The film A Complete Unknown reflects on the evolution of Bob Dylan from a folk artist to a rock superstar. Directed by James Mangold, the movie portrays the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, where Dylan brought his electric guitar on stage for his set, sparking tension between those who wanted to preserve traditional folk music and those embracing progressive rock.
The event has been referred to as a symbolic moment of conflict between two eras. Author Elijah Wald notes that in some tellings, Dylan represents youth and the future, while others see him shutting himself off behind electric noise, abandoning idealism and hope.
However, Edward Norton’s portrayal of Pete Seeger suggests that there is another version of events. Seeger was not angry about Dylan’s performance with electric instruments, but rather the distorted sound made it difficult for him to understand what Dylan was singing. There is still empathy and respect between their artistry in Mangold’s film.
Historical assessments tend to be reductive, but Norton believes that this one-dimensional view overlooks the complexities of human relationships. “People moving in different directions isn’t the same as people hating each other,” he notes.
The film showcases the nuances of the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, where multiple perspectives and opinions coexist. A Complete Unknown offers a deeper emotional understanding of the events driving these individuals and invites viewers to sift through the complexity on their own.
Source: https://ca.news.yahoo.com/a-complete-unknown-bob-dylan-went-electric-moment-in-film-goes-beyond-reductive-historical-assessment-035550965.html