Watch Bob Dylan - 1975-1981: Rolling Thunder & The Gospel Years

Bob Dylan - 1975-1981: Rolling Thunder & The Gospel Years is a documentary film made in 2006 which explores the six-year period between 1975 and 1981 when Bob Dylan produced some of his most significant works. The movie was directed by filmmaker Joel Gilbert and features interviews with Dylan, his bandmates, and friends like Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter and Scarlet Rivera, the violinist who played with Bob Dylan during the Rolling Thunder Revue.

The documentary is divided into two parts, covering the two distinct musical periods in Dylan's life - the Rolling Thunder Revue and the Gospel Years. The first part of the movie is called 'Rolling Thunder' and covers Dylan's live tour with an ensemble cast of musicians, poets, and friends across smaller venues, including a benefit concert for Hurricane Carter, who was wrongfully convicted of triple murder. The Rolling Thunder tour was revolutionary in its aims of energizing the spirits of the people, bringing music to the country's underrepresented communities, and expressing the power of the creative soul.

The Rolling Thunder tour featured a rotating cast of performers who joined Dylan on stage, including Joan Baez, Roger McGuinn, Joni Mitchell, Allen Ginsberg, and others who were inspired by Dylan's music. The film captures the chaotic, colorful, and unforgettable performances of the tour in a visual and sound extravaganza. This part of the documentary is packed with performances from the tour, rare footage, interviews with the musicians, and archive materials that give a glimpse into a tumultuous time in Dylan's career.

The second part of the documentary is called 'The Gospel Years' and explores Dylan's new direction in music. After converting to Christianity, Dylan released a series of albums that were steeped in his religious beliefs. The Gospel Years section explores this period of Dylan's life and career through rare footage of concerts and interviews with his bandmates and critics.

The Gospel Years period was a time of change for Dylan, and the documentary captures his rebirth as a musician within a religious context. The Gospel Years period stands as a testament to Bob Dylan's exploration of religious themes in music while being perplexed at the same time by the media's reaction to his newfound faith. This section of the documentary features a collection of live performances, including some fabulous renditions of tunes like "Slow Train Coming," "Saved," and "What Can I Do For You?"

Overall, the Bob Dylan - 1975-1981: Rolling Thunder & The Gospel Years from 2006 is a documentary that offers a fresh perspective on Bob Dylan's music, his relationship with his bandmates, and his journey from a voice of protest to a man of faith. The film is a fitting tribute to one of the most significant and influential musicians of our times, and the performances and footage included in the film will leave you mesmerized. It deserves to be watched by Dylan fans and those who wish to understand the cultural history of that time.

Bob Dylan - 1975-1981: Rolling Thunder & The Gospel Years is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 4 hours and 1 minute. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.