This screening will be introduced by journalist and broadcaster Dave Fanning.

Arguably the most influential of all rock ‘n’ roll documentaries, D.A. Pennebaker’s film follows Bob Dylan’s 1965 solo tour of England, two months before he plugged in his guitar at the Newport Folk Festival. It was a difficult time for the folk hero; his relationship with Joan Baez was collapsing, and the mantle of spokesman for a generation was beginning to chafe. These frustrations are evident in the portrait that emerges of a caustic, self-important and often mean-spirited individual who is excused all wrongs by his followers because of his immense talent. Despite the mask slipping, Dylan remains essentially unknowable throughout. (Notes by Kevin Coyne.)

This film is screening as part of Rock&Roll, the final of our three-month season dedicated to excess, presenting examples of how cinema has taken on sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll in Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll.