As a long-time Dylan fan with countless hours spent listening to his music and immersing myself in his legacy, I approach this upcoming biopic with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Having lived through various stages of Dylan’s career, from my teenage years discovering the classics like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” to embracing the more experimental sounds of his later albums, I understand why some fans might be hesitant about a biopic that attempts to tell the definitive story of such a complex artist.
The odds were stacked against Timothée Chalamet long before those set photos trickled online.
28-year-old superstar knowingly stepped into the sights of Dylan’s most dedicated followers by deciding to portray Bob Dylan in director James Mangold’s upcoming biographical drama “A Complete Unknown.” These fans, it must be said, are hard to please.
When pictures of Chalamet in character taken by paparazzi surfaced on social media, the reaction was mainly critical. Devoted fans of Dylan, also known as Dylanologists, were displeased and scrutinized every aspect of Chalamet’s Greenwich Village attire, making a large and unsightly scarf he wore in one photo a popular target for memes.
After the trailer was released, showing a brief look at Mangold’s vision accompanied by Chalamet’s powerful version of “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall,” what was once skepticism turned into tentative hope. (Remember Dylan’s words in “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” warning those who foretell with their pen not to “speak too soon for the wheel’s still in spin”)?
In interviews following the release of the “A Complete Unknown” trailer, over a dozen prominent Dylan experts, consisting of authors, critics, scholars, and podcasters, praised Ethan Hawke’s dedication to the role and were generally impressed with his singing ability.
Although some express doubts, they recognize that “A Complete Unknown” isn’t aimed at them, and there’s a widespread excitement about how Timothée Chalamet will introduce a vast number of young people to Bob Dylan. As Erin Callahan, the host of the “Infinity Goes Up on Trial” podcast, says: “If the movie is good, it’ll be fantastic. And even if it’s not, it’ll still be significant.”
I’ve had the pleasure of reading through some fascinating conversations between Dylan experts, skillfully curated by EbMaster. These interviews offer unique insights into the complex and enigmatic world of Bob Dylan. Each expert brings their own perspective, shaped by their personal experiences and deep knowledge of Dylan’s music and legacy. The way these segments are edited together in conversation with one another adds depth to the overall discussion, making for an engaging and thought-provoking read. I highly recommend delving into this collection to gain a fresh perspective on Dylan’s artistry and impact on popular culture.
Evan Laffer, a co-host on both “Jokermen” and “Never Ending Stories” podcasts, admitted that before watching “A Complete Unknown,” there was a general feeling of apprehension, as many were ready to be let down.
Anne Margaret Daniel, a music instructor at The New School and music journalist, expressed that the set photographs did little to soothe her. Timothée Chalamet appeared quite neat in them.
Ben Burrell, a presenter at Absolute Radio and host of the “Bob Dylan: Album by Album” podcast, expressed that many Dylan enthusiasts had concerns regarding the decision. It’s unclear whether Timothée Chalamet was the top preference among the public.
Ray Padgett, the writer of “Pledging My Time: Conversations With Bob Dylan Band Members” and the author of “Flagging Down the Double E’s” on Substack, reported observing scornful reactions from Dylan fans when he was associated with the project. However, following the trailer’s release, he noticed predominantly positive responses, with a great deal of excitement from the Dylan community.
Craig Danuloff, the host of Dylan.FM website and podcast, noted that the Dylan fanbase on Twitter, known for expressing their opinions freely, have generally responded positively to the trailer, with around 90% expressing approval.
Erin Callahan, podcast host and professor: I’ve watched the trailer so many times, I’ve lost track. It’s likely over 20 times.
Steve Jenkins, head of the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, expressed a blend of genuine excitement and eagerness. Some traditionalists might be subtly skeptical, yet it’s still too soon to tell. It’s just an enjoyable topic for discussion. Dylan enthusiasts will eagerly scrutinize and interpret any hint of Dylan’s activities.
Callahan finds himself in a unique position where he interacts with both the fan base dedicated to Dylan, often referred to as Dylanologists, and the academic community. The academic circle has shown more criticism, while the fans have remained enthusiastic.
The fans, initially skeptical, began to accept the situation as they were given pieces of information, eventually thinking, “Perhaps things will turn out alright.”
As an ardent fan, I can’t help but notice the polarized responses toward the upcoming Bob Dylan film starring Timothée Chalamet. On one hand, some critics seem resolute in their disapproval, unwilling to offer it a break. On the other hand, there are those of us who can hardly contain our excitement, simply thrilled at the prospect of a Bob Dylan movie gracing the silver screen once more.
Frankly speaking, I must admit that my initial excitement was somewhat subdued. However, upon consideration, I found Timothée Chalamet to be an excellent pick for the role.
Laura Tenschert, the “Definitely Dylan” podcast’s host, remarks: He exudes charm and undeniably possesses exceptional acting skills.
