“I do not believe you. You are liars.”
No Direction Home opens and closes to the tune of “Like a Rolling Stone” in this live 1966 event. The documentary marks the collaboration of two leaders in contemporary art, film and music. A Martin Scorsese film about Bob Dylan can be described in one word: legendary.
Needless to say, I can’t hide my passion and appreciation for Bob Dylan. I consider him one of the greatest of all, a songwriter capable of composing and playing an unbelievable quantity of unforgettable songs. Although reluctant to be in front of the camera, the camera’s lense does succeed in capturing his spirit and portrays him as one who is always going against the current. Dylan doesn’t say no to good old Martin and grants him a long interview.
No Direction Home focuses on Dylan’s first artistic period, from the beginning up to the famous motorcycle accident. From childhood to Greenwich Village, from folk songs and protest movements to the much discussed electrical turn are explored. 208 minutes of great music, interviews, film images, unedited film, and the words Bob today as he comments. Small beads for the fans of The Minstrel of Duluth offer great moments for those in search of a music documentary directed and written with passion.
Scorsese paints a Dylan as someone who constantly strives to break the mold and one who’s in battle against those who want a bigger frame to frame him.
Symbol of the protest movement? No, thank you. Musical genius? No, thank you. Taunting? No, thank you.
Dylan is Dylan, and as soon as someone feels they know him or get close to his ideals, he goes for a new road—
his road. Leaving behind his immortal songs which find new life in the millions of covers that follow, some become even more famous than the original.
Scorsese is not limited to the words of the old Bob; he also looks to the leading individuals of the time, from Joan Baez to Allen Ginsberg. The picture becomes more detailed, occasionally stirring together myth and reality. The shadows of the character of Dylan and his extraordinary talents, the oddities and strokes of luck, along with the great applause and boos are combined in a unique and compelling documentary about a music legend and those confusing 60’s years.
Related Posts
About the Author
