I'm Not There (2007)

Calhoun gives the film a strong endorsement despite its unconventional approach. He singles out its rule-breaking, fragmented take on Bob Dylan’s life.

Wisniewski calls the film an invigorating, thrilling achievement, despite finding parts too tidy or diffuse. He praises its craftsmanship, especially the performances by Cate Blanchett, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Heath Ledger.

Ebert gives the film a positive verdict. He singles out Cate Blanchett’s performance as a standout.

Phipps finds the film thrillingly brilliant despite maddening choices and uneven sequences. He particularly praises Haynes’s daring filmmaking and Ed Lachman’s cinematography, while noting that some references and lyric-based dialogue fall flat.

French finds the film mystifying but ultimately challenging and rewarding. He singles out its varied cinematic styles and the music as making its demanding approach worthwhile.

The review calls the film ambitious, successful, and reverential, though it loses momentum in its final stretch. It praises the ensemble’s varied portrayals, especially Cate Blanchett’s performance, while finding Richard Gere’s segment the least convincing.

Thomas finds the film restless and brilliant, ultimately more beguiling than irritating. He particularly praises Cate Blanchett’s uncanny portrayal of Dylan’s electric years.

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Bennett finds the film an intriguing but potentially alienating curiosity that may leave viewers no closer to understanding Dylan. He praises Haynes’s direction and cast, especially Cate Blanchett’s playful performance.

McCarthy finds the film audacious and intermittently compelling, but ultimately fractured and inaccessible. He especially praises Cate Blanchett’s electrifying performance as Jude, while faulting the prolonged Western section for adding little.

Schager finds the film an intellectually elaborate but hollow portrait that reveals little about Dylan. He praises occasional wit and structural flair, while criticizing its detached drama and reliance on allusions.

The review finds the film’s playful, shape-shifting approach inventive, though its separate storylines can feel uneven. It singles out Cate Blanchett’s performance as a highlight that propels the film.

Wilkinson finds the film an incoherent, overly obscure exercise in style rather than an insightful portrait of Dylan. She praises the cinematography and especially Cate Blanchett’s performance, but says they cannot make up for the muddled narrative.