I grew up fully aware of my father’s appreciation for Bob Dylan. They share the same birth year of 1941, and Bob will be 72 years old this coming May. One of my fondest memories is when my brother and I took Dad to the Dylan concert in our freshman year of high school. These three films take very different approaches, peering into the life and music of a very complex and celebrated man.

Don’t Look Back

Don’t Look Back (1967) is a documentary directed by D.A. Pennebaker. He accompanied Bob on his 1965 tour, where the evolution from strictly acoustic music to the electric realm occurred. The transition caused much controversy among folk die-hards, and the film is a wonderful document about that very specific time and place. The film includes appearances by other notable figures, including Joan Baez, Donovan and Allen Ginsberg.

No Direction Home

No Direction Home: Bob Dylan (2005) is a documentary directed by Martin Scorsese. A broader look into the living legend is achieved through Scorsese’s access to countless hours of old footage. The film mainly focuses on the pivotal years of 1961 through 1966, and not his entire career. At 207 minutes in length, the film is very rich in scope.

I’m Not There

I’m Not There (2007) is directed by Todd Haynes. An artistic and abstract look at Dylan’s life is achieved in this feature film. Haynes’ deploys a new actor playing Dylan to represent the different dimensions of the man. Each vignette takes on its own life through unique designs. It is one of the most surreal of bio pics, and quite enjoyable.

You can also find Living Room Cinema on Facebook and Tumblr.