As a result of the movie, Dylan currently has three albums in the ITunes Top Twenty and five in the Top 100. The movie soundtrack is also in the Top Ten. I think a lot of people walked out of the movie theater wanting to investigate more of Bob Dylan’s music, such was how compelling was the movie and the power of the performances by the actors.
Loved it! The movie captures the 60's in a way that is so believable I was able to re-live my early youth but what is even more captivating is that it opens a window for those who were not alive at that time to experience a piece of it. The acting was authentic and believable and the work and passion that each person put into their role shines through. I have always loved Dylan, saw him in concert in 1974 in Philadelphia PA and it was awesome. I enjoyed your review! Some people keep saying it does not depict who Dylan is, however it does. He has always been elusive and that has been part of his magic. He was able to share his brilliance with the world and somehow still protect himself.... not an easy feat!
I used to put Dylan up there with The Beatles and Rolling Stones until I discovered his music post Blood on the Tracks, at which point he became undisputed Greatest of All Time. If you’ve been limited to 1975 then you haven’t even made it to the Rolling Thunder Revue, Desire, the Born Again trilogy (which once you get it it’s amazing), The Traveling Wilburys reinvigoration into Oh Mercy, the reimagining of the Delta Blues in the midst of Grunge, the masterpiece Time Out of Mind… and that just gets us into the late 90’s! Becoming a fanatic gets to be overwhelming, discovering unreleased tracks on bootleg series that were perplexingly not released on album tracks, and all the rest. It’s a true blessing to dive into his full career.
Love it. I'm 56 and have known about Bob Dylan my entire life. This movie gave me a better appreciation for him as an artist and that's what he is. I grew up listening to hair metal but have become wiser and now appreciate artists like Dylan, Cash, Cobain, Joni, and MJK more. These people were true rock stars. They create art that can/has to be appreciated and interpreted in various ways.
I totally agree with the YTuber here. Was never a big fan but listened to him and even saw him a couple times with other people who were big fans. After seeing this movie, I can't get enough of him. I'm sure there will be diehards that will think it doesn't match up to who he was but the people in this movie were awesome. Spent a lot of time learning the character. Musi was great and sounded awesome!!
I loved the movie and saw it twice. It was a great snapshot into Dylan's early years and the NY folk scene. Anyone who thinks Chalamet is overrated needs to watch Call Me By Your Name. He is a deeply intelligent actor esp for his age. This movie did give me some insight into Bob Dylan during those 4 years. It doesn't promise to do more than that. Just a picture of the times.
I really love how you put it. It, this movie, doesn’t promise to do more. So often social media trolls are just out to bash something. Same with the purists. They insist this movie didn’t need to be done. Read this book or that book. Some people did need this movie. I was in the exact same camp as the reviewer. I have really tried to be a bigger fan. Just didn’t get it. When you know someone is a genius and not capturing the vibe. This movie was like a magical key to me. It let me into this world of Dylan fandom. I have been a music fan since the late 60’s early 70’s. I want to appreciate all the pioneers. Bob Dylan is one of these special people. I have been doing a deep dive on Bob since I saw the movie two days ago. Fascinating person.
I really love how you put it. It, this movie, doesn’t promise to do more. So often social media trolls are just out to bash something. Same with the purists. They insist this movie didn’t need to be done. Read this book or that book. Some people did need this movie. I was in the exact same camp as the reviewer. I have really tried to be a bigger fan. Just didn’t get it. When you know someone is a genius and not capturing the vibe. This movie was like a magical key to me. It let me into this world of Dylan fandom. I have been a music fan since the late 60’s early 70’s. I want to appreciate all the pioneers. Bob Dylan is one of these special people. I have been doing a deep dive on Bob since I saw the movie two days ago. Fascinating person.
Watching what you said about seeing it again I’m going again tomorrow. And I made a playlist of all of his music, which is the only thing I’m listening to right now. It feels great, especially during these times.
Thank you from France for your very interesting review. I have discoverd the Bob Dylan music through Joan Baez when I was ten. I was at the time a little bit disturbed by his singing voice. However we had the chance, that a French artist recorded all the most important songs translated in French, long before I learnt to speak english, and it gave me a strong insight of what it was all about. A few years ago, now retired I immersed myself in Bob Dylan’s work, thanks to the movies edited by Scorcese, and I have to say, this is a blast. So I am glad to hear you explain how "A Complete Unknown" opened a door for you in this unbelievable realm and I can’t wait till january 29th, the this movie reach french theaters. 🕊💙
I am an American 7 years younger than Bob living in France. I also worship at the church of France. So far have succeed in introducing only 1 Frenchman to the church of Dylan. To this day I ask myself "Where do these wonderful words come from?" Thank for very much giving me the date I have been trying hard to find; Jan 29.
I like your preferred descriptor, ‘impenetrable’ over ‘enigma.’ I think Dylan was too busy being born, reborn, and yet born again to concern himself with labels and media’s need for definitions and categories. Thank God he did it his way, stubbornly so. No other musician has had me loving him at one time, disliking him at another time, thinking he was a poetic genius at yet another time, and then thinking he was just baffling us with BS. And then I circle back still again to thinking he’s the greatest of all time because he put me through the wringer. Maybe my opinion changes again next year. I think Dylan is part songwriter genius, part poet laureate, part normal dude, part priest, part North Country rabbi and part magician. One thing I am dead certain of: there will never be another like him. Haven’t seen the film yet but know I’m going to love it.
I'm glad you have joined the club and I admire you for your honestly. How great is it when you find you have much more amazing music to feel. Your video was quite emotional for me, felt happy for you. Thanks JR
I have been a fan of Dylan since the early 60's. It is hard explain how Dylan shifted the culture with his intense lyrics he made you think. Made you think about EVERYTHING, the bs the world throws at you, your own stupid bs. His writing was an epiphany for that generation of those who followed him. I saw the movie and I loved it. I know alot about Dylan so I could see where there was some "time management" and not "spot on" history, but they had to get the touchstones in there. It did a pretty good job of giving you the sense of the times. My sister-in-law grew up in NYC and at that time was hanging around the village, she was more political, so didn't do the clubs, but she said the Greenwich VIllage was accurate. And for those that attest Dylan can't sing, try singing along EXACTLY with him, his cadence and inflections are hard to emulate, I commend Timothee's portrayal. He said he didn't want to do an imitation, but a feel for Dylan, which I think he was successful at achieving. Also, try to think of Dylan as less of a singer but more of a poet reciting words to music. He was legit the first rapper - Subterranean Homesick Blues. Nice review. Even though I own almost every Dylan album (originals) the one I can listen to anytime is Blood on the Tracks. For me listening to him is really mood dependent, he can be acidic, sweet, hilarious, and angry, twisting words into a soup of emotion. Dammit, I have and always will love Bob Dylan. The great thing about this movie, younger generations might begin to understand what this man is all about and what he has given to music, poetry and the culture and hopefully listen to him.
I agree with your assessment, especially with Dylan as a vocalist throughout his entire catalog his vocals and styles have changed more than any vocalist in history. For being "a guy who can't sing" as some would say, he's one the most imitated vocalists in Rock. Time Out Of Mind is an album I probably listen to the most over the last 10 years, and it sounds nothing like Dylan in any respect except the song writing. My tastes are more melancholy and complicated so Dylan is everything I like. I grew up listening to Hillbilly, Folk, early Blues, Country including Honky Tonk from birth so my ears are accustomed to a more feral sound in music, and I prefer it because of that. When The Stones and Byrds started to explore The Bakersfield Sound and Dylan did as well that was right up my lane. Neil Young has that feral sound as well and that's why he is also one of my favorites. I don't think people realize that Dylan is the biggest rainmaker in Rock. Only Fats Domino and his guitar player Papoose Nelson, Chuck Berry and Dick Dale are on Dylan's level as the biggest rainmakers in Rock. Young's ditch trilogy along with Zuma and Rust Never Sleeps are probably the last feral Rock albums made.
