Gateway

Issue date: 11/16/07 Section: Arts & Leisure

Cate Blanchett (Notes on a Scandal) is the early favorite for Best Actress at next year's Academy Awards for her turn as Bob Dylan in the film I'm Not There. (courtesy) [Click to enlarge]

Cate Blanchett (Notes on a Scandal) is the early favorite for Best Actress at next year's Academy Awards for her turn as Bob Dylan in the film I'm Not There. (imdb.com) [Click to enlarge]

In the last few years, there has been an increase in musical bio-dramas. In 2004, Ray, the story of Ray Charles, became a movie. Walk the Line, which told the story of musical star Johnny Cash, was released in 2005, and in 2006 Dream Girls hit theaters.

Now in 2007, three films will be released to theaters: Control, which tells the story of the band Joy Division; Kurt Cobain: About a Son, which tells the story of the Nirvana front man; and I'm Not There, which depicts Bob Dylan's life.

"I think movie musicals are cyclical," said Kenny Glenn, professor in the UNO theatre department. "Remember the films of Gene Kelly, Judy Garland, Fred Astaire … and all the musicals of the '40s and '50s? They have just come back into fashion."

These limited release films likely hit the metro's multiplexes, but Omaha is still playing its part in the support of these musical bio-dramas. On Nov. 21, the Dundee Theatre will have its first showing of I'm Not There.

"It's getting a limited art release," said Matthew Brown, manager at the Dundee Theatre. "It's very critically acclaimed."

The movie runs about two hours and 20 minutes and shows times are yet to be announced.

Film Streams is also acting as a supporting arm for the trend. On Nov. 9 and Nov. 10, Film Streams' Ruth Sokoloff Theatre had its first showing of Kurt Cobain: About a Son.

"He's been one of the most influential musicians. His music and presence seem to live on. It's really different from any other musical documentary," explained Casey Logan, Film Streams' communication coordinator. "It's got all this imagery of the Northwest area. It's really interesting and really well made. It's almost as if he's narrating over it. It's really personal."

That personal element can be the key to understanding why films focusing on musicians are having a comeback in recent years.

"I have noticed how popular these types of films have become," said senior Mel Glover. "I think that more are being made, because people already think they know about these characters. They have a little background information and are interested to learn more."

Film Streams will also be showing Control on Nov. 16 through Nov. 29. The organizations director, Rachel Jacobson, said she thinks people have a strong relationship with their music, and it makes them want to be closer to the musicians.

"They want to know as much about these people who are enhancing their lives as they can. Also, for whatever reason, a lot of musicians have lived pretty wild lives, and their stories are worth telling," she added. "It's interesting, too, because they're frequently tragic lives."

Further information on the Dundee Theatre's showing of I'm Not There can be found by going to dundeetheatre.com or by calling 551-3595. Information and tickets for Film Streams' presentation of Control can be found at filmstreams.org or by calling 933-0259.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools