Whip-smart dialogue, with an undercurrent of cynicism (thanks Wilder). A wonderful cast that each plays their role to perfection. Excellent direction and camera work. Couldn't really ask for anything more out of a screwball comedy, this is as good as it gets.
Well, ok, I would ask for one thing. And that's to be sent to the alternate universe where Barbara Stanwyck didn't have other projects at the time and was able to be the lead. I would so love…
This just didn't work for me. Visually impressive? Absolutely. Visceral? Definitely. But I was not a big fan of the dreamlike, non-linear storytelling in this particular piece. The pacing is laborious, and despite the film being just over an hour it felt more like three.
As paint-by-numbers as a music biopic can get. You've got your cutaways of awed onlookers in every Chalamet performance as they hear, for the first time, Dylan sing that song you love (there are so many of these that it's basically a parody). You've got the numerous name drops of other musicians and historical figures of the 60's. You've got the cartoonishly-angry authority figures who just don't "get it." It's a film with nothing to say, propped up by Dylan's…
Movies are magic, and this might be the most magical of them all. It has gorgeous visuals and lush scenery in abundance, but that can only go so far. Fortunately, Lee Pace is powerfully reserved in his role alongside one of the finest child acting performances I've had the pleasure to witness.
