christian Bale), but Billy the Kid is not even "real". Jude Quinn(Blanchett), the aloof version of Dylan we're most familiar with isn't going to offer up his political views. Dylan reveals his political conscience not as a folk singer, but as a folk hero(Billy the Kid, arguably, is noted by some as one), as he was shooting the Peckinpah film. 1973 is also the year when Dylan found God. His religious turn, in retrospect, seemed so bizarre and unexpected, you're reminded of "Being John Malkovich" when Malkovich announced to the world that he was retiring from the acting world to become a puppeteer. "I'm Not There" has a jagged beauty, a voluptuous imagination, and instills the adventurous moviegoer with a feeling of bliss.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
RyanD.Mar 8, 2008
Most creative film of the year.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
RobertI.May 3, 2008
three cheers for ambition, but ultimately too hard to engage with. The elliptical tracks can bore or lose you too easily. But it beats Ray by a mile.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
SteveM.Nov 24, 2007
I'm a huge Dylan fan, and I love cinema. This movie is fantastic! Sam J, you are an idiot. Maybe they will make a movie about Kenny Chesney and they you'd be happy???
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
DextlyNov 26, 2007
I am not particularly a fan of Dylan's, but the film kept me fully engaged about 90% of the time.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AndrewM.Nov 26, 2007
Brilliant, dazzling, visionary. It really is that good. You'll either love it or hate it, as you can see from the reviews. Not for everyone, but if I could give a film an "11" this would be one to garner that honor. If you're at Brilliant, dazzling, visionary. It really is that good. You'll either love it or hate it, as you can see from the reviews. Not for everyone, but if I could give a film an "11" this would be one to garner that honor. If you're at all into Dylan, it's a must see. But even non-Dylan fans may really love this. Two Oscar-worthy performances, by Cate Blanchett and Marcus Carl Franklin. I can't wait to see it again.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
JimProsserDec 2, 2007
To fully appreciate this movie, you need to have a cursory knowledge of the Dylan backstory. I'm a big Dylan fan, but I went to the film with a friend who didn't know much about him. While I hung on every little cue and loved the To fully appreciate this movie, you need to have a cursory knowledge of the Dylan backstory. I'm a big Dylan fan, but I went to the film with a friend who didn't know much about him. While I hung on every little cue and loved the imagery, my friend came away hopelessly confused. My advice: brush up on the Bob Dylan wikipedia entry before going.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
DianeM.Dec 23, 2007
What a great Dylan movie! Cate Blanchett is a revelation! I gave 9 instead of 10 stars because of the Richard Gere sequences, although something tells me that it's a lot more like what's inside Bob Dylan's head than the rest What a great Dylan movie! Cate Blanchett is a revelation! I gave 9 instead of 10 stars because of the Richard Gere sequences, although something tells me that it's a lot more like what's inside Bob Dylan's head than the rest of the movie.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
DanielW.Dec 6, 2007
The problem with movies that have 6 interwoven bits is that almost inevitable some will outshine the others. I found the Blanchett, Franklin and Gere bits great, and the others just pretty good. Still, Haynes is owed props for making such an The problem with movies that have 6 interwoven bits is that almost inevitable some will outshine the others. I found the Blanchett, Franklin and Gere bits great, and the others just pretty good. Still, Haynes is owed props for making such an uncompromising movie. I can't believe this is in wide distribution, showing in the multiplexes alongside Fred Claus! The soundtrack is going to rock: the originals are of course, great but the covers? Sonic Youth, Iggy, Calexico, Antony and the Johnsons, Stephen Malkmus, Richie Havens (that scene with Frankin on the porch is almost a movie-stealer)this will be the high-end tribute album Bob never really got.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
RyanL.Jan 8, 2008
It's a movie you need to do your homework on to get something from, but if you can it is quite rewarding. It's a labyrinth in being both a biopic and something entirely metaphorical, and sometimes both.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
WilliamB.Jan 9, 2008
You have to be a Dylan geek to enjoy this film. If you are steeped in his work, biography and legend this movie is arresting and essential. The only complaint I have about this film is that it relies on the viewer really knowing Dylan.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
ChristianP.Jun 25, 2008
Wonderfully engaging.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
NicholasKJan 11, 2009
