Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese 2019
Directed by
Martin Scorsese
Made by
Netflix
Plot Summary
The film begins with a contemporary Bob Dylan expressing his inability to recall the details of the Rolling Thunder Revue, humorously stating, “I wasn’t even born!” He struggles to articulate the essence of the tour, claiming, “it’s about nothing.”
As the nation’s bicentennial approaches amidst the dismal atmosphere following the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal, Dylan decides to unite a group of friends from the Greenwich Village coffee houses for an adventurous journey through New England and parts of Canada. This tour, named the Rolling Thunder Revue, is captured by Stefan Van Dorp, a fictional European filmmaker, who aims to reveal the hedonism surrounding Dylan while contrasting it with the nihilistic sentiment prevalent in middle-class America.
Throughout this eclectic tour, Larry ‘Ratso’ Sloman, a reporter from Rolling Stone, attempts to assimilate himself into Dylan’s close circle. Meanwhile, a young Sharon Stone is tasked with managing costumes after accompanying her mother to a show, where she becomes convinced that the song “Just Like a Woman” pertains to her. Dylan takes on the persona by wearing Whiteface makeup onstage, inspired by violinist Scarlet Rivera, who introduces him to a Kiss concert. Poet Allen Ginsberg tries to reinvent himself as a singer/songwriter, feeling the beat poet movement’s popularity wane. Joan Baez, in an earnest attempt to reignite their past romance, joins Dylan on stage while adorning his iconic outfit. During this time, Dylan also visits a Tuscarora Reservation in New York, where he performs “The Ballad of Ira Hayes.” Midway through the journey, Joni Mitchell joins the tour, drawing inspiration for her song “Coyote” from the experience.
Throughout the tour, Dylan’s compassionate side shines when he unexpectedly meets with record company executives to expedite the release of his new song “Hurricane,” advocating for Ruben “Hurricane” Carter, a boxer wrongfully imprisoned for murder. The documentary captures footage of this meeting, followed by Michael Murphy portraying U.S. Congressman Jack Tanner, weaving a fanciful narrative suggesting Tanner convinced President Jimmy Carter to intervene on Carter’s behalf. Even amidst this fictional segment, “Rolling Thunder Revue” demonstrates how Dylan and others ultimately contributed to Carter’s retrial and release.
As the tour concludes in Montreal, Van Dorp reveals that his primary motive for participating in the documentary was to claim ownership of the tour footage. Allen Ginsberg encourages viewers to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery, inspired by the performers they’ve witnessed. The narrative closes with Dylan continuing his relentless touring, performing over 3,000 shows over four decades, a testament to his enduring legacy.
Timeline
Introduction to Bob Dylan
The film opens with a modern Bob Dylan humorously expressing his confusion about the Rolling Thunder Revue. He struggles to remember the details of the tour, famously stating, 'I wasn't even born!' and dismissively notes that the essence of the tour is 'about nothing.'
Bicentennial Motivation
As the bicentennial of the United States approaches, the nation is engulfed in a somber mood following the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. Against this backdrop, Dylan feels compelled to bring together friends from the Greenwich Village coffee houses for an adventurous trip through New England and parts of Canada.
Launch of the Rolling Thunder Revue
Dylan officially kicks off the Rolling Thunder Revue, inviting a plethora of musicians and artists on his journey. This eclectic tour quickly becomes a vibrant showcase of performances, camaraderie, and artistic expression.
Filming the Journey
Stefan Van Dorp, a fictional European filmmaker, decides to document the Rolling Thunder Revue. He aims to capture both the hedonistic side of Dylan's tour and the contrasting nihilism felt in middle-class America during this turbulent era.
Ratso Joins the Tour
Larry 'Ratso' Sloman, a reporter from *Rolling Stone*, attempts to ingratiate himself into Dylan’s inner circle. His presence adds a journalistic perspective to the tour, as he grapples with the dynamic nature of Dylan's traveling group.
Sharon Stone's Role
A young Sharon Stone takes on the role of managing costumes during the tour after attending a show with her mother. She believes that Dylan's song 'Just Like a Woman' is about her, showcasing the personal connections people felt with Dylan’s music.
Dylan in Whiteface
In an innovative performance, Dylan adopts the persona of a character wearing Whiteface makeup onstage, inspired by violinist Scarlet Rivera. This creative choice symbolizes the intersection of dramatics and music that characterizes the tour.
Allen Ginsberg's Transformation
Poet Allen Ginsberg seeks to reinvent himself amidst the waning popularity of the beat poet movement. His involvement in the tour indicates a quest for identity and relevance in a changing cultural landscape.
