I'm Not There

The many phases of a certain folk singer born, Robert Allen Zimmerman, are splashed across the scene with each showing a different side of the mercurial singer and poet. Some a direct slice out of his life while others are glimpses of his alter-egos. The fact that these glimpses and slices are brought to life by Christian Bale, Richard Gere and Heath Ledger just makes it extra special. To top it all Cate Blanchett comes on and adds something bloody magical to the proceedings. The film rambles on with a kind of meandering narrative that fits like a glove for a Dylan biography. Never has his life been presented so craftily on any medium. A must watch for all Dylan fans.

Rating: * * *

The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight continues the fine tradition started by Batman Begins. Akin to how Frank Miller made Batman relevant again in the graphic novel arena, Christopher Nolan has given the brooding hero a breath of fresh intense air on the big screen. In print sometimes a certain character takes over the whole book and somehow enthralls the reader holding him in a vice like grip. Heath Ledger does exactly that in his role of the Joker. The film heralds the arrival of the laughing madman in the life of Batman and shows us the tip of the titanic struggle that will enshroud the rest of their existence. But with the passing of Ledger, one wonders who can replicate his panache and screen presence as the Joker...

Rating: * * *