Bob Dylan is the greatest singer songwriter in musical history, but he's never been much of an actor and here he makes no attempt at all, mumbling his few lines, his expression immutable and Keaton-esque throughout. This is very much his film and this performance sets the tone: there's no plot, no comprehensible message, and it's all very dull. A big cast of solid actors, doubtless keen to appear alongside the great man, do their best, but even usually dependable performers like John Goodman and Jeff Bridges seem lost.
The only hilight is the songs. Dylan's voice is ravaged now, but he still brings his magic with every word. Alas that magic is diminished here by his latest affectation of delivering great songs like 'John Wesley Harding' and 'The Times They are A-Changing' in a melody-free monotone.
In the words of the master: "What's probably got you baffled more; Is what this thing here is for. It's nothing." (I Shall be Free No 10, Another Side of Bob Dylan, 1964).
Move along, folks. There's nothing to see here.
The only hilight is the songs. Dylan's voice is ravaged now, but he still brings his magic with every word. Alas that magic is diminished here by his latest affectation of delivering great songs like 'John Wesley Harding' and 'The Times They are A-Changing' in a melody-free monotone.
In the words of the master: "What's probably got you baffled more; Is what this thing here is for. It's nothing." (I Shall be Free No 10, Another Side of Bob Dylan, 1964).
Move along, folks. There's nothing to see here.