A Complete Unknown is a film that celebrates the "creative spirit of the quintessential American songwriter" Bob Dylan and "tells the story of triumph of aestheticism over socialist realism."
Good perspective. Possibly TOO political in its orientation, although others have pointed out Seeger's dubious attachment to Communism.
The part I'll comment on is "It was a fun episode and I understand why an artist working within a socialist realist diktat would need to bend to the will of the censor at least occasionally, but it’s very sad that the filmmakers thought it was a point that needs addressing."
I think you've crossed the line into seeing the whole movie as "addressing a point." It's entertainment, not politics. It shows that Dylan was an actual musician who could figure out the non-standard guitar tuning being used just from listening. And "it was a fun episode" IS the only reason necessary for having it.
I appreciate this point. We should always call out the virtue signaling. It’s annoying and almost always undermines the point (or message, if that’s more appropriate) of the movie.
Plus, with so many overly long movies, cutting down superfluous scenes is always welcome.
I’m late to this Katya, but just saw the film today and loved it. Your review here is spot-on, even down to the obligatory inclusion of the Black blues singer. Yes, Dylan had ample respect for black blues and rock and roll — but it was kind of a “must have” I guess — a bit of a nod to a socialist realist plot. In any event, I loved the film’s revelation of Dylan’s individualist and powerful vision that drove him to explore new categories of music. As an artist, it spoke to me. Thank you for this wonderful review!
Title typo: Dylan Rebels- A Review of A Complete *Unkown*
I'm curious about the process of how Dylan was completely de-cowed-ified, which I presume is slang for swearing off leather jackets.
Great review. I’m not a Dylan fan, but I’d be interested in seeing the movie. Nice to know it’s not another woke biopic.
Good perspective. Possibly TOO political in its orientation, although others have pointed out Seeger's dubious attachment to Communism.
The part I'll comment on is "It was a fun episode and I understand why an artist working within a socialist realist diktat would need to bend to the will of the censor at least occasionally, but it’s very sad that the filmmakers thought it was a point that needs addressing."
I think you've crossed the line into seeing the whole movie as "addressing a point." It's entertainment, not politics. It shows that Dylan was an actual musician who could figure out the non-standard guitar tuning being used just from listening. And "it was a fun episode" IS the only reason necessary for having it.
Fair criticism. I wrote about aestheticism from political perspective which kind of defeats the purpose.
I appreciate this point. We should always call out the virtue signaling. It’s annoying and almost always undermines the point (or message, if that’s more appropriate) of the movie.
Plus, with so many overly long movies, cutting down superfluous scenes is always welcome.
I’m late to this Katya, but just saw the film today and loved it. Your review here is spot-on, even down to the obligatory inclusion of the Black blues singer. Yes, Dylan had ample respect for black blues and rock and roll — but it was kind of a “must have” I guess — a bit of a nod to a socialist realist plot. In any event, I loved the film’s revelation of Dylan’s individualist and powerful vision that drove him to explore new categories of music. As an artist, it spoke to me. Thank you for this wonderful review!