LuckyWillConfirmation of Cate Blanchett playing Bob Dylan in new film.
September 7th 2007 07:22
In an exclusive - noted many months ago - Cinematrix brought you the first glimpses both textual and photographic of Aussie actress playing folk god Bob Dylan in a new movie biopic.
Well, readers, she unveiled similar plans at the Venice Film Festival earlier this week, under the title "I'm Not There", directed by Todd Haynes (Velvet Goldmine). The premiere featured other Hollywood heavyweights lending contributions to Dylan throughout distinct parts of his life. These include Richard Gere, Christian Bale and Heath Ledger.
However, it was our very own Cate whose performance stole the show apparently.
"Critics agree... Blanchett is the most convincing, her appearance transformed by wig and dark glasses and her walk and speaking voice almost uncannily like the original's." (www.smh.com.au)
How very odd, you may think. A talented female actress playing an iconic but mysterious male music legend. Seemingly, it's either an ode to the talents of each exclusively, or one that somehow showcases both of their abilities to surpass conventional gender stereotyping. Furthermore, it works. Well.
Could this start a new trend of gender-swapping portrayls in cinema? Reminscent of Virginia Wolf's book "Orlando" and Hilary Swanks masquerade as a young male in a small predjudiced American town in "Boys Don't Cry", we may be watching the tip of an iceberg about to emerge into more feature films on gender as irrespective to character.
Well, readers, she unveiled similar plans at the Venice Film Festival earlier this week, under the title "I'm Not There", directed by Todd Haynes (Velvet Goldmine). The premiere featured other Hollywood heavyweights lending contributions to Dylan throughout distinct parts of his life. These include Richard Gere, Christian Bale and Heath Ledger.
However, it was our very own Cate whose performance stole the show apparently.
"Critics agree... Blanchett is the most convincing, her appearance transformed by wig and dark glasses and her walk and speaking voice almost uncannily like the original's." (www.smh.com.au)
How very odd, you may think. A talented female actress playing an iconic but mysterious male music legend. Seemingly, it's either an ode to the talents of each exclusively, or one that somehow showcases both of their abilities to surpass conventional gender stereotyping. Furthermore, it works. Well.
Could this start a new trend of gender-swapping portrayls in cinema? Reminscent of Virginia Wolf's book "Orlando" and Hilary Swanks masquerade as a young male in a small predjudiced American town in "Boys Don't Cry", we may be watching the tip of an iceberg about to emerge into more feature films on gender as irrespective to character.
After all, it is about representation, right?
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Comment by postmoderncritic
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In the film Hairspray John Travolta plays an obese shut-in mother in the 60s. He's not too bad!
Comment by Justin
He does? Sounds pretty funny.
There's been a few guys playing gals in recent film from "White Chicks", "Priscilla Queen of the Desert", that Eddie Murphy film "Dr Dolittle"? Though each is played as either tongue in cheek or alongside an additional portrayl as a man.
However one that comes to mind which takes the concept more seriously is a foreign film featuring Johnny Depp as a female hooker. Haven't seen it yet though.
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by postmoderncritic
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Comment by Justin
Check it out on imdb. Don't quote me on Depp being a female hooker, but I'm sure he's cross-dressing at least. I remember seeing a review of it on 'the Movie Show' with Stratton and Pomeranz a few years ago.
Comment by Justin
The film is supposed to be quite good. Directed by the same guy as Basquiat and also stars Sean Penn in a cameo.
Comment by postmoderncritic
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