Great observations/review. I’ve seen the movie twice, it was that good. I think the name of the movie, A Complete Unknown, is a double meaning … not just a reference from the iconic song, Like a Rolling Stone, but also to the enigmatic and mysterious quality of Bob Dylan … even those closest to him could not figure him out or get to know much about him. There was that one scene from the movie where his girlfriend, Sylvie, is exasperated with him that she doesn’t know much of anything about him. The movie also inspired me to delve deeper into the early period of Dylan’s catalogue. Chalamet and the rest of the cast were fabulous in their portrayals and performances. Thanks for the review.
I started watching your channel as a Dylan fan when you posted the video of blonde on blonde. I appreciated your way of articulating your thoughts on music and have watched just about everything since. I found it frustrating that Dylan wasn’t clicking with you, but understood all your reasoning. Whenever you bring him up, I’m hoping for something to click and when this film was announced I’ve been hoping it would be the thing to put it in perspective for others too. Dylan aside, love the channel.
Just got home from seeing this. I was so excited and was not disappointed. I agree that the casting was perfect… especially Timothee! I was wearing out my old Dylan vinyl albums in the early 80’s but it’s been a while so I was thrilled to hear songs that I forgot about. I really want to see this a second time. Felt like I was seeing BD playing live!
My best friend Rick has an aunt who dated young Bob at Minnesota when he was working the dinkytown coffeehouses. Rick reported that the movie was a Bob Dylan tour de force. High praise.
I’ve always loved Dylan and I was blown away by this movie! Now I am in a trance of nostalgia and going back over all of his music…this movie is a gem and such a catalyst to the genius Of Bob Dylan and Timothee Chalamet’s performance was a tour de force! As was the entire cast and director…Bravo, days after seeing it I am still under its spell! ❤🎶🎬
Everyone should go listen to Mr. Dave Van Ronk if you're in the same boat as this guy and just starting to understand Dylan. Van Ronk was a big influence and teacher to Bobby and a premier folk-blues artist.
Thank you. I hope others have similar experiences. When people can get behind the the myths, the press, and and the media curtains, and just experience the man and his art directly without prejudgment, I think they sometimes discover an insightful and often inspirational way of looking at the world that once seen simply can't be unseen.
The way you now hear Bob Dylan is the way I now hear Genesis and the Grateful Dead. I have to admit- discovering the years with Peter Gabriel and/ or Steve Hackett, I could never hear the years of them as a trio the same way again. I still love many of the songs on those Gabriel/ Banks/ Rutherford albums. I also remember realizing I really like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Kansas in a very similar way. I discovered I like Bob Dylan when I was 15. Some of the lyrics made me feel more grown up! To me, the decision to go electric was like Dorothy opening the door in The Wizard Of Oz and seeing lots of different colors for the 1st time! Oh yeah, I can’t wait to see the movie which I’m sure I will! And of course, another great video, TJ! Thanks for sharing and happy New Year!
Growing into my teens when Bob Dylan started his folk singing career, I felt the full impact of his music. Songs like “With God On Your Side” and “It’s Alright Ma, I’m Only Bleeding” Dylan literally forced his listeners to confront the reality of their lives and politics honestly. We were trained in the ways of honesty and expected it from our politicians. The threat of nuclear war was part of our reality. Life was known to be too important to tolerate cheats and liars. This is why the 60’s were revolutionary. Dylan’s songs were foundational to that revolution. Now is a good time to recapture that cultural understanding. We need it.
I have argued that this is less a biopic than it is a drama built around the specific event of Dylan going electric. Maggies Farm is actually a cryptic reference to the microphones Dylan was using to record acoustic music.
So great that you gained a deeper appreciation for the music through this movie. I've been hoping that will happen for people who were never that enamoured with Dylan.
Yes, when I walked into a room aged 16, Freewheelin and Bob Dylan LPs spoke to me particularly Don't Think Twice. Over the years I bought each LP but several did not grab me .. Nashville Skyline took awhile... many don't like his voice but did get a but monotonous over the years. I could see why people did not get him. He was ahead of his time, he was unique in so many ways. I could go on forever.
I liked listening to your take on this. I started listening to radio late in 1966. Over the years I heard "Like a Rolling Stone and "Rainy Day Women" a few times, played as oldies. I heard "Lay Lady Lay" frequently in 1969. I was more of a Beatles and blues fan. I loved George Harrison's "All Things Must Pass" and one of my favorite songs on it was "If Not for You", which I noted was a Dylan composition. Then in late 1971 or early 1972 I got the "Concert for Bangla Desh" album with one side featuring Dylan, and also in Rolling Stone magazine was reading lengthy excerpts of Anthony Scaduto's biography. I was intrigued. When in May 1972 I got my final paycheck from a brief time in the US Air Force I went to the record store, bought all his albums, and started listening to them in order. I was hooked and have been a fan of his ever since (although not of every single thing that he has done). I saw the film Christmas Day and liked it a lot. I enjoyed spotting the differences between the events of the film and the events as they actually happened. For instance Woody Guthrie in 1961 was able to spend a lot of time staying with friends (not just Pete Seeger) in East Orange, New Jersey and that's usually where Bob visited him. But that stuff didn't bother me. If this was a documentary, I'd say "They got it wrong". But I recognized this is a biopic - trying to get to the essence of what happened in a few busy years into a little over two hours; compressing, simplifying, eliminating or combining people or incidents, re-arranging the chronology somewhat. I intend to see it again when it comes to the theater that's close to me.
Great review. And thanks for sharing your “Dylan journey” with us. I saw the movie and loved it. One of my top three films of the year. I plan on going to see it at least once more before it leaves the theater. It really is a theatrical experience. I have loved much of Dylan’s music over the years. And this movie made me love it even more. Especially HIGHWAY and BLONDE (the latter is my favorite Dylan album).
Saw it . The movie was a roller coaster ride . I liked the organic and the electric . I sympathized with the tension . There was a sense of Dylan still a kid . ( A Holden Caulfield ) So we're we .
The most helpful insight I got about Dylan was when he said "I go where the music goes." Can the two really be separated? His Nobel Prize speech also offers a great deal of insight and is worth reading. He speaks about growing up in Minnesota and the literature that inspired his song writing.
I’ve seen the movie twice now, second time I took my music aficionado friends. We’re all revisiting Dylan’s work now. That movie was made for people who understand music. A truly unique and powerful film.
enjoyed the review - as a big Dylan fan, I can't wait until the movie opens here in Japan in February. The history teacher in me has to point out that you mention some of the tensions playing out in the time line of the film, which ends in 1965, but the assassination of MLK didn't happen until April of 1968.
Well bro I can’t stand 80s music but the 90s wow the rock and alternative is sooo goood! I love this Dylan Movie I really was amazed and I see Dylan as singular! A young artist throwing himself to the universe to become Bob Dylan and do it his way!
I was the complete opposite to you - I can't remember ever NOT liking Dylan, though I leaned more to his Beat Symbolism of the mid-60s than his early hillbilly folk singer day, or to his protest stuff. I've seen him twice, in the 90s and 2000s. In fact, I was worried than the film would simplify his life and music too much. But the tight time frame, with a skip in the middle, really worked. The Chalemet really caught the elusive, mask-wearing aspect of the early Dylan. Three thumbs up.
