Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese

Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese

Year: 2019

Runtime: 142 min

Language: English

Director: Martin Scorsese

BiographyMusicDocumentary

Filmmaker Martin Scorsese documents Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue, a tour that unfolded against the backdrop of 1970s America. The film captures the vibrant atmosphere and creative energy of the revue, showcasing Dylan and a collective of musicians and actors as they navigate a landscape of social and political change. It’s a unique look at a pivotal moment in American culture, blending performance footage with behind-the-scenes glimpses of the tour’s creation.

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Timeline – Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese (2019)

Trace every key event in Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story by Martin Scorsese (2019) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

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.'

2

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.

1976 United States
3

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.

1976 New England and Canada
4

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.

5

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.

6

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.

7

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.

8

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.

9

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.

10

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.

Tuscarora Reservation, New York
11

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.

12

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.

13

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.

14

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.

Montreal
15

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.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 14:52

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