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13/04/2006

The Last Waltz on DVD: worth it for Dylan alone

Mary Wogan writes:

“When I saw a copy of The Last Waltz (Collectors Edition) on sale for E7.95 in Golden Discs in Dublin recently, I snapped it up. I thought the film was so-so - The Band stoned through the interviews (although who can resist their infectious stage act?) and Martin Scorsese almost inaudible.

“Apart from the wild-eyed presence of Neil Young, Ronnie Hawkins on "Who Do You Love?" and Van Morrison's high kicks during his song (oh, yes and The Band's rendition of The Weight) it was like a ghostly film from the archives of 'old weird America'.

“Then an entirely different ghostly figure appeared. Without introduction, Bob Dylan is on screen, dressed in a leather jacket, red checked shirt, jeans, and a white hat (plus red feather) and a ring on his ring finger, right hand.

“The commentary later said, ‘He was being difficult. He kept saying, yes he was doing it (the show). No, he wasn’t. Then he took three quarters of an hour deciding what hat to wear.’

“Dylan, as casual as you like, commandeered the whole proceedings and flirted occasionally with someone in the audience throughout. He sang Forever Young, Baby Let Me Follow You Down (as Baby, Can I Come Home With You?) and on the wonderful I Shall Be Released. Guitars blistering, chemistry with Robbie and Rick - easy. Even Van Morrison seemed intimidated.

“The mystery was how Dylan managed to be so ordinary yet shine brighter than anyone else there, effortlessly. He was stunning. The DVD is worth it for Dylan alone.”

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