Excellent : thank you for sharing your enthusiasm for the movie and resulting appreciation of the man’s music. I loved the movie. I found it efficient in telling the story. We get so much with little details! I returned to FreeWheeling. Been a long time since I listened to it. At the time I bought Highway 61, his first LP, and Bringing it all Back Home. I agree with you on Blonde on Blonde….some great songs but not my favorite LP. Blood is as good as the early stuff.
Trying to figure out who Bob Dylan is and what makes him tick, is a fool's errand. I got hooked on Dylan in 1976 when my brother brought home "Desire". I would, over the next 50 years drift away from Dylan and listen to something else for a while but always find myself back to Dylan. The volume of music is amazing. He seems to change every five years or so and then changes back. You can pick an album from every decade that he has recorded and find a gem. I haven't seen the film yet and am not in a rush. I'll watch some day and until then I'll just listen and enjoy.
The film is great even for dedicated Dylan fans like myself. Glad it opened up America's all-time greatest songwriter for you. I would suggest that anyone else reading who feels like the OP in their inability to penetrate Bob, just start with Freewheelin' in his oeuvre. Entirely approachable material and some of his greatest tunes. Moving basically chronologically through Bob is a valid approach to his catalog as you'll experience his genesis as an artist.
Welcome to the Bob Dylan club! 😊 I joined it, not from those seminal Bob Dylan albums you mentioned, but from his 1983 "Infidels" album. As that was the year I really delved into the music mainstream, that's the album of his I first saw music videos of, and heard tracks from on my local rock radio station. Then, between 1984 and 1986, I got all of those seminal Bob Dylan albums. I put Bob Dylan, as a songwriter, right up there with John Lennon and Paul McCartney, when they were in The Beatles. The only songwriter in the world, who I think rivaled them at that time. I guess the main purpose of a well-made biopic, is to get new fans for the music artist depicted. And this "A Complete Unknown" biopic has obviously done its job. Think how many new fans Queen must have gotten, after the "Bohemian Rhapsody" biopic. I'm glad you're finally hearing what the Bob Dylan fans have heard for decades. And don't forget, Bob Dylan's best works are not only found on his albums. There are many great songs which were left off his original albums, some even better than the ones on the album itself. These can mostly be found on his "Bootleg Series" and "50th Anniversary Collection" sets.
For some emotion, I suggest listening to the original “Chimes of Freedom” and “Romona” for sure. I guess I’d then recommend listening to the complete “Times…Changin’ and “Another Side” albums.
As a major Dylan fan I found myself questioning scene after scene as in "that never happened!". Now that I got that out of my system I look forward to seeing it again as a "movie" not a documentary.
I hear you. Big Beatles fan as well..... I really do like most of Dylan's '60's catalog, but I'm not as crazy about most of his catalog after that. He was definitely ahead of his time. He transformed the way (maturity... Especially lyrically) songs were written, after. That's one reason he's not as hard hitting in later years for later generations, as he was at the time.
Great to hear that you have a new appreciation of Dylan’s music. As good as this movie is, the most important thing is that “A Complete Unknown “ will introduce a new generation to Dylan’s music and genius.
Haven't seen the movie (yet). Growig up in the 60s, I was much more of a fan of the many Dylan covers recorded by other artists than I was with Dylan himself. Only really got into listening to and appreciating his abundant catalog in perhaps the last 10-15 years. (PS my wife still is not a fan of his Christmas album!)
Great movie about young Bob. I 1st saw bob when I was 10 years old we went to his uncle store in Hibbing minn. He was stocking shoe shelves and I think he was 17 or 18 his uncle was yelling at him leather jacket boots and hair slicked back he smiled AR me and ran out the back . next Rome I seen him he was on stage singing!
I have felt about Bob Dylan the way you do now since I was a teenager, so welcome to our club. I just saw the movie for the second time this morning. I remember in the 70's I was a big Elton John fan, until I discovered Dylan. Then, overnight, it was: 'Elton who?'
Big fan here of Dylan. I really enjoyed that with the movie. some scenes felt like I was there in the room while he was creating some of his masterpieces. Loved the movie.
Saw the film and loved it. I'm 81 years old and lived through all the times shown in the film. My only criticism is losing a fair of amount Chalamet's dialogue. Don't know if it was the sound system, his annunciation, or me.
When I was young you would have never caught me listening to Dylan, after I became a Manfred Mann fan and found out that a lot of his songs were written by Dylan I started listening to his stuff more , he was a genius as far as writing songs, I put him just below John Prine, (just my opinion), but I really don't like to listen to him singing for more than a little while, but Manfred Mann makes his songs sound so good.
Yeah, I don't see how any reviewer can nag about Chalamet not revealing Dylan's essence when that essence is essentially what has always been hidden. That IS his essence. He's a very protective introvert that chooses company conditionally despite the constant demand to crack the shell. And, really, I can't imagine any further revelation. The movie nailed it, especially that he never wanted to be idolized or even understood. Leaving them wanting more always sells.
I learned to play the guitar after buying a Dylan songbook in 1968 and got hooked on his music. As a guitar player, I can tell you that his music is definitely not pop/mainstream. He's his own man and writes songs that are more like current events... he's a historical poet rather than a pop musician. I saw the new movie and I'd see it again because it clearly unlocks some of the mystery of Dylan, even though I've seen him in concert. The movie isn't going to connect with people that don't have an appreciation for great instrumental work, or lyrics. While you mentioned the Beatles... comparing them to Dylan is apples and oranges. Dylan is an acquired taste. More like fine European cheese and crackers vs. Velveeta and nachos.
I seem to get an emotional lump in my throat when i hear “Desolation Row” i always call that an emotional circus. Every strange imagery means something bigger… that is the best way i can explain.
If any album would be accepted by a non-fan, it would be Blood On The Tracks. But, I never worry about not liking what others like. However, I have been a fan of Dylan ever since I heard Ballad Of A Thin Man on the radio. I only heard it ONCE on the radio, and to this day 40+ years later, I have never heard it on the radio again.
I saw it, really enjoyed it, have always been a mild Dylan fan, although I have ALWAYS RESPECTED his contribution to music and poetry, if you will. ( I also saw him live in 1989). That being said, I will say that while I really enjoyed the movie, and thought that the performances were stellar,...it is also my understanding that, like most bio-esque music movies, it is highly fictionalized and a lot of dramatic license was taken,(ala " Bohemian Rhapsody", "The Buddy Holly Story", etc.)
1st: Glad you enjoyed it. 2nd: Apparently making changes to real life history is going to be true of any bio pic. From what I have learned it is often times necessary when you have to distill someone's life down to a movie length feature and still tell a cohesive story. Please bear in mind, I am not excusing any biopic or historical drama for being historically inaccurate. But apparently most filmmakers (including those who want to strive for historical accuracy) will tell you that it's oftentimes impossible to do otherwise and still craft an enjoyable film drama that will sell tickets. I believe that most film makers want to be as historically accurate as possible...but that doing so isn't always possible under the constraints of commercial filmmaking. Bottom line: Bio pics and any historical dramas for that matter can be entertaining, and enlightening, but never go to them expecting complete historical accuracy. When it comes to music bio pics, the most I can expect from them, is that they get the broad strokes right and inspire interest into an artists music that previously might not have existed within the viewer. And with historical dramas, that they inspire interest in learning more about the real history behind the movie.
...as ''Blood on The Tracks'' touched you in 2023 .... there is an unknown amount of others that have been ''touched'' by Dylan since 1961 ... once you know , you know ... this music history is in our time ...
I was surprised that I liked Chalamet in this (I assumed he would be bad but the trailer looked good and Bob Dylan is a remarkable person (his autobiography Volumes is great) ), and kind of shocked that I liked, really liked, his renditions of the songs! I’m going to go re-see it today, this time stoned.
