Bob Dylan’s complex personality has long been a subject of fascination for this writer, who harbors a 56-year grudge against the legendary musician. However, after watching the biopic A Complete Unknown, their perception of him changed.
The movie offers an insightful look into Dylan’s early years and his rise to fame in the 1960s. What stands out is his rebellion against the folk movement’s expectations, particularly those of Pete Seeger, a mentor who wanted Dylan to become a social justice warrior. Instead, Dylan forged his own path, embracing electrified instruments and rejecting the Stalinist ideals that dominated the music world at the time.
Through its portrayal of Dylan’s struggles with authority figures and his eventual rejection of their influence, A Complete Unknown sheds light on the artist’s core values: authenticity, insolence, petulance, and a hunger for freedom. The film’s central dynamic between Dylan and Seeger is beautifully captured by Edward Norton and Timothée Chalamet’s performances.
The movie also provides historical context, highlighting the decline of the Stalinist Popular Front and its influence on the music world. By exploring this era, A Complete Unknown underscores Dylan’s role in breaking free from the constraints of an ideology that sought to harness art for revolutionary purposes.
While some may see Dylan’s evolution as a betrayal, this writer views it as a courageous act of self-expression. As the film so eloquently conveys, the price of creative freedom is worth paying. By embracing his unique voice and style, Dylan ensured that his music would endure long after the fleeting ideals of the Popular Front had faded away.
Source: https://freebeacon.com/culture/review-a-complete-unknown