Trouble No More

Trouble No More is a compelling music documentary released in 2017 and spotlighting renowned singer-songwriter and Nobel laureate Bob Dylan. The performances captured in the film feature previously unreleased footage from Dylan's legendary "Gospel Tour" in the early 1980s, specifically focusing on his concerts in Toronto and Buffalo.

In the documentary, Dylan is shown during a pivotal time in his career when he shunned his pre-existing folk and rock music labels to delve into a uniquely personal journey of spirituality and Christian faith. This controversial move spawned his 'born-again' period, which polarized fans and critics alike. It is this significant evolution in Dylan's music and worldview that the film so succinctly illuminates.

The renowned musician is accompanied by his acclaimed backing band, consisting of esteemed musicians such as bassist Tim Drummond, keyboardist Spooner Oldham, backup singers Clydie King and Regina McCrary, and others. The band's mesmerizing performances, suffused with religious conviction and passion, perfectly contrast with Dylan’s raspy voice and poignant lyrics, creating an electric atmosphere that's captured brilliantly in the film.

Director Jennifer Lebeau smartly invests the film with an original narrative structure. Trouble No More doesn't merely string together concert performances. Instead, it artfully incorporates dramatized sermonettes between the concert footage. These are performed by acclaimed actress and preacher, Mary Elizabeth Bridges, which add depth and a touch of dramatic tension to the narrative.

These sermonettes are not sourced from Dylan’s discography but are newly written pieces specifically for the film, reimagining the erstwhile traveling tent-revivals of the American South. Their inclusion combines seamlessly with the tour footage, successfully reflecting the fervency of the performer's religious commitments during this period.

Trouble No More is more than just a showcase of Dylan's music—it's a delicate and thoughtful interpretation of the artist's spiritual journey and artistic evolution. It grounds the viewer by unraveling a specific chapter in the musician's life, casting new light on a generally underappreciated period of his career, and enriching our understanding of his complete body of work.

Yet, despite the religious overtones, you don't need to be religious or a theologian to appreciate this film. The universal appeal of Dylan's euphonic music, combined with the heartfelt interpretations by Mary Elizabeth Bridges and the passionate performances by the backing band, creates a deep sense of pathos that can resonate with all viewers.

From a technical perspective, Trouble No More triumphs in showcasing its concert footage. The cinematography is reflective of the era, with an aesthetic that accurately echoes the documentary footage of the 1980s. Similarly, the audio mixing and recording transport the viewer at the heart of the concert experience, further enhancing the atmospheric tension and charisma that emanates from Dylan and his band.

What's more, the documentary does not resort to present-day interviews or voice-over narrations, yet another departure from traditional music documentaries. Instead, it lets the vintage music and concert footage speak for itself, affording viewers a pure, unadulterated look into Dylan's formative 'born-again' period. This creative decision is an engaging approach that sets 'Trouble No More' apart from other run-of-the-mill music documentaries.

In essence, Trouble No More succeeds in painting a captivating portrait of Bob Dylan during a fascinating—if not contentious—period in his storied career. It insightfully navigates the ideological and artistic shifts that accounted for his 'born-again' phase, presented in an innovative documentary style that blends musical performances with dramatized sermonettes.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Bob Dylan or a casual viewer interested in music and its intersection with faith and spirituality, Trouble No More is a must-watch. Its exploration of an artist’s religious and cultural shift, coupled with the documentary's unique format, makes it a standout film that's well worth the time. Soulful, significant, and ensnaring—Trouble No More encourages viewers to reflect on Dylan’s impact and legacy, while also acknowledging the complexity and evolution of his unwavering artistry.