First and foremost, great review!! I have seen the movie and like you it gave me greater appreciation for Bob Dylan. You were already ahead of me in your knowledge and efforts to understand him as your brother does. In trying to find some recordings of his online, I stumbled upon the fact that there are over 1500 covers done of his music by others. I was familiar with a few that I didn’t realize he had written. Now I have to vent. Yours is the forth review I’ve heard of this film where the lead actor’s name is being butchered. Yes it’s French but it’s pretty basic; Sha-lah-may. You’re going to have to say it for at least a couple of months and probably longer… Again, great review.
If it doesn't make an immediate impact then getting acquainted with the music of Bob Dylan can seem like a chore. For some people it's Dylan's singing voice that they can't get past - whether its Dylan's younger nasal sounding voice or Dylan's much older "shot" voice. For others the song lyrics are too obtuse; or it's the rhyming. However, if you stick with it, someday the light will switch on and you'll have your Dylan epiphany and you'll "get it". Then, as you traverse his substantial catalogue, you realize that Dylan has always surrounded himself with superior musicians, whether it's Joan Baez, The Band or top notch session players and back-up singers. It is a very rewarding journey.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I've been a Dylan fan for decades, from the perfectly raw Freewheeling, Bringing it Back Home, & Hwy 61 Revisited, especially. My son, who plays music, is an even bigger fan. The movie was cool. I wanted more but appreciated what was given. My only puzzlement are those who said the Joan Baez actress sang like her. I didn't think so at all, but hey...that's just me.
Nice presentation and review. I’m wondering if you’ve ever written to the full 6-hour Basement Tapes. That for me is like a Rosetta Stone of American music. I was a Dylan fanatic who knew every single album from the age of 15, 1980 or thereabouts. But it was only in the late 1990s that I came into contact with the full Basement Tapes, and it completely altered my understanding of Dylan, and also of The Band. For me it’s still Dylan’s peak, alongside Blonde on Blonde - though Blood on the Tracks, Love and Theft, and Rough and Rowdy Ways represent later peaks.
After reading the astounding, "Bob Dylan: Mixing Up the Medicine" I listened to parts of his catalogue put out after 1990. While every record as a whole has its issues, on each there are songs that would be career highlights for most other musicians. Then there is Tempest which is one of his best ever. And then, after receiving the Nobel Prize, he put out Murder Most Foul, 17 minutes of brilliance that harkens back to the songwriting ability that Dylan said in his 60 Minutes interview had abruptly abandoned him in the 1980s. There are several other singer songwriters who come close - most notably Lucinda Williams (and she is putting out an album of Dylan covers) and Joni Mitchell - but Dylan remains on a unique level by himself in his productivity.
The four greatest singer/songwriter/performers of my lifetime are Bob, Leonard, Lucinda and John Prine. Checkout the 2 outtakes "Blind Willie McTell" and "Angelina" - not Farewell Angelina, which is also a wonderful song.
I have two recordings of Lucinda that I am sure you would love. Both are with Stu Mathis. If you don't want to share your email with me, I am fine with giving you my mailing address. 1. Lucinda at the Ark in Ann Arbor. I can't believe how good the quality is from 20 feet on my iPhone. 2. A Covid streaming only concert from "Lu's Jukebox - In Studio Concert Series" Lucinda Singing Dylan. I could send you a couple dropbox links.
Contrary to the many people who were outraged at his 'turning', I hated the early, 'folky' Dylan, particularly the screechy harp and only began liking him when he went electric! A friend played me Highway 61 Revisited in 1965 and I thought, now THAT sounds great! Now, years later, I can also appreciate his earlier stuff too!
You need to watch I'm Not There several times to start to see where his music is coming from. It reveals its emotional truths and insights on repeated views. Do the same with "Don't Look Back"
Welcome to the club TJR. Better late to the party than never. The only thing that puzzled me about the film is if the organizer of Newport Folk Festival did not want Bob and band to play rock and roll then why did they let him have the equipment set up on stage needed to play rock and roll?
Dylan was the face of folk music. Try to stop a superstar. He would have not played. He refused to play Blowin in the Wind a couple of times. The audience would have revolted if he didn't play. Half of them revolted when he did play electric.
The Chicago style Paul Butterfield Blues Band had played earlier. Presumably their repertoire of electric blues was considered more "authentic" than playing folk music with amplifiers. Even then, the MC had made some patronising comments when introducing the Butterfield Band. Dylan had done an acoustic set the night before and decided that he would have a band, including some of the Butterfield guys, to back his set the following night. And so the equipment and the players were already there and Dylan decided to make a point. The other thing is that there are many different versions of how the audience reacted and a lot of people who were there said most of the audience had no problem with the electric Dylan. And those that did were mainly annoyed by the sound quality and short set length. My impression is that the film overplays all that stuff compared to historic sources.
While I am always glad to see someone get Dylan and if this movie helped then that is worth it…but… Im really not a fan of these biopics. They never really get it right and sometimes (witness Freddy Mercury and Elton John and Elvis for that matter) really end up clownish. Yes Im a Bobcat. Dylan fanboy or whatever. Hardcore. And I think that there are some great books on the man that would bring insight. I have two books that I really highly recommend: Since you mentioned Blonde On Blonde… That Thin, Wild Mercury Sound: Dylan, Nashville, and the Making of 'Blonde on Blonde' by Daryl Sanders The other is the first book written about Dylan Anthony Scaduto simply called “Bob Dylan” Both very entertaining and lets you see the real process and what drove and operated Dylan. One doesn’t have to understand or know the insides and outs of an artist to enjoy their music, but if you want a more complete picture of Dylan’s characteristics, his quirk, charisma, and what made him tick, I think you will be enlightened by those two books. There are others, good and bad and in between, but those are still the best I have read.
I agree. This biopic accomplished the one thing that most don't -- it made me want to go listen to Dylan. You are not alone.
As a result of the movie, Dylan currently has three albums in the ITunes Top Twenty and five in the Top 100. The movie soundtrack is also in the Top Ten. I think a lot of people walked out of the movie theater wanting to investigate more of Bob Dylan’s music, such was how compelling was the movie and the power of the performances by the actors.
I totally agree.
Gratefully yes!
Loved it! The movie captures the 60's in a way that is so believable I was able to re-live my early youth but what is even more captivating is that it opens a window for those who were not alive at that time to experience a piece of it. The acting was authentic and believable and the work and passion that each person put into their role shines through. I have always loved Dylan, saw him in concert in 1974 in Philadelphia PA and it was awesome. I enjoyed your review! Some people keep saying it does not depict who Dylan is, however it does. He has always been elusive and that has been part of his magic. He was able to share his brilliance with the world and somehow still protect himself.... not an easy feat!
I used to put Dylan up there with The Beatles and Rolling Stones until I discovered his music post Blood on the Tracks, at which point he became undisputed Greatest of All Time. If you’ve been limited to 1975 then you haven’t even made it to the Rolling Thunder Revue, Desire, the Born Again trilogy (which once you get it it’s amazing), The Traveling Wilburys reinvigoration into Oh Mercy, the reimagining of the Delta Blues in the midst of Grunge, the masterpiece Time Out of Mind… and that just gets us into the late 90’s! Becoming a fanatic gets to be overwhelming, discovering unreleased tracks on bootleg series that were perplexingly not released on album tracks, and all the rest. It’s a true blessing to dive into his full career.
Man, I was sold the moment I heard Blonde on Blonde… that was a revelation… a mystical experience
I have been a Dylan fan since I was 17, he might not hit you imedietely but once he does, it's a beautiful thing to witness.
damn, you captured it perfectly
Love it. I'm 56 and have known about Bob Dylan my entire life. This movie gave me a better appreciation for him as an artist and that's what he is. I grew up listening to hair metal but have become wiser and now appreciate artists like Dylan, Cash, Cobain, Joni, and MJK more. These people were true rock stars. They create art that can/has to be appreciated and interpreted in various ways.
