In the film, Don't Look Back, the documentary starring Bob Dylan, we see both the dark and
enlightening sides of Bob Dylan. throughout the film it’s clear that Dylan has a level of comfort with the
director, and as a result we are allowed into his personal life on and off stage. there are also a few
moments of ambiguity and some highlights in the film that indirectly give us a sense of ageism, sexism and
cultural values. The directors craft helps tie these together in a way that is appealing to the audience and
can be drawn back to David R. Shumways’ of that era.
First I’d like to analyze my impression of the film. Before the film I knew of Bob Dylan, his
music, his legacy. I was under the impression that Dylan fell into the category of mellow pot smokers or
“stoners” of the midsixties who were heavily involved in politics and current events. Then having heard
a few of his songs, I thought, “wow this guy really wants the best for our society”. With that in mind, I
also believed Bob Dylans personality would be sort of gentle and affectionate. Dont Look Back pretty
much challenged all point of views. Dylan gets into a lot of conflict throughout the film. There are several
moments, when we are unsure if Dylan is being civil or argumentative with people. Although, we do get
a glimpse at Bob Dylans sensitive side, we are preoccupied by his radical actions throughout the film.
The introduction to the documentary, is a flashback into Bob Dylan's career, showing his origins
as a singer for the homeless or basically anyone who couldn't afford to see him in concert. From the
audiences standpoint, we are thinking about how much of a generous person, Bob Dylan seems to be.
This flashback doesn't prepares us for the drastic changes in his personality throughout the film. I believe
the directors aim with this structure was to build a climax so that the audience wanted to see how Dylan
had grown in his career. ...