KG Miles, author of “Bob Dylan in the Big Apple,” “Bob Dylan and Dylan Thomas” and other books: My kids had made me sit and watch “Dune” and things like that. These aren’t films that I would typically watch, but I think Timothée has enough charisma as an actor, and that’s the important thing. He’s got that star quality.
I: Timothée Chalamet is an incredibly talented young actor who never fails to impress me in his roles, with the exception of “Wonka.” Personally, I prefer Gene Wilder’s interpretation of the character. However, it’s great to see Chalamet giving it his all in that production.
As a longtime fan of Bob Dylan’s music, I’ve had the pleasure of observing his unique stage presence for decades. From the way he talks with that distinctive, raspy voice to the way he moves with an almost poetic grace, Dylan is a truly enigmatic figure. And it’s not just his performances on stage that leave an indelible impression – his interviews and public appearances are equally captivating.
If I had been in charge of casting for the film, I might have chosen an unknown actor for the role of Bob, as a figurative expression goes. However, it’s essential to consider business aspects too, so this wasn’t a feasible option.
Michael Gray, an influential critic and author of “Song & Dance Man: The Art of Bob Dylan,” shares a perspective different from many online: While some are captivated by Hollywood and the allure of film stars, he finds himself less engaged. It seems that Dylan’s fame might not be the sole reason for this fascination.
Tenschert: My main criticism is that Timothée Chalamet is a bit too tall to be playing Bob Dylan.
Hyden: We need a little guy to play Bob Dylan.
In the trailer’s view, I must admit I had low expectations, assuming it would follow the pattern of cheesy TV movies that some contemporary rock biopics have become known for. However, it appears to steer clear of that cliché style.
Laffer: There’s a widespread feeling that things could have turned out much more poorly. Many people are expressing surprise and relief by saying, “Wow, it seems to be in decent shape.”
Gray: There has been a surprising amount of enthusiasm.
Miles: Most Bob Dylan skeptics and hardcore fans alike are likely thrilled now.
After watching the trailer, I let out a rare burst of enthusiasm and even cheered.)
As a film enthusiast, I’ve noticed that Timothée Chalamet seems more appealing in the movie trailer than in certain set photos where he wore a hat and scarf. The scarf, in particular, was a turn-off for some people online. However, it’s understandable that people can overreact to small details. Nevertheless, I believe the trailer presents Timothée in a more flattering light.>
In my opinion, the visuals brought Bob Dylan’s oil paintings to mind. The cinematography possesses a rich yet unremarkable appearance, giving off an air of polished, Hollywood-style Americana.
Although he didn’t entirely resemble Bob Dylan according to my preference, there are several stages of Dylan’s appearance during that era that he might be going through.
Jenkins: The camera loves Chalamet, so he certainly looks good as Dylan.
Callahan: He looks as much like Dylan as I think someone could, except for maybe Cate Blanchett.
As a discerning film enthusiast, allow me to share my perspective on this matter: In my humble opinion, opting for a prosthetic nose in the production design might not have been essential. It could potentially distract from the overall character development and aesthetic cohesion of the movie.
Daniel: I found it unusual that Dylan’s prosthetic nose in the film didn’t resemble his real nose. It reminded me of the backlash Bradley Cooper faced for “Maestro,” although I’m not certain if this production will encounter the same critique.
Callahan: Timothée has clearly done the work. He has Dylan’s mannerisms down.
Daniel: The way he plays the guitar, particularly how his right hand glides over the strings, is quite impressive. It’s clear that he has studied Bob’s performance techniques extensively.
Jenkins: The brief clips I’ve heard of him singing “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” are impressive and commendable.
The voice left an impression on me. In the initial moment before his identity was revealed, I questioned if it could be Bob.
His singing voice is exceptionally impressive; it seems polished yet genuine. I’d guess there may have been some adjustments made, but overall, it comes across as very authentic.
Instead of “He does a good job avoiding the typical Bob Dylan imitation and opting for something more authentic,” you could also say “He manages to steer clear of the usual Bob Dylan mimicry and offers a more sincere approach.”
Callahan: He’s done the early-career phrasing very well, and the tonality of it.
He’s almost perfected the rhythm, which is the most challenging aspect when imitating Dylan.
Danuloff: He not only stretches out words similarly to Dylan, but also gives off a gritty, distinctive tone reminiscent of Dylan’s voice during that time. This adds an authentic touch to his performance when compared to Dylan’s singing style from that era.
In a refreshing turn of events, it seems his dialect coach has truly excelled. His pronunciation sometimes resembles Timothée Chalamet’s, and he manages to deliver flawlessly. The key lies in the final sounds of words. For instance, he says “mountains” and “highways” with such ease that it could have been a challenge, but it wasn’t.
Danuloff: His singing of “highways” seemed incredibly accurate, and it contained a delicate touch and intricate detail.
Daniel: It irked me when he added a “G” to “darling.” He should have said, “my sweetheart, my dear one.” At that point, Bob didn’t add a “G” to anything. The song wasn’t titled “The Wind is Blowing,” it was “The Wind is Blowing in” – so I couldn’t help but cringe a little at the mispronunciation.