I absolutely loved the movie! The actors were excellent! Looking forward to watching a 2nd time....
I totally agree with the YTuber here. Was never a big fan but listened to him and even saw him a couple times with other people who were big fans. After seeing this movie, I can't get enough of him. I'm sure there will be diehards that will think it doesn't match up to who he was but the people in this movie were awesome. Spent a lot of time learning the character. Musi was great and sounded awesome!!
I loved the movie and saw it twice. It was a great snapshot into Dylan's early years and the NY folk scene. Anyone who thinks Chalamet is overrated needs to watch Call Me By Your Name. He is a deeply intelligent actor esp for his age. This movie did give me some insight into Bob Dylan during those 4 years. It doesn't promise to do more than that. Just a picture of the times.
Going to matinee tomorrow to see 2nd time
I really love how you put it. It, this movie, doesn’t promise to do more. So often social media trolls are just out to bash something. Same with the purists. They insist this movie didn’t need to be done. Read this book or that book. Some people did need this movie.
I was in the exact same camp as the reviewer. I have really tried to be a bigger fan. Just didn’t get it. When you know someone is a genius and not capturing the vibe. This movie was like a magical key to me. It let me into this world of Dylan fandom. I have been a music fan since the late 60’s early 70’s. I want to appreciate all the pioneers. Bob Dylan is one of these special people.
I have been doing a deep dive on Bob since I saw the movie two days ago. Fascinating person.
I really love how you put it. It, this movie, doesn’t promise to do more. So often social media trolls are just out to bash something. Same with the purists. They insist this movie didn’t need to be done. Read this book or that book. Some people did need this movie.
I was in the exact same camp as the reviewer. I have really tried to be a bigger fan. Just didn’t get it. When you know someone is a genius and not capturing the vibe. This movie was like a magical key to me. It let me into this world of Dylan fandom. I have been a music fan since the late 60’s early 70’s. I want to appreciate all the pioneers. Bob Dylan is one of these special people.
I have been doing a deep dive on Bob since I saw the movie two days ago. Fascinating person.
Right I agree. Some people did need this and it’s prompting me to want to read the book.
Watching what you said about seeing it again I’m going again tomorrow. And I made a playlist of all of his music, which is the only thing I’m listening to right now. It feels great, especially during these times.
Thank you from France for your very interesting review. I have discoverd the Bob Dylan music through Joan Baez when I was ten. I was at the time a little bit disturbed by his singing voice. However we had the chance, that a French artist recorded all the most important songs translated in French, long before I learnt to speak english, and it gave me a strong insight of what it was all about. A few years ago, now retired I immersed myself in Bob Dylan’s work, thanks to the movies edited by Scorcese, and I have to say, this is a blast. So I am glad to hear you explain how "A Complete Unknown" opened a door for you in this unbelievable realm and I can’t wait till january 29th, the this movie reach french theaters. 🕊💙
I am an American 7 years younger than Bob living in France. I also worship at the church of France. So far have succeed in introducing only 1 Frenchman to the church of Dylan. To this day I ask myself "Where do these wonderful words come from?" Thank for very much giving me the date I have been trying hard to find; Jan 29.
I like your preferred descriptor, ‘impenetrable’ over ‘enigma.’ I think Dylan was too busy being born, reborn, and yet born again to concern himself with labels and media’s need for definitions and categories. Thank God he did it his way, stubbornly so. No other musician has had me loving him at one time, disliking him at another time, thinking he was a poetic genius at yet another time, and then thinking he was just baffling us with BS. And then I circle back still again to thinking he’s the greatest of all time because he put me through the wringer. Maybe my opinion changes again next year. I think Dylan is part songwriter genius, part poet laureate, part normal dude, part priest, part North Country rabbi and part magician. One thing I am dead certain of: there will never be another like him. Haven’t seen the film yet but know I’m going to love it.
Wow, that was wonderfully said! You're right.
I'm glad you have joined the club and I admire you for your honestly. How great is it when you find you have much more amazing music to feel. Your video was quite emotional for me, felt happy for you. Thanks JR
I have been a fan of Dylan since the early 60's. It is hard explain how Dylan shifted the culture with his intense lyrics he made you think. Made you think about EVERYTHING, the bs the world throws at you, your own stupid bs. His writing was an epiphany for that generation of those who followed him.
I saw the movie and I loved it. I know alot about Dylan so I could see where there was some "time management" and not "spot on" history, but they had to get the touchstones in there. It did a pretty good job of giving you the sense of the times. My sister-in-law grew up in NYC and at that time was hanging around the village, she was more political, so didn't do the clubs, but she said the Greenwich VIllage was accurate.
And for those that attest Dylan can't sing, try singing along EXACTLY with him, his cadence and inflections are hard to emulate, I commend Timothee's portrayal. He said he didn't want to do an imitation, but a feel for Dylan, which I think he was successful at achieving. Also, try to think of Dylan as less of a singer but more of a poet reciting words to music. He was legit the first rapper - Subterranean Homesick Blues.
Nice review. Even though I own almost every Dylan album (originals) the one I can listen to anytime is Blood on the Tracks. For me listening to him is really mood dependent, he can be acidic, sweet, hilarious, and angry, twisting words into a soup of emotion. Dammit, I have and always will love Bob Dylan.
The great thing about this movie, younger generations might begin to understand what this man is all about and what he has given to music, poetry and the culture and hopefully listen to him.
I agree with your assessment, especially with Dylan as a vocalist throughout his entire catalog his vocals and styles have changed more than any vocalist in history. For being "a guy who can't sing" as some would say, he's one the most imitated vocalists in Rock. Time Out Of Mind is an album I probably listen to the most over the last 10 years, and it sounds nothing like Dylan in any respect except the song writing. My tastes are more melancholy and complicated so Dylan is everything I like. I grew up listening to Hillbilly, Folk, early Blues, Country including Honky Tonk from birth so my ears are accustomed to a more feral sound in music, and I prefer it because of that. When The Stones and Byrds started to explore The Bakersfield Sound and Dylan did as well that was right up my lane. Neil Young has that feral sound as well and that's why he is also one of my favorites. I don't think people realize that Dylan is the biggest rainmaker in Rock. Only Fats Domino and his guitar player Papoose Nelson, Chuck Berry and Dick Dale are on Dylan's level as the biggest rainmakers in Rock. Young's ditch trilogy along with Zuma and Rust Never Sleeps are probably the last feral Rock albums made.
@@Lexwell_Lavers I wonder how accessible Dylan is with a generation brought up on pitch correction, auto tune and 440 bpm. LOL
Excellent comments….I guess that means I agree with you.
I loved it. Fantastic performances!
Great observations/review. I’ve seen the movie twice, it was that good. I think the name of the movie, A Complete Unknown, is a double meaning … not just a reference from the iconic song, Like a Rolling Stone, but also to the enigmatic and mysterious quality of Bob Dylan … even those closest to him could not figure him out or get to know much about him. There was that one scene from the movie where his girlfriend, Sylvie, is exasperated with him that she doesn’t know much of anything about him. The movie also inspired me to delve deeper into the early period of Dylan’s catalogue. Chalamet and the rest of the cast were fabulous in their portrayals and performances. Thanks for the review.
I started watching your channel as a Dylan fan when you posted the video of blonde on blonde. I appreciated your way of articulating your thoughts on music and have watched just about everything since. I found it frustrating that Dylan wasn’t clicking with you, but understood all your reasoning. Whenever you bring him up, I’m hoping for something to click and when this film was announced I’ve been hoping it would be the thing to put it in perspective for others too. Dylan aside, love the channel.
