Dylan biopic: Bob approves

Think of Bob Dylan as a sort of musical godfather. When you step to the man for a favor, you had best kneel and kiss his ring. Do things properly, and he just might grant his approval to your feeble little request. Apparently, film director Todd Haynes made all the right gestures of respect to the famously fickle Dylan, because crazy ol’ Bob has signed off on the Haynes-directed biopic I’m Not There. The film makes use of what Haynes terms an “open structure,” with a menagerie of actors portraying Dylan at various stages of his career. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival a week ago, with Cate Blanchett’s portrayal of Don’t Look Back-era Dylan drawing the most critical raves. Other performers include Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, and Richard Gere. Curious fans stateside should prepare for a limited US release on Nov. 21.