Don’t Look Back
Directed by D.A. Pennebaker
Written by D.A. Pennebaker
1967/USA
Leacock-Pennebaker
Repeat viewing/FilmStruck
[box] Look out kid/ It’s somethin’ you did/ God knows when/ But you’re doin’ it again – “Subterranean Homesick Blues” by Bob Dylan [/box]
This classic documentary follows Bob Dylan’s 1965 tour of England. It’s a fantastic look at a seminal place and time in popular music.
Bob is in top form both with the songs and the snappy repartee, as is Joan Baez who toured with him. He holds court in his hotel room for various notables of the day, including Donovan who also performs.
This really should be on The List. There is not a single thing wrong with it and Pennebaker reveals so much about where we’ve all been. I wish there was a way to get back some days.
I always feel sorry for poor Donovan when I watch this. The British media was trying to set up some kind of “battle of folk singers” between him and Dylan. There was never any contest and Donovan looks happy just to bask in the glow of his idol’s presence.
Clip – Donovan performs “To Sing for You” and Dylan performs “It’s All Over Now Baby Blue”
