The new James Mangold-directed Bob Dylan biopic could aptly be summed up as "Portrait of a folk artist [who resisted being defined as such] as a young man."
"Like A Rolling Stone" is the only Bob Dylan song I have on my iPod. And another version of it sung by, ironically, The Rolling Stones. Seeing this movie doesn't interest me, but I'm glad Timothee did a good job portraying him. And I had no idea Bob Dylan won the Nobel Prize! That's so cool. So, I get the Bob part, but where does the Dylan come in?
This makes me excited! Happy to hear this film is leaning more into Dylan the artist instead of dissecting Dylan the person. We all know which one's gonna yield better fruit.
Also, thank you for reminding me of that Khalid track. Had to queue it up and relive the soundtrack of my appropriately naive mid-to-late '20s. 😂
Excellent and detailed review! I enjoyed reading about how the film kept the enigmatic quality of Bob Dylan alive. I am looking forward to watching this movie. James Mangold is a fascinating filmmaker given he went from directing Identity (2003), a sort of psychosocial thriller, and following it up with the biopic Walk the Line (2005). He seems capable of delivering in whatever genre he is ventures into, though biopics seem to be where he excels most. Part of me is hesitant to watch A Complete Unknown though given that it sort of reminds me of the Coen Brothers 2013 film Inside Llewyn Davis, which I love, which explored the struggle of a folk artist who never achieved the Hollywood happy ending.
Thanks Matt! Inside Llewelyn Davis was in my film notes about this. I think that film is the better one as far as capturing that time period and place in such intricate detail. However this one is certainly well done and a joy to see - witnessing the brilliance of Dylan’s music
Good work, Beth. It's inspiring me to catch it over the holidays. As background, seek out D.A. Pennebaker's Don't Look Back 1965 Dylan tour of the UK doc. It's riveting (especially a party scene where Donovan shows up and there's an altercation at one point):
Thanks Mike! I truly think this film is such a testament and fitting soundtrack to Dylan’s formative years. How amazing to be in the company of such talented musicians with such proximity to the likes of Guthrie and Seeger. Insane. I’ll check it out. The film definitely doesn’t shy away from portraying Dylan with his direct candor which reads as insensitive
It's kind of what I wanted to do with a TV drama series (working title "Guy") about record producer Guy Stevens. He was flipside of Dylan in that he started out staid and "normal" and got crazier as the '60s turned into the fraught 1970s and 1981 was a bridge too far. But what a history! He witnessed Jerry Lee Lewis play in 1957 (he was 15) and was UK president of the Chuck Berry Appreciation Society, then DJ'ed at the Scene club in London, loaned 45s to the Stones, just crazy good material for a music drama series. Given the right script, actors, production, of course lol.
You had me at Dylan. Sounds like a great film. Wonderful article. I can imagine you in the theatre taking notes.
The Free Press recently posted a wonderful article written by Douglas Murray about Dylan winning the Nobel.
And I’ll check it out. I’m a Murray fan
I’m that annoying person that has their phone on dim typing away thoughts and quotes to myself 🤫
I was waiting for your take on this film. I'm driving into the city to watch it tomorrow and am so curious/nervous whether I'll like it or not.
"Like A Rolling Stone" is the only Bob Dylan song I have on my iPod. And another version of it sung by, ironically, The Rolling Stones. Seeing this movie doesn't interest me, but I'm glad Timothee did a good job portraying him. And I had no idea Bob Dylan won the Nobel Prize! That's so cool. So, I get the Bob part, but where does the Dylan come in?
A fan of Dylan Thomas...the poet/writer
Huh. Well, truly fitting, then.
This makes me excited! Happy to hear this film is leaning more into Dylan the artist instead of dissecting Dylan the person. We all know which one's gonna yield better fruit.
Also, thank you for reminding me of that Khalid track. Had to queue it up and relive the soundtrack of my appropriately naive mid-to-late '20s. 😂
Excellent and detailed review! I enjoyed reading about how the film kept the enigmatic quality of Bob Dylan alive. I am looking forward to watching this movie. James Mangold is a fascinating filmmaker given he went from directing Identity (2003), a sort of psychosocial thriller, and following it up with the biopic Walk the Line (2005). He seems capable of delivering in whatever genre he is ventures into, though biopics seem to be where he excels most. Part of me is hesitant to watch A Complete Unknown though given that it sort of reminds me of the Coen Brothers 2013 film Inside Llewyn Davis, which I love, which explored the struggle of a folk artist who never achieved the Hollywood happy ending.
Thanks Matt! Inside Llewelyn Davis was in my film notes about this. I think that film is the better one as far as capturing that time period and place in such intricate detail. However this one is certainly well done and a joy to see - witnessing the brilliance of Dylan’s music
Good work, Beth. It's inspiring me to catch it over the holidays. As background, seek out D.A. Pennebaker's Don't Look Back 1965 Dylan tour of the UK doc. It's riveting (especially a party scene where Donovan shows up and there's an altercation at one point):
https://youtu.be/VY4HtQ-XJQE?si=M54QPMeKGYujxGUG
Thanks Mike! I truly think this film is such a testament and fitting soundtrack to Dylan’s formative years. How amazing to be in the company of such talented musicians with such proximity to the likes of Guthrie and Seeger. Insane. I’ll check it out. The film definitely doesn’t shy away from portraying Dylan with his direct candor which reads as insensitive
It's kind of what I wanted to do with a TV drama series (working title "Guy") about record producer Guy Stevens. He was flipside of Dylan in that he started out staid and "normal" and got crazier as the '60s turned into the fraught 1970s and 1981 was a bridge too far. But what a history! He witnessed Jerry Lee Lewis play in 1957 (he was 15) and was UK president of the Chuck Berry Appreciation Society, then DJ'ed at the Scene club in London, loaned 45s to the Stones, just crazy good material for a music drama series. Given the right script, actors, production, of course lol.
https://open.substack.com/pub/johnnogowski/p/getting-caught-up-with-dylan-on-film?r=7pf7u&utm_medium=ios