Just got home from seeing this. I was so excited and was not disappointed. I agree that the casting was perfect… especially Timothee! I was wearing out my old Dylan vinyl albums in the early 80’s but it’s been a while so I was thrilled to hear songs that I forgot about. I really want to see this a second time. Felt like I was seeing BD playing live!
Excellent film...best one I've seen in years....worth watching....
My best friend Rick has an aunt who dated young Bob at Minnesota when he was working the dinkytown coffeehouses. Rick reported that the movie was a Bob Dylan tour de force. High praise.
I’ve always loved Dylan and I was blown away by this movie! Now I am in a trance of nostalgia and going back over all of his music…this movie is a gem and such a catalyst to the genius Of Bob Dylan and Timothee Chalamet’s performance was a tour de force! As was the entire cast and director…Bravo, days after seeing it I am still under its spell! ❤🎶🎬
Everyone should go listen to Mr. Dave Van Ronk if you're in the same boat as this guy and just starting to understand Dylan. Van Ronk was a big influence and teacher to Bobby and a premier folk-blues artist.
Yes!
Thank you. I hope others have similar experiences. When people can get behind the the myths, the press, and and the media curtains, and just experience the man and his art directly without prejudgment, I think they sometimes discover an insightful and often inspirational way of looking at the world that once seen simply can't be unseen.
The way you now hear Bob Dylan is the way I now hear Genesis and the Grateful Dead. I have to admit- discovering the years with Peter Gabriel and/ or Steve Hackett, I could never hear the years of them as a trio the same way again. I still love many of the songs on those Gabriel/ Banks/ Rutherford albums. I also remember realizing I really like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Kansas in a very similar way.
I discovered I like Bob Dylan when I was 15. Some of the lyrics made me feel more grown up! To me, the decision to go electric was like Dorothy opening the door in The Wizard Of Oz and seeing lots of different colors for the 1st time!
Oh yeah, I can’t wait to see the movie which I’m sure I will!
And of course, another great video, TJ! Thanks for sharing and happy New Year!
I love this film. Chalamet nailed it. This is my favorite review so far. Love your honesty about your journey to Bob.
Growing into my teens when Bob Dylan started his folk singing career, I felt the full impact of his music. Songs like “With God On Your Side” and “It’s Alright Ma, I’m Only Bleeding” Dylan literally forced his listeners to confront the reality of their lives and politics honestly. We were trained in the ways of honesty and expected it from our politicians. The threat of nuclear war was part of our reality. Life was known to be too important to tolerate cheats and liars. This is why the 60’s were revolutionary. Dylan’s songs were foundational to that revolution. Now is a good time to recapture that cultural understanding. We need it.
I have argued that this is less a biopic than it is a drama built around the specific event of Dylan going electric. Maggies Farm is actually a cryptic reference to the microphones Dylan was using to record acoustic music.
I am so happy the film had this affect on you! Ioved the movie and found it quite emotional to be immersed into that time and place!
So great that you gained a deeper appreciation for the music through this movie. I've been hoping that will happen for people who were never that enamoured with Dylan.
My two favorite Dylan albums, Desire and Slow Train Coming. Worth a listen.
Yes, when I walked into a room aged 16, Freewheelin and Bob Dylan LPs spoke to me particularly Don't Think Twice. Over the years I bought each LP but several did not grab me .. Nashville Skyline took awhile... many don't like his voice but did get a but monotonous over the years. I could see why people did not get him. He was ahead of his time, he was unique in so many ways. I could go on forever.
I liked listening to your take on this.
I started listening to radio late in 1966. Over the years I heard "Like a Rolling Stone and "Rainy Day Women" a few times, played as oldies. I heard "Lay Lady Lay" frequently in 1969. I was more of a Beatles and blues fan. I loved George Harrison's "All Things Must Pass" and one of my favorite songs on it was "If Not for You", which I noted was a Dylan composition. Then in late 1971 or early 1972 I got the "Concert for Bangla Desh" album with one side featuring Dylan, and also in Rolling Stone magazine was reading lengthy excerpts of Anthony Scaduto's biography. I was intrigued. When in May 1972 I got my final paycheck from a brief time in the US Air Force I went to the record store, bought all his albums, and started listening to them in order. I was hooked and have been a fan of his ever since (although not of every single thing that he has done).
I saw the film Christmas Day and liked it a lot. I enjoyed spotting the differences between the events of the film and the events as they actually happened. For instance Woody Guthrie in 1961 was able to spend a lot of time staying with friends (not just Pete Seeger) in East Orange, New Jersey and that's usually where Bob visited him.
But that stuff didn't bother me. If this was a documentary, I'd say "They got it wrong". But I recognized this is a biopic - trying to get to the essence of what happened in a few busy years into a little over two hours; compressing, simplifying, eliminating or combining people or incidents, re-arranging the chronology somewhat.
I intend to see it again when it comes to the theater that's close to me.
Dylan fan already but Timothée's performance is Oscar worthy. I enjoyed this movie so much. I want to see it again.
I really admire your honesty! I'm saying the film on 17th January and I can't wait. I've been a Dylan fan since I was 13 and I'm now 53!
Great review. And thanks for sharing your “Dylan journey” with us.
I saw the movie and loved it. One of my top three films of the year. I plan on going to see it at least once more before it leaves the theater.
It really is a theatrical experience.
I have loved much of Dylan’s music over the years. And this movie made me love it even more. Especially HIGHWAY and BLONDE (the latter is my favorite Dylan album).
Saw it . The movie was a roller coaster ride . I liked the organic and the electric . I sympathized with the tension . There was a sense of Dylan still a kid . ( A Holden Caulfield ) So we're we .
The most helpful insight I got about Dylan was when he said "I go where the music goes." Can the two really be separated? His Nobel Prize speech also offers a great deal of insight and is worth reading. He speaks about growing up in Minnesota and the literature that inspired his song writing.
I’ve seen the movie twice now, second time I took my music aficionado friends. We’re all revisiting Dylan’s work now. That movie was made for people who understand music. A truly unique and powerful film.
“Jokerman” by Dylan is great song and video.x
Like U, this bio-pic was watched on X-mas eve in a cinéma ! ! Bravo 4 your fair review. 🎉 🎉 🎉
Love your review...and Yes...I discovered Dylan...and loved the movie. Will see it again. 😊
great video about a topic which sometimes is hard to put into words.
Thank you for you perspective
enjoyed the review - as a big Dylan fan, I can't wait until the movie opens here in Japan in February. The history teacher in me has to point out that you mention some of the tensions playing out in the time line of the film, which ends in 1965, but the assassination of MLK didn't happen until April of 1968.
Excellent review and shared Insights and surprises
Well bro I can’t stand 80s music but the 90s wow the rock and alternative is sooo goood!
I love this Dylan Movie I really was amazed and I see Dylan as singular! A young artist throwing himself to the universe to become Bob Dylan and do it his way!
I was the complete opposite to you - I can't remember ever NOT liking Dylan, though I leaned more to his Beat Symbolism of the mid-60s than his early hillbilly folk singer day, or to his protest stuff. I've seen him twice, in the 90s and 2000s. In fact, I was worried than the film would simplify his life and music too much. But the tight time frame, with a skip in the middle, really worked. The Chalemet really caught the elusive, mask-wearing aspect of the early Dylan. Three thumbs up.
Excellent : thank you for sharing your enthusiasm for the movie and resulting appreciation of the man’s music.
I loved the movie. I found it efficient in telling the story. We get so much with little details!
I returned to FreeWheeling. Been a long time since I listened to it. At the time I bought Highway 61, his first LP, and Bringing it all Back Home. I agree with you on Blonde on Blonde….some great songs but not my favorite LP. Blood is as good as the early stuff.
