Rating summary

Movie		2.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Masked and Anonymous Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf March 7, 2020

The musical legacy and poetry of Bob Dylan tries to find any source of oxygen in 2003’s “Masked and Anonymous.” It’s a dystopian western with periodic concert performances from Dylan, who also accepts a starring role in the picture, returning to dramatic interests after a long break from the movies. Co-writer/director Larry Charles (who collaborates with Dylan under pseudonyms for some reason) has the unenviable task of translating Dylan’s thinking into a feature, and there’s some sense of adventure with “Masked and Anonymous,” which puts in a game effort to protect the beloved musician’s head space. However, four minutes of Dylan is one thing, but Charles has to tap dance for 107 minutes here, and his fatigue is impossible to miss.

There’s probably a plot to “Masked and Anonymous,” with Dylan portraying Jack Fate, a prisoner pulled out of jail to play a benefit concert for a dying nation. The screenplay doesn’t have much interest in pursuing a narrative, instead following any whim it can find as Fate interacts with all types of desperate souls. Dylan doesn’t act in the picture, he stands very still and says his lines, leaving the heavy lifting to the supporting cast of all-stars, and everyone seems to understand the famous statue they’re sharing a frame with, going overboard with exaggerated mannerisms and character business, trying to help Charles breathe some life into a DOA endeavor.

Masked and Anonymous Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

A 2003 release captured with HD cinematography, "Masked and Anonymous" arrives on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation. There's clarity throughout, with some degree of softness, securing facial particulars on the cast, who display all sorts of aging and signs of illness. Costuming is fibrous. Sets are open for exploration, with interior spaces captured in full, while tighter living quarters showcase extensive set decoration. Colors are mild, with clothing providing compelling primaries. Exterior adventures showcase varied street art and paint jobs. Skintones are natural. Delineation is acceptable, with some solidification.

Masked and Anonymous Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix respects the power of Dylan's performances, with the most compelling areas of the listening event found during concert and rehearsal scenes. Instrumentation is precise, with sharp percussion and guitar, and vocals are clear and loud. Surrounds also push out music, with a mellow sense of envelopment. Dialogue exchanges are engaging, from mumbled lines to more argumentative encounters. Low-end isn't active.

Masked and Anonymous Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features co-writer/director Larry Charles.

• "Behind the Mask" (29:59, HD) returns to Charles for a formal interview, with the helmer sharing his initial experience with Dylan, realizing there's a different between "Bob" and "Dylan." The pair quickly created a slapstick comedy show for HBO, but Dylan ultimately torched the sale, preferring to explore the material as a dramatic vehicle. Taking pseudonyms, Dylan and Charles created a loose exploration of fame and violence with their screenplay, with the music star refusing to interpret anything put on paper, leaving Charles to follow such poetry. Moving to direction, Charles shares all he learned from Dylan, creating a visual style for "Masked and Anonymous" that respected the material. Casting is explored, with everyone joining the project to work with Dylan, while Jack Nicholson and Johnny Depp were involved for a stretch before they had to drop out. Characterization is detailed, as is the film's legacy, with Charles excited about the experimentation found in the feature, noting positive fan response and celebrating the story's themes.

• Making Of (15:35, SD) is the original EPK featurette for "Masked and Anonymous," collecting cast and crew interviews (conducted on-set, and there's no Dylan contribution). Loose interpretations of the material are offered, along with initial reactions to the script. Characterization is explored, and a positive assessment of Larry Charles is presented. Music is examined, along with reverence for Dylan.

• Deleted Scenes (13:32, SD) are offered, including an additional musical performance from Dylan.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:25, HD) is included.

Masked and Anonymous Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

If you're a fan of Dylan, perhaps there's something to "Masked and Anonymous," which is filled with his music and creative interpretation of language. The movie is a mess, but an intentional one, with Charles trying to craft a valentine to an icon, keeping the film out of reach to best celebrate Dylan's career. Maybe it's an artistic triumph, but it's almost impossible to sit through at times.