A Stunning example of Arthouse film, and while a lot of people understandably will not understand it (Arthouse is aimed at a niche audience). The acting is wonderful and the cinematography is beautifully mastered. A must see for art house A Stunning example of Arthouse film, and while a lot of people understandably will not understand it (Arthouse is aimed at a niche audience). The acting is wonderful and the cinematography is beautifully mastered. A must see for art house lovers and the open minded, but if you're not an art house fan or are a piece of "Hollywood brainwashing" then this is not for you.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
ScottY.Dec 9, 2007
The movie was confusing, which, if you are a Dylanologist, is exactly the point. I loved all the visual references to songs that were not played. I don't think a bio of Dylan could be made in any other way. His is not a "Ray" or a The movie was confusing, which, if you are a Dylanologist, is exactly the point. I loved all the visual references to songs that were not played. I don't think a bio of Dylan could be made in any other way. His is not a "Ray" or a "Dream Girls" kind of story. The bit about Heath Lodger being a movie star rather than a singer was odd and I don't think anyone in the audience knew what was going on there, myself included. And the Richard gere sequence did not transition well.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
DanielP.Feb 18, 2008
I'm Not There is long, surreal and enigmatic, and overall a great movie. Cate Blanchett is obviously amazing, and Marcus Carl Franklin, Heath Ledger and Ben Whishaw are all great. Richard Gere is pretty good, but the role is under I'm Not There is long, surreal and enigmatic, and overall a great movie. Cate Blanchett is obviously amazing, and Marcus Carl Franklin, Heath Ledger and Ben Whishaw are all great. Richard Gere is pretty good, but the role is under utilized and Christian Bale is so so. The visuals are great and varied, the soundtrack is top notch and you're in heaven if you're a Bobby Zimmerman fan.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
CitoyenKJul 27, 2009
Classic, you need a firm grip of history and bob dylan to get the most out of it.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
JohnCNov 22, 2007
Had the movie been as moving as it is thrilling, challenging, awe-inspiring and original, it would have been a masterpiece in the vein of a great Dylan album. As it is, it's a the most fascinating and intelligent American film I've Had the movie been as moving as it is thrilling, challenging, awe-inspiring and original, it would have been a masterpiece in the vein of a great Dylan album. As it is, it's a the most fascinating and intelligent American film I've seen in a few years. I loved every minute of it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
NickA.Nov 25, 2007
Given its title in reference to an outtake off of one of Dylan
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
BillyS.Nov 25, 2007
As a movie fan, I was blown away by the imagination and originality of I'm Not There, as a Dylan fan, I was euphoric! I'm Not There is a two hour Orgasm!! It is not to be missed by movie fans or Dylan fans. Icing on the cake for As a movie fan, I was blown away by the imagination and originality of I'm Not There, as a Dylan fan, I was euphoric! I'm Not There is a two hour Orgasm!! It is not to be missed by movie fans or Dylan fans. Icing on the cake for music in movies this year after Once, La Vie En Rose and Across the Universe.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
BobB.Nov 28, 2007
The movie Dylan himself always tried to make, but failed.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
PaulK.Dec 31, 2007
This is long and slow and hard to follow, especially since I'm not Bob Dylan fan. I went because of the hype surrounding Cate Blanchett's performance and while she is good, the movie as a whole was completely lost on me.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
PaxsterOct 16, 2010
A brilliant and original idea for a biopic. The 6 different arms of Dylans personality have their part to play, especially Cate Blanchett who proves herself to be a diverse and complete actress. How she manages to capture that druggy and careA brilliant and original idea for a biopic. The 6 different arms of Dylans personality have their part to play, especially Cate Blanchett who proves herself to be a diverse and complete actress. How she manages to capture that druggy and care free spirit of the 60's like nobody else before her. Richard Gere dissapointed me slightly and was the least memorable of the 6 but Marcus Carl Franklin was a complete shock as 'Woody Guthrie' who is pursuing his dream to become a singer. Todd Haynes did a great job to get the rights to Dylans music let alone produce a movie as innovative as this.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
ryancarroll88Aug 27, 2010