Gray: His singing voice is admirably accurate, not as an imitation but as a representation.
In simpler terms, it seems authentic rather than imitating a parody, yet it’s distinguishable from the original Dylan’s style, avoiding an exact impersonation.
Miles: Does he capture the essence of Bob Dylan’s voice convincingly? You could have high standards, but he manages to do so quite effectively. He conveys the emotion and depth in Dylan’s singing, avoiding an imitation that feels forced or artificial.
Daniel commented, “When the camera caught him, his glance and quick blink were spot-on, truly capturing Dylan in his element. As he sang, “Haaard raaain“, I couldn’t help but exclaim, “Oh, yeah!” He wasn’t just performing skillfully, but also enjoying every moment.”
Hyden prefers the approach where the person sings live instead of playing a pre-recorded studio version or miming to Bob Dylan’s voice.
It’s quite bold of him to attempt singing in a film, an endeavor that’s challenging for any actor. But what makes it even more daring is his decision to tackle some of the most iconic songs ever composed or penned. Such confidence deserves recognition.
The recreation of Dylan’s famous places, such as Cafe Wha? and the ’60s Village streets, really captivated me. The authenticity of the period setting added to my excitement.
Jenkins: There seems to be a real attention to period detail and accuracy.
As a cinephile, I find myself captivated by this five-year span in the early ’60s. Remarkably, each subsequent five-year period since then has been just as intriguing.
Laffer laments the absence of a more intriguing epoch portrayed. This timeframe seems theatrical, giving an impression of distant antiquity. There are numerous other phases in Dylan’s life that appear more captivating or enigmatic instead.
Burrell: I’d love a film about Dylan making one of his ‘80s albums. I’d love it, but everyone else wouldn’t, apart from maybe me and six other Dylan fans.
As someone who has been a dedicated Bob Dylan fan for over two decades, I must admit that I was disappointed by the recent movie portrayal of his life during a supposedly less interesting period. For me and fellow fans like me, also known as “Dylanheads,” this film didn’t live up to our expectations. We crave the raw authenticity and depth that Dylan’s music embodies, which unfortunately seemed missing from this cinematic interpretation of his life. While I respect the creative freedom of the filmmakers, I believe that true fans will find it hard to connect with this portrayal and may instead choose to immerse themselves in Dylan’s actual music and historical recordings for a more enriching experience.
It’s a challenging task for Timothée to portray an era that is deeply iconic and seemingly untouchable.
Padgett: The movie isn’t really for us, and that’s OK — us being the Dylan superfan.
Tenschert: I think the film is a really exciting opportunity for new people to discover Bob Dylan as an artist. He has had such a long career, and it can be quite intimidating to figure out where to get in. A film like this is a great opportunity for people to connect with what is charismatic about him and what is special about him.
If I don’t care for the film myself, but it manages to attract a large number of new fans to Dylan’s music, I’d consider that a worthwhile outcome.
Burrell: We’ve had the esoteric, slightly strange films like Todd Haynes’ “I’m Not There,” but there hasn’t been a big, broad Dylan biopic. I’m definitely on board.
As a fan of Bob Dylan, I’ve come to appreciate his versatility and complexity. His latest song, “I Contain Multitudes,” only adds to this understanding. However, some fans might find it challenging to accept a biopic that aims to tell a definitive story about him. They may worry that such a representation could oversimplify or even misrepresent the intricacies of Dylan’s life.
As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I’ve got mixed feelings about this upcoming film. It could either beautifully capture a man I deeply admire, or turn into a spectacle worthy of laughter. Yet, I remain optimistic that it will lean more towards the touching portrayal rather than the amusing disaster.
User: I anticipate that this film will be skillfully produced and convincingly acted, yet likely unremarkable overall. It’s unlikely that it will be exceptional, but there’s a decent chance it won’t be bad either – the bar seems to be set quite high.
Grant: I’m crossing my fingers it won’t be like a movie adaptation of “Bohemian Rhapsody”. Now, please don’t misunderstand me, I have nothing against such films…
Miles: If the movie is just as captivating as the preview suggests, it will surely attract a large audience. The promotion team has done an excellent job. Here’s to hoping the entire film maintains this level of quality.
Hyden expresses that the film won’t be disappointingly bad nor impressively good. Instead, he anticipates an average experience, which unfortunately, can be rather unexciting.
As a film enthusiast, I’d like to remind everyone that it’s still too early to label a movie as a masterpiece or dismiss it before its release. My experience has taught me that there’s always something special about seeing a film on the big screen for the first time. So let’s hold off on the judgments and keep an open mind, because I have a feeling that many of us will be eagerly waiting in line to watch this movie when it hits theaters.
Padgett: I’m going to be skeptical and then be the first in the door, of course.
Laffer: We’ll have an amazing experience and look forward to watching it on the big screen as soon as it becomes available in cinemas.
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2024-07-30 18:49