Blanchett 'Astonishing' as Dylan

From Venice film festival, British critic lauds unconventional bio

By Jason Farago, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 5, 2007 4:38 PM CDT

(Newser) – I'm Not There, director Todd Haynes' Bob Dylan biopic, has gained at least one fan in the Telegraph's David Gritten. More "symbolist poem" than conventional biography, the film portrays Dylan in various guises, including an 11-year-old black actor and Cate Blanchett in the film's "tour de force." Among other embodiments: Richard Gere as Wild West outlaw Billy the Kid.

"I cannot say I understand Dylan one bit better—and there's no higher praise for the film than that," Gritten writes of the picture, the first made with the singer's approval. Blanchett's turn is Gritten's favorite, he writes: "She is astonishing: with the help of trademark shades, wild corkscrew curls and killer cheekbones, she perfectly captures his … defiant attitude."

[Images (6)]

[Videos (1)]

Director Todd Haynes presents the movie " I'm not there " competing in the 64th edition of the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy, Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2007. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) (Associated Press)

U.S. actor Richard Gere runs on the red carpet before the screening of his latest movie " I'm not there " during the 64th edition of the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2007. (AP Photo/Domenico... (Associated Press)

Australian actor Heath Ledger arrives for the screening of his latest movie "I'm Not There" in competition at the 64th Venice Film Festival, in Venice, Italy, Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2007. (AP Photo/Andrew... (Associated Press)

U.S. actor Richard Gere arrives with actress Carey Lowell for the screening of his latest movie " I'm not there " during the 64th edition of the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2007.... (Associated Press)

From left U.S.actor Richard Gere, U.S. director Todd Haynes, British actress Charlotte Gainsbourg and Australian actor Heath Ledger arrive for the screening of their latest movie " I'm not there " competing... (Associated Press)

Cate Blanchett at Bob Dylan in Todd Haynes's "I'm Not There." (Daily Mail / Scope)

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Blanchett 'Astonishing' as Dylan