A couple of great movies are out right now in the States and should be with the rest of the world soon. Danis checked out I’m Not There, with its great soundtrack and standout album track by Los Lobos. Here’s Danis’ review…
I’m Not There is definitely my film of the year.
It’s five completely different tales of Bob Dylan’s life; some true accounts, some fables. To add to the mix, they are all shot differently to enhance the themes. The acting is superb – initially I thought Cate Blanchett got too much credit for being a female playing a male, but it was all deserved.
I’m Not There is based around the idea that everyone has a story or myth about Dylan that they remember, even if the details aren’t always clear. It also focuses on how much Dylan changed during his career, from young folk singer through to finding God. It certainly helps having a knowledge of Dylan as none of the characters use their real names and the movie is loosely edited.
Although I am not a huge Bob Dylan fan, this film has great appeal for its art house attitude; a good example being the Fellini-esque scenes featuring Cate Blanchett.
So if you haven’t seen it already, make the effort – you will love it.
And now, one that caught me by surprise. Gone Baby Gone is directed by Ben Affleck and stars his brother Casey and Morgan Freeman. Although Gone Baby Gone feels predictable, it is anything but. It is also one of those films that has three or four lame endings, but don’t be fooled, in the end it picks you up, gives you a good shake and makes you think again. It’s a dramatic moral dilemma revolving around selfishness and selflessness. It’s also one of those rare movies that I reckon will appeal to both male and female, young and old. Give it a go.