Trying to figure out who Bob Dylan is and what makes him tick, is a fool's errand. I got hooked on Dylan in 1976 when my brother brought home "Desire". I would, over the next 50 years drift away from Dylan and listen to something else for a while but always find myself back to Dylan. The volume of music is amazing. He seems to change every five years or so and then changes back. You can pick an album from every decade that he has recorded and find a gem. I haven't seen the film yet and am not in a rush. I'll watch some day and until then I'll just listen and enjoy.
The film is great even for dedicated Dylan fans like myself. Glad it opened up America's all-time greatest songwriter for you. I would suggest that anyone else reading who feels like the OP in their inability to penetrate Bob, just start with Freewheelin' in his oeuvre. Entirely approachable material and some of his greatest tunes. Moving basically chronologically through Bob is a valid approach to his catalog as you'll experience his genesis as an artist.
Welcome to the Bob Dylan club! 😊 I joined it, not from those seminal Bob Dylan albums you mentioned, but from his 1983 "Infidels" album. As that was the year I really delved into the music mainstream, that's the album of his I first saw music videos of, and heard tracks from on my local rock radio station. Then, between 1984 and 1986, I got all of those seminal Bob Dylan albums. I put Bob Dylan, as a songwriter, right up there with John Lennon and Paul McCartney, when they were in The Beatles. The only songwriter in the world, who I think rivaled them at that time. I guess the main purpose of a well-made biopic, is to get new fans for the music artist depicted. And this "A Complete Unknown" biopic has obviously done its job. Think how many new fans Queen must have gotten, after the "Bohemian Rhapsody" biopic. I'm glad you're finally hearing what the Bob Dylan fans have heard for decades. And don't forget, Bob Dylan's best works are not only found on his albums. There are many great songs which were left off his original albums, some even better than the ones on the album itself. These can mostly be found on his "Bootleg Series" and "50th Anniversary Collection" sets.
For some emotion, I suggest listening to the original “Chimes of Freedom” and “Romona” for sure.
I guess I’d then recommend listening to the complete “Times…Changin’ and “Another Side” albums.
As a major Dylan fan I found myself questioning scene after scene as in "that never happened!". Now that I got that out of my system I look forward to seeing it again as a "movie" not a documentary.
Saw the movie today.Absolutely fantastic!
I hear you. Big Beatles fan as well..... I really do like most of Dylan's '60's catalog, but I'm not as crazy about most of his catalog after that. He was definitely ahead of his time. He transformed the way (maturity... Especially lyrically) songs were written, after. That's one reason he's not as hard hitting in later years for later generations, as he was at the time.
Great to hear that you have a new appreciation of Dylan’s music. As good as this movie is, the most important thing is that “A Complete Unknown “ will introduce a new generation to Dylan’s music and genius.
I hope it's just as good as I'm Not There. That film was a masterpiece.
Haven't seen the movie (yet). Growig up in the 60s, I was much more of a fan of the many Dylan covers recorded by other artists than I was with Dylan himself. Only really got into listening to and appreciating his abundant catalog in perhaps the last 10-15 years. (PS my wife still is not a fan of his Christmas album!)
Great movie about young Bob. I 1st saw bob when I was 10 years old we went to his uncle store in Hibbing minn. He was stocking shoe shelves and I think he was 17 or 18 his uncle was yelling at him leather jacket boots and hair slicked back he smiled AR me and ran out the back . next Rome I seen him he was on stage singing!
I am poet thanks to reading Dylan's lyrics. From that standpoint, I understand why he won the Pulitzer and Nobel Prizes.
I have felt about Bob Dylan the way you do now since I was a teenager, so welcome to our club. I just saw the movie for the second time this morning. I remember in the 70's I was a big Elton John fan, until I discovered Dylan. Then, overnight, it was: 'Elton who?'
Big fan here of Dylan. I really enjoyed that with the movie. some scenes felt like I was there in the room while he was creating some of his masterpieces. Loved the movie.
My favorite Dylan album is whatever one I'm listening to.
Saw the film and loved it. I'm 81 years old and lived through all the times shown in the film. My only criticism is losing a fair of amount Chalamet's dialogue. Don't know if it was the sound system, his annunciation, or me.
Brilliant video. We all have artists we wished we got better. Very honest presentation! And welcome to Dylan land
Sad that Blonde On Blonde isn‘t in the movie, probably his coolest era and the album needs more understanding.
When I was young you would have never caught me listening to Dylan, after I became a Manfred Mann fan and found out that a lot of his songs were written by Dylan I started listening to his stuff more , he was a genius as far as writing songs, I put him just below John Prine, (just my opinion), but I really don't like to listen to him singing for more than a little while, but Manfred Mann makes his songs sound so good.
An interesting contemplation. I enjoyed hearing your perspective.
Thank you for review and your perspectives.
Yeah, I don't see how any reviewer can nag about Chalamet not revealing Dylan's essence when that essence is essentially what has always been hidden. That IS his essence. He's a very protective introvert that chooses company conditionally despite the constant demand to crack the shell. And, really, I can't imagine any further revelation. The movie nailed it, especially that he never wanted to be idolized or even understood. Leaving them wanting more always sells.
I learned to play the guitar after buying a Dylan songbook in 1968 and got hooked on his music. As a guitar player, I can tell you that his music is definitely not pop/mainstream. He's his own man and writes songs that are more like current events... he's a historical poet rather than a pop musician. I saw the new movie and I'd see it again because it clearly unlocks some of the mystery of Dylan, even though I've seen him in concert. The movie isn't going to connect with people that don't have an appreciation for great instrumental work, or lyrics. While you mentioned the Beatles... comparing them to Dylan is apples and oranges. Dylan is an acquired taste. More like fine European cheese and crackers vs. Velveeta and nachos.
You are my spirit animal regarding this movie!!
I seem to get an emotional lump in my throat when i hear “Desolation Row” i always call that an emotional circus. Every strange imagery means something bigger… that is the best way i can explain.
Dylan a gifted writer…..no words….. too great to describe accurately….
If any album would be accepted by a non-fan, it would be Blood On The Tracks. But, I never worry about not liking what others like. However, I have been a fan of Dylan ever since I heard Ballad Of A Thin Man on the radio. I only heard it ONCE on the radio, and to this day 40+ years later, I have never heard it on the radio again.
I saw it, really enjoyed it, have always been a mild Dylan fan, although I have ALWAYS RESPECTED his contribution to music and poetry, if you will. ( I also saw him live in 1989). That being said, I will say that while I really enjoyed the movie, and thought that the performances were stellar,...it is also my understanding that, like most bio-esque music movies, it is highly fictionalized and a lot of dramatic license was taken,(ala " Bohemian Rhapsody", "The Buddy Holly Story", etc.)
That is why I won't be seeing this film.
1st: Glad you enjoyed it.
2nd: Apparently making changes to real life history is going to be true of any bio pic.
From what I have learned it is often times necessary when you have to distill someone's life down to a movie length feature and still tell a cohesive story.
Please bear in mind, I am not excusing any biopic or historical drama for being historically inaccurate.
But apparently most filmmakers (including those who want to strive for historical accuracy) will tell you that it's oftentimes impossible to do otherwise and still craft an enjoyable film drama that will sell tickets.
I believe that most film makers want to be as historically accurate as possible...but that doing so isn't always possible under the constraints of commercial filmmaking.
Bottom line: Bio pics and any historical dramas for that matter can be entertaining, and enlightening, but never go to them expecting complete historical accuracy.
When it comes to music bio pics, the most I can expect from them, is that they get the broad strokes right and inspire interest into an artists music that previously might not have existed within the viewer.
And with historical dramas, that they inspire interest in learning more about the real history behind the movie.
