M&A review by Eugene Wolfe

"What can I say about Claudette?"

What an incredible event! Seeing the new movie "Masked & Anonymous"
with John Goodman, Jessica Lange, Jeff Bridges, Luke Wilson and, of
course, Bob Dylan. This all too real, yet impressionistically surreal
masterpiece has a surprisingly strong plot (given the view of several
critics) and moves smoothly through a colorful montage of powerful
scenes and deep monologues. All this is interwoven around great
themes, ‘like god and man and law' with such dexterity that it must be
viewed again and again to feast at this table.

As several have already noted, the casting director of the film went
straight to the pages of Dylan's songbook to find his characters. A
most enigmatic and riveting performance is presented by Val Kilmer's
captivating cameo as the animal wrangler, who probes the deep
questions which have always concerned Mr. Zimmerman on the nature of
man and his insanity in juxtaposition with the animals. "Man Gave
Names To All The Animals." This vignette is truly a movie unto itself,
complete with a hat trick.

The character of "Cupid", Luke Wilson, is an especially interesting
one, as he seems to be central to the overriding theme of the plot. In
many ways Cupid is representative of all Dylan's true fans, loyal,
faithful, protective and idolizing. When Jack Fate, played by Bob
Dylan, first hits town, he calls for Cupid, embracing him when he
arrives. Obviously, in spite of his very rugged and posturing
demeanor, Dylan still believes in the power of love. With the
introduction of the completely jaded Tom Friend (Tom Paine?) the age
old conflict is on, but don't be too surprised of the twists of Fate.
The thematic development of this movie is multi-layered and fantastic!



An added highlight of the movie are the superbly done scenes of Dylan
and his band performing several of his tunes, many of which, for
whatever reason, did not make the soundtrack. A new rendition of
"Drifter's Escape" was a terrific surprise, along with a memorable.
Tight, close-up shots get his audience as close to the master as
anyone ever will!

It would appear to this writer that Zimmy is easing back to his same
old used to be, using this medium to present his ideas in an
aggressive manner. Perhaps Bobby has been knocking at heaven's door
too often of late. The unexpected and heart grabbing scene with
Jessica Lange tuning in a radio broadcast from the very pit of hell is
another very powerful moment. The equally poignant and tender scene of
the six year old black girl, forced to learn Bob's music by her white
mother, is another mini-masterpiece. As she sings "The Times They Are
A Changin'" you want to weep with its author.

In short, this is a film which will be discussed long after the man is
gone. It is an honest effort on Dylan's part, superbly managed by
Larry Charles, and interlaced with great tunes from the poet laureate
of my lifetime and yours. Find a way to view this film! "I'd stand in
line."

Eugene Wolfe