If there was was ever a film that could embody Bob Dylan, this is it, and that being said it is no means a biography. Rather than trying to encapsulate Dylan's life in any serial fashion, Todd Haynes opts to intersperse the differentIf there was was ever a film that could embody Bob Dylan, this is it, and that being said it is no means a biography. Rather than trying to encapsulate Dylan's life in any serial fashion, Todd Haynes opts to intersperse the different incarnations of the singer in both his music and personal life, imbuing surrealism and pure fiction to explain the chaos of his life. That being said, I wouldn't recommend this movie to people who aren't familiar with Bob Dylan or the musical movements of the 1960s-1970s; references like Pete Seeger trying to chop the electric cables with an axe at the Newport Folk Festival or tongue-in-cheek humor such as Dylan shouting at Jesus on the cross to "bring back your old stuff" would definitely go over most people's heads without any background.… Expand
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9
tonyGreenMay 9, 2012
First things first; this is most definitely an 'art movie' and yes, it's pretty long. However if you have the ability to maintain your attention, this an enjoyable watch. It's pretty for one thing. And really very smart. I can't say IFirst things first; this is most definitely an 'art movie' and yes, it's pretty long. However if you have the ability to maintain your attention, this an enjoyable watch. It's pretty for one thing. And really very smart. I can't say I understood every detail. But the approach to the biography is well done. Bob Dylan is complex character (aren't we all?) who has had an extraordinary life. So we see a fragmented reality, each character an stand-in for different sides of the whole person, the truth residing somewhere within. The clue is in the title. A great soundtrack too ('natch')… Expand
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7
beingryanjudeSep 3, 2014
A curious imagination of six various Bob Dylan personalities, I'm Not There listens to the music, the story and the man. With re-created versions of Dylan songs by many of today's gifted musicians, you won't be disappointed. Also, worthA curious imagination of six various Bob Dylan personalities, I'm Not There listens to the music, the story and the man. With re-created versions of Dylan songs by many of today's gifted musicians, you won't be disappointed. Also, worth tuning in simply for Cate Blanchett's take on Dylan a.k.a. Jude Quinn.… Expand
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7
JLuis_001Feb 6, 2018
I've never been a fan of Bob Dylan, yet of course I know he has great albums and great songs but what I'm used to listen from him is minimal but obviously his legacy is huge, so undeniably making a film about him was going to be a big andI've never been a fan of Bob Dylan, yet of course I know he has great albums and great songs but what I'm used to listen from him is minimal but obviously his legacy is huge, so undeniably making a film about him was going to be a big and difficult task and it could have ended up in disaster.

I'm Not There is not a film that has broken any quality barrier but its approach to Dylan was quite attractive and delightful. His great cast, in which Cate Blanchett stands out, exposes a different way of knowing the artist and although not everyone may have enjoyed that sort of approach, in general I think that for any true movie lover and music lovers alike they should see it at least once.… Expand
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7
amheretojudgeApr 22, 2018
god rest his soul and his rudeness..

I'm Not There It is difficult to pull off a tale with multiple characters with various; someway interconnected, tale that is set in a poignant tone and still hold the audience for more than 2 hours evengod rest his soul and his rudeness..

I'm Not There

It is difficult to pull off a tale with multiple characters with various; someway interconnected, tale that is set in a poignant tone and still hold the audience for more than 2 hours even though it fails to connect with them easily. Todd Haynes; the writer-director, and Oren Moverman; the screenwriter's, script comes with a lot of instructions and requirement that is almost fulfilled while depicting it on screen but some of it feels missing too, in the end. On performance level, the feature scores majestically with the help of Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Heath Ledger and Richard Gere. I'm Not There is a musical but not your typical one, it may comes off as cathartic in the end after surviving this empirical world of Todd Haynes in an overlong script that raises question whether it is worth it or not.… Expand
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10
Spanish_JohnnyAug 5, 2020
A true masterpiece. Todd Haynes is a great filmmaker and he clearly understands Bob Dylan and his music which is the biggest reason this unconventional biopic works. This is the greatest movie about Bob Dylan we will ever get. It's perfect.A true masterpiece. Todd Haynes is a great filmmaker and he clearly understands Bob Dylan and his music which is the biggest reason this unconventional biopic works. This is the greatest movie about Bob Dylan we will ever get. It's perfect. The whole cast is amazing, especially Cate Blanchette. And the sountrack is obviously amazing as well. This will always be in my top 5. If you don't understand Bob Dylan, you will not understand this movie. It's complex, intelligent and creative like no other biopic.… Expand
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