His previous feature on Dylan was incredible. This could be fantastic!
When it comes to filmmaking pursuits, the iconic Martin Scorsese has always been like a rolling stone because the director of Goodfellas, Taxi Driver, Casino, and The Departed has always fluctuated between films, TV shows and documentaries.
In fact, some of Scorsese’s best work was in the documentary genre as seen in the likes of The Last Waltz, Shine a Light, and No Direction Home. If you haven’t seen them yet, they’re all worthy of your attention.
Well, don’t think twice, it’s all right because the wonderful director is returning to make a new feature about Bob Dylan for Netflix and it sounds like an absolute cracker.
The feature will document Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue tour and feature new on-camera interviews with the legendary songwriter.
Given the fact that Dylan is notoriously reluctant to engage with the media, this is a very significant coup.
In terms of the synopsis, we’re told that it will “capture the troubled spirit of America in 1975 and the joyous music that Dylan performed during the fall of that year. Part documentary, part concert film, part fever dream, Rolling Thunder is a one of a kind experience, from master filmmaker Martin Scorsese.”
Variety reports that the documentary will be more complex than Scorsese’s 2005 Dylan feature, No Direction Home, because the focus will incorporate the broader political climate that existed at the time and the musicians that helped to define it.
Artists including Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Mick Ronson, Bette Midler, Roger McGuinn, Emmylou Harris and Allen Ginsberg all joined Dylan on the autumn leg of the tour, which is said to be the focus of Scorsese’s film.
In fact, some people have even said that these performances were the best of Dylan’s illustrious career.
The film is set to be released later this year while Scorsese is still putting the finishing touches to his new Mafia epic, The Irishman, which is also set for release on Netflix in the fall.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