Romantic Reunion with Joan Baez
Joan Baez, in a heartfelt attempt to rekindle her past romance with Dylan, joins him on stage. She dons his iconic outfit, contributing not only to the musical performances but adding emotional depth to the narrative of their complex relationship.
Performance at Tuscarora Reservation
Dylan pays a visit to a Tuscarora Reservation in New York, where he performs 'The Ballad of Ira Hayes.' This performance reflects his commitment to social issues and resonates with the themes of injustice prevalent throughout the tour.
Joni Mitchell's Contributing Role
Midway through the tour, Joni Mitchell joins Dylan's ensemble. Her experiences during the tour inspire her creation of the song 'Coyote', showcasing the creative synergy between the artists.
Advocacy for Ruben Carter
Dylan engages compassionately with record company executives to accelerate the release of his new song 'Hurricane.' Through this, he advocates for Ruben 'Hurricane' Carter, a boxer wrongly imprisoned, revealing the artist's dedication to social justice.
Congressman Tanner's Fictional Influence
The documentary introduces Michael Murphy portraying Congressman Jack Tanner, who whimsically suggests a narrative where he persuades President Jimmy Carter to intervene in Carter's case. This invention illustrates the reach and impact of art on real-world issues.
Conclusion of the Tour
As the Rolling Thunder Revue wraps up in Montreal, Van Dorp reveals his ulterior motive of claiming ownership of the tour footage. This moment encapsulates the complexities of artistic representation and individual experiences captured throughout the journey.
Legacy of Dylan
The film concludes with a reflection on Dylan's relentless passion for touring, noting he has performed over 3,000 shows in four decades. This lasting commitment solidifies his legacy as an iconic figure in music history.
Characters
Bob Dylan
A legendary musician grappling with his past and the essence of his art. He embodies complexity, humor, and a deep compassion for social issues, using his platform to advocate for justice while navigating personal relationships. Throughout the film, Dylan showcases his resilience and evolution as an artist.
Joan Baez
A passionate folk singer and Dylan's former love interest, trying to rekindle their connection on stage. She is characterized by her earnestness and commitment to social causes, adding depth to Dylan's performances. Baez's presence highlights the emotional stakes of their past relationship.
Allen Ginsberg
A prominent Beat poet seeking new creative directions while partaking in the tour. He embodies the spirit of rebellion and self-discovery, attempting to find his voice amid a changing artistic landscape. His role in the narrative enhances the intersection of poetry and music.
Larry 'Ratso' Sloman
A dedicated reporter striving to immerse himself in the vibrant world of Dylan and the Revue. His candid observations and attempts to understand the touring community reflect the curiosity and chaos of the rock scene at the time. Sloman's character serves as the audience's entry point into the narrative.
Scarlet Rivera
A talented violinist who inspires Dylan's on-stage persona and creativity. She represents the artistic collaboration that defines the Rolling Thunder Revue, bringing a unique energy to the performances. Rivera's character illustrates the interplay between music and self-expression.
Setting
Time period
1970s
The film takes place in the 1970s, a transformative era marked by social upheaval, including the aftermath of the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. This period witnessed significant changes in American society, leading to a quest for personal and artistic identity among many artists, including Bob Dylan. The bicentennial celebration further contextualizes the struggle between idealism and disillusionment during this time.
Location
Greenwich Village, New England, Canada, Tuscarora Reservation, Montreal
Greenwich Village is a vibrant neighborhood in New York City known for its bohemian lifestyle and rich musical history. New England and Canada serve as the scenic backdrop for the Rolling Thunder Revue, highlighting the artistic spirit of these regions. The Tuscarora Reservation represents an important cultural site, where Dylan performs and connects with the native community, while Montreal is the grand finale of the tour, known for its dynamic arts scene.
Themes
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Artistic Journey
The film explores the tumultuous journey of artists during the Rolling Thunder Revue, reflecting their quest for expression amidst societal chaos. It showcases how art serves as both a personal escape and a means of social commentary. Dylan, along with his collaborators, navigates the complexities of fame, friendship, and the search for authenticity in their craft.
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Social Justice
A strong undercurrent of social justice is present, as Dylan advocates for the wrongfully imprisoned boxer Ruben 'Hurricane' Carter. The film illustrates the moral responsibility artists have in speaking against injustice and championing causes, influencing public perception and activism through their work. Dylan's conversations with lawmakers underscore the impact of art in the arena of social change.
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Romantic Reflection
The theme of romantic nostalgia weaves through Bob Dylan's interactions, particularly with Joan Baez, as they reflect on their past relationship. This sense of longing and connection amid the chaos of touring resonates with audiences, demonstrating how personal and romantic histories shape an artist's narrative. The interplay between past and present enriches the emotional fabric of the film.
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