Todd Haynes "Im Not There," is not a biopic of Bob Dylan but rather it is more of a homage to Dylan as a songwriter, poet, and musician. The six characters in the film represent different aspects of Bob Dylans personality career and psyche. Haynes decision to use six different characters to represent different aspects of Dylans career and character was a wise decision. This approach allowed Haynes to explore the magic of Dylans many lives, which he treats with great imagination. It is a known fact that Woody Guthrie is Bob Dylans inspiration and musical Idol.
Todd Haynes using an 11- year old personification of the Guthrie smitten young Dylan was a interesting choice that worked because it was a direct tribute to Woody Guthrie and how Bob Dylan was influenced by Guthrie. (well in this case Marcus Franklins character) We are then introduced to a man who shares the same name as 19th century poet Arthur Rimbaud. Rimbaud was an influence in Dylans poetry and music such as"You're Gonna Make Me Loneseome When You Go." Even though Arthur Rimbaud was not a huge part of the film, whenever we saw him he seemed to set the tone for the next scene with a famous quote. Bob Dylan isan American icon because his music served as anthems and protests songs during the Civil Rights movement. The Jack Rollins character personified how powerful and influential Bob Dylans music was especially during times of hardship such as the Civil Rights Movement. Jack Rollins becoming a preacher and performing the song "Pressing On," was a direct allusion to the gospel influenced album Dylan made called "Saved."
Heath Ledgers character Robbie Clark is a glimpse into what Bob Dylans personal love life was like. This chapter depicts the highs and lows of Dylans relationships from the time Robbie met Claire to when they filed for the divorce that invloved a legal quarrel of custody of the children and this is a reference to the real life divorce Bob Dylan went through with his first wife Sara.
The most complex and interesting character in the film is Jude Quinn portrayed by Cate Blanchett. Jude Quinn represents the controversial aspect of Dylans character that many people resented. Jude Quinn is the rebellious free thinking aspect of Dylans character that is against conformity and doing what he is told when he is told. The Jude Quinn character is on a downward spiral and is on the brink of burning out and we see this when Jude is laying on the floor. Tom Haynes casting Cate Blanchett was a phenomenal decision and the events of this character were as close to biographical as one can get. The last character and aspect of Bob Dylan is represented by Richard Gere's character "Billy The Kid." This depiction represents a legendary outlaw who wants out of the spotlight. Billy The Kid hops on a freight and finds Woody's guitar symbolizing escape and a creative rebirth in a sense.
After Bob Dylan had his motorcycle accident, he said he had realized that we was working for leeches and he didnt want to do it anymore. The accident allowed Bob the chance to escape the pressure that had built up around him. After the accident, Bob Dylan withdrew from the public and did not tour again for eight years. Tom Haynes was able to convey all that is Bob Dylan in this film and "Im Not There" is a true work of art that is unique and unlike any other films portraying American icons.
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