Watch Bob Dylan: Roads Rapidly Changing - in & Out of the Folk Revival 1961 - 1965
- 2015
- 2 hr 11 min
Bob Dylan: Roads Rapidly Changing - in & Out of the Folk Revival 1961 - 1965 is a 2015 documentary film that follows the legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan's transition from a folk musician to a rock icon. Directed by Murray Lerner, the movie features interviews with Dylan's contemporary musicians, critics, and scholars who witnessed his rise to fame during the peak of the sixties' counterculture movement.
The film traces Dylan's early days as a struggling musician in New York City's Greenwich Village, where he immersed himself in the bohemian folk scene of the early '60s. Through interviews and rare archival footage, viewers get an intimate glimpse into the coffeehouse circuit where Dylan cut his teeth, performing alongside other folk musicians of the era such as Eric Andersen, Thomas Arnold, Derek Baker, and Martin Carthy.
The documentary explores how Dylan's career took off after he was discovered by talent scout John Hammond, who signed him to Columbia Records in 1961. The film delves into Dylan's early albums, such as The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan, which earned him critical acclaim for his poignant and socially conscious lyrics, and his second album, The Times They Are A-Changin', which became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement.
The movie highlights the contrast between Dylan's early works and his later albums, which reflected his growing disillusionment with the folk movement. The film reveals how Dylan's decision to "go electric" during his 1965 Newport Folk Festival performance marked a turning point in his music career, dividing his fans and causing controversy within the folk community.
Bob Dylan: Roads Rapidly Changing - in & Out of the Folk Revival 1961 - 1965 goes beyond the music to explore Dylan's personal life, including his relationships and his use of drugs. Through interviews with friends and colleagues, the film humanizes the enigmatic artist and shows how his personal experiences influenced his music.
Throughout the documentary, viewers are treated to rare concert footage and behind-the-scenes glimpses of Dylan's life on tour. The movie also features commentary from renowned music critics and scholars, such as Greil Marcus and Sean Wilentz, who provide insight into the cultural significance of Dylan's music and his impact on American society.
Overall, Bob Dylan: Roads Rapidly Changing - in & Out of the Folk Revival 1961 - 1965 is a compelling and informative documentary that sheds light on the life and works of one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Through interviews, rare archival footage, and expert commentary, the film offers a new perspective on Dylan's early years and his transformation from folk hero to rock icon.
Bob Dylan: Roads Rapidly Changing - in & Out of the Folk Revival 1961 - 1965 is a 2015 music movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 11 minutes.