Eat the Document
Eat the Document is a documentary of Bob Dylan's 1966 tour of the United Kingdom with the Hawks. It was shot under Dylan's direction by D. A. Pennebaker, whose groundbreaking documentary Dont Look Back chronicled Dylan's 1965 British tour. The film was originally commissioned for the ABC television series Stage '66. Though shooting had completed for the film, Dylan's July 1966 motorcycle accident delayed the editing process. Once well enough to work again, Dylan edited the film himself. ABC rejected the film as incomprehensible for a mainstream audience.
Insights
Plot Summary
This film is a raw and surreal look at Bob Dylan's 1966 tour of England, often referred to as his "infamous" tour. It captures the volatile relationship between Dylan and his audience, his creative process, and the intense pressure of fame. The footage, shot by Dylan himself, is interspersed with interviews and candid moments, offering a unique, if fragmented, perspective on a pivotal period in his career.
Critical Reception
Released decades after it was filmed, 'Eat the Document' has been described as a fascinating, albeit challenging, artifact of a tumultuous artistic period. Critics often note its experimental nature and Dylan's confrontational approach, making it a polarizing but essential watch for fans interested in his raw creative output.
What Reviewers Say
- A provocative and fragmented glimpse into Dylan's 1966 tour.
- Captures the tension between artist and audience with unflinching honesty.
- More of an experimental art piece than a traditional documentary.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews and their summary for 'Eat the Document' is not readily available.
Fun Fact
Bob Dylan shot much of the footage himself on 16mm film, intending it as a more personal and less commercial alternative to D.A. Pennebaker's 'Dont Look Back'.
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