As Dylan fan I can assure the movie DE-dramatized his life a lot. His real life was much more dramatic than the movie.
That's music. Sometimes it takes settings to revisit music to hear it fresh new and deeper.
...as ''Blood on The Tracks'' touched you in 2023 .... there is an unknown amount of others that have been ''touched'' by Dylan since 1961 ... once you know , you know ... this music history is in our time ...
Seven Curses is such an amazing song.
Intelligent and insightful , thanks .
I was surprised that I liked Chalamet in this (I assumed he would be bad but the trailer looked good and Bob Dylan is a remarkable person (his autobiography Volumes is great) ), and kind of shocked that I liked, really liked, his renditions of the songs! I’m going to go re-see it today, this time stoned.
Loved your review!
First and foremost, great review!! I have seen the movie and like you it gave me greater appreciation for Bob Dylan. You were already ahead of me in your knowledge and efforts to understand him as your brother does. In trying to find some recordings of his online, I stumbled upon the fact that there are over 1500 covers done of his music by others. I was familiar with a few that I didn’t realize he had written.
Now I have to vent. Yours is the forth review I’ve heard of this film where the lead actor’s name is being butchered. Yes it’s French but it’s pretty basic; Sha-lah-may. You’re going to have to say it for at least a couple of months and probably longer…
Again, great review.
LOL. Thanks. I appreciate the heads up on the pronunciation. Especially because your comments were constructive and not condescending. 👍🏽
Wikipedia can give you the list of his studio LPs that you can listen to in chronological order on YT in full.
In a way, he specialized in being enigmatic--it was part of his act. On the other hand, over time he has gradually revealed himself.....
The great thing about getting into Dylan is that he has so many good albums/songs.
If it doesn't make an immediate impact then getting acquainted with the music of Bob Dylan can seem like a chore. For some people it's Dylan's singing voice that they can't get past - whether its Dylan's younger nasal sounding voice or Dylan's much older "shot" voice. For others the song lyrics are too obtuse; or it's the rhyming. However, if you stick with it, someday the light will switch on and you'll have your Dylan epiphany and you'll "get it". Then, as you traverse his substantial catalogue, you realize that Dylan has always surrounded himself with superior musicians, whether it's Joan Baez, The Band or top notch session players and back-up singers. It is a very rewarding journey.
Your review is so well done 👍
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I've been a Dylan fan for decades, from the perfectly raw Freewheeling, Bringing it Back Home, & Hwy 61 Revisited, especially. My son, who plays music, is an even bigger fan. The movie was cool. I wanted more but appreciated what was given. My only puzzlement are those who said the Joan Baez actress sang like her. I didn't think so at all, but hey...that's just me.
Nice presentation and review. I’m wondering if you’ve ever written to the full 6-hour Basement Tapes. That for me is like a Rosetta Stone of American music. I was a Dylan fanatic who knew every single album from the age of 15, 1980 or thereabouts. But it was only in the late 1990s that I came into contact with the full Basement Tapes, and it completely altered my understanding of Dylan, and also of The Band. For me it’s still Dylan’s peak, alongside Blonde on Blonde - though Blood on the Tracks, Love and Theft, and Rough and Rowdy Ways represent later peaks.
Much appreciate your review.Planning on seeing this for sure!
An authentic re-visit of a seminal moment. Got t' say, I kinda favor this re-visit Baez, Timmy. You, too?
After reading the astounding, "Bob Dylan: Mixing Up the Medicine" I listened to parts of his catalogue put out after 1990. While every record as a whole has its issues, on each there are songs that would be career highlights for most other musicians. Then there is Tempest which is one of his best ever. And then, after receiving the Nobel Prize, he put out Murder Most Foul, 17 minutes of brilliance that harkens back to the songwriting ability that Dylan said in his 60 Minutes interview had abruptly abandoned him in the 1980s. There are several other singer songwriters who come close - most notably Lucinda Williams (and she is putting out an album of Dylan covers) and Joni Mitchell - but Dylan remains on a unique level by himself in his productivity.
The four greatest singer/songwriter/performers of my lifetime are Bob, Leonard, Lucinda and John Prine. Checkout the 2 outtakes "Blind Willie McTell" and "Angelina" - not Farewell Angelina, which is also a wonderful song.
I have two recordings of Lucinda that I am sure you would love. Both are with Stu Mathis.
If you don't want to share your email with me, I am fine with giving you my mailing address.
1. Lucinda at the Ark in Ann Arbor. I can't believe how good the quality is from 20 feet on my iPhone.
2. A Covid streaming only concert from "Lu's Jukebox - In Studio Concert Series"
Lucinda Singing Dylan.
I could send you a couple dropbox links.
Contrary to the many people who were outraged at his 'turning', I hated the early, 'folky' Dylan, particularly the screechy harp and only began liking him when he went electric! A friend played me Highway 61 Revisited in 1965 and I thought, now THAT sounds great! Now, years later, I can also appreciate his earlier stuff too!
I highly recommend Martin Scorsese's documentary No Direction Home that covers almost exactly the same period in Dylan's life
Thanks!
Cool rewiev
Thank U so much!
Saw the film. You nailed it.
Listening to the Beatles makes me want to listen to southern rock.
Agree with everything you said. One thing, though. It’s Chalamet, not Chamalet. 😉
You need to watch I'm Not There several times to start to see where his music is coming from. It reveals its emotional truths and insights on repeated views. Do the same with "Don't Look Back"
Welcome to the club TJR. Better late to the party than never. The only thing that puzzled me about the film is if the organizer of Newport Folk Festival did not want Bob and band to play rock and roll then why did they let him have the equipment set up on stage needed to play rock and roll?
Dylan was the face of folk music. Try to stop a superstar. He would have not played. He refused to play Blowin in the Wind a couple of times. The audience would have revolted if he didn't play. Half of them revolted when he did play electric.
The Chicago style Paul Butterfield Blues Band had played earlier. Presumably their repertoire of electric blues was considered more "authentic" than playing folk music with amplifiers. Even then, the MC had made some patronising comments when introducing the Butterfield Band. Dylan had done an acoustic set the night before and decided that he would have a band, including some of the Butterfield guys, to back his set the following night. And so the equipment and the players were already there and Dylan decided to make a point.
The other thing is that there are many different versions of how the audience reacted and a lot of people who were there said most of the audience had no problem with the electric Dylan. And those that did were mainly annoyed by the sound quality and short set length. My impression is that the film overplays all that stuff compared to historic sources.
@@newremote Thank for taking the time to clear that up. :)
Dear God ~ thank you for Bob Dylan
My experience was the same as yours on all points!
While I am always glad to see someone get Dylan and if this movie helped then that is worth it…but…
Im really not a fan of these biopics. They never really get it right and sometimes (witness Freddy Mercury and Elton John and Elvis for that matter) really end up clownish.
Yes Im a Bobcat. Dylan fanboy or whatever. Hardcore. And I think that there are some great books on the man that would bring insight.
I have two books that I really highly recommend:
Since you mentioned Blonde On Blonde…
That Thin, Wild Mercury Sound: Dylan, Nashville, and the Making of 'Blonde on Blonde' by Daryl Sanders
The other is the first book written about Dylan Anthony Scaduto
simply called “Bob Dylan”
Both very entertaining and lets you see the real process and what drove and operated Dylan.
One doesn’t have to understand or know the insides and outs of an artist to enjoy their music, but if you want a more complete picture of Dylan’s characteristics, his quirk, charisma, and what made him tick, I think you will be enlightened by those two books. There are others, good and bad and in between, but those are still the best I have read.
Another haunting, beautiful, devastating book on Dylan and his loves is: "Positively 4th Street" by David Hajdu. Highly recommended!