I'm Not There. is a 2007 biographical musical film directed by Todd Haynes and starring an ensemble cast, including Cate Blanchett, Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, Richard Gere, Ben Whishaw, and Marcus Carl Franklin. Instead of a traditional biopic, the film presents six different facets of Dylan's public persona, played by the different actors.
The film is divided into six sections, each named after a Dylan song and featuring a different actor representing a different phase of his life. The first section, "Jude," depicts a young Dylan in the early 1960s, played by Marcus Carl Franklin, who portrays a fictional character passing himself off as Bob Dylan. The second section, "Jack," features Christian Bale as a folk singer who becomes disillusioned with fame and retreats from public life.
The third section, "Robbie," stars Heath Ledger as an actor who plays a character based on Dylan in a movie. The fourth section, "Arthur," features Ben Whishaw as a poet who embodies Dylan's intellectual side. The fifth section, "Billy," stars Richard Gere as an outlaw cowboy who embodies Dylan's political activism. The sixth and final section, "Cate," features Cate Blanchett as a version of Dylan during his mid-1960s electric phase, embodying his controversial move from folk to rock music.
The film uses a non-linear structure, intercutting scenes from different time periods and personas. It also incorporates archival footage and songs from Dylan's career, as well as covers of his songs performed by contemporary musicians. The film received critical acclaim for its unconventional approach and the performances of its ensemble cast, particularly Blanchett, who was nominated for an Academy Award for her portrayal of Dylan.