TORONTO— I'm Not There is an interpretive re-enactment of the life of iconic musician, poet, and voice of a generation: Bob Dylan.
Directed by Todd Haynes, I'm Not There stars six actors, each a personification of Dylan—the endlessly touring, womanizing Robbie (Heath Ledger); the folk idol turned evangelist Jack (Christian Bale); the youthful, defiant, chain-smoking poet Arthur (Ben Whishaw); the famous Western outlaw Billy (Richard Gere); and the troubled, confused and androgynous rock star Jude (the astonishing Cate Blanchett).
Bob Dylan's music and life story are skillfully interwoven within the sophisticated arrangement of the film. To hear and see the events unfold is mesmerizing, despite the kaleidoscopic complexity of the film's structure. The images are involving and poignant as they sway back and forth through Dylan's life and career.
Among the stellar performances, worth additional mention is Cate Blanchett who not only copes brilliantly with a male role but also adds nuances to the character, making the stage of Bob Dylan's life even more striking. For her portrayal, she received the Best Actress award at the 2007 Venice Film Festival earlier this month.
I'm Not There screened on Sept. 14, at the Toronto Film Festival, where I had a chance to hear director Todd Haynes discuss his creation.
Q: How did you come up with the idea?
TH: I discovered Bob Dylan early on. Then I spent years listening to other stuff. Later I went back to Dylan again. I read biographies about Dylan, and they all say that he was changing shape in front of your eyes. He would literally be looking different, sounding different if you see him four months later. Using six characters was the only way for me to come up with what he was.
Q: What was difficult or challenging in making a film on Dylan?
TH: This has been a tremendous challenge and honor for me. This is the first time Dylan has given permission for making a film about his life. To represent what he did musically, for example, I had to extend music rights. At some point I was giving up and called Dylan's agent, and said—this is a huge responsibility, I am not sure I can handle this. And he said: "Don't worry. This is just your own weird perspective on Bob Dylan and his life."
Q: Has Bob Dylan seen it or will he?
TH: He has not seen it yet, but we'll find a way to get a DVD to him.
Q: Cate Blanchett is playing Bon Dylan in the film. How did that come about?
TH: It was part of the original concept. Dylan in 1965, that Dylan is one of the most famous. The shock value of his new image has faded over the years, but at that time there was a lot of risk in it, with its auditory assault and dandified gestures. I just wanted to say what it was that sounded so different, try and reinvigorate. A woman could do that. Cate Blanchett managed to get inside this guy at his mercurial state.
I'm Not There opens in theaters in the United States on Nov. 21, 2007.
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