“Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story (2019) by Martin Scorsese - A documentary masterpiece, is what I experienced and recommend that, if you are a fan of Dylan’s like I am, you must watch,” writes Vinta Nanda.

Last night, I experienced the compelling journey of Bob Dylan through Martin Scorsese's documentary, Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story. This film is a chronicle of Dylan's 1975 tour, interwoven with the eclectic presence of Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, and Allen Ginsberg. It beautifully captures their concerts, backstage moments, and interpersonal dynamics.

Watch the Trailer:

The Rolling Thunder Revue tour was Dylan’s innovative response to the structured, big-budget tours dominating the 1970s rock scene. More than a decade into his career, Dylan, already a colossal rock star, envisioned a tour inspired by the traveling carnivals of his Duluth, Minnesota hometown.

Behind the Scenes:

The documentary features engaging interviews, including one with Sharon Stone, who reminisces about joining the tour as a 19-year-old, inspired by her KISS shirt, which influenced Dylan's iconic face paint. Although she was actually 17 at the time, her story adds to the film's rich tapestry. Another prominent figure is Stefan Van Dorp, the filmmaker brought on to capture concert footage and B-roll. His interactions with the crew and his insistence on credit for his work add a layer of complexity to the narrative.

Performance Highlights:

During the tour, Dylan was at a musical zenith. His voice, robust and free from its earlier quaver, combined with his relentless onstage energy, created electrifying performances. Watching him power through songs like "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall," "Knockin' on Heaven's Door," and "Hurricane" with such intensity is mesmerizing.

As a longtime fan of Dylan and Baez, this film was a nostalgic delight, although I wished for more of Joan Baez's haunting voice. In a poignant moment, Dylan confesses, “I hear her voice in my sleep,” reflecting on their ended relationship with the poetic line, “Time is an ocean, which ends at the shores.”

Must-Watch Song:  

My favourite part of the film is the performance of "Hurricane."

If you haven’t seen it yet, watch it now on Netflix. The soundscape and the nostalgic journey with Dylan make it an unforgettable experience.