Unraveling the Mystery of Bob Dylan Through Film

Todd Haynes' Approach

In Todd Haynes' vision, the focus is not on finding Bob Dylan's center. Instead, he splinters the artist into pieces of his persona, with different actors playing various fragments. This approach avoids the trap of trying to represent Dylan in his entirety and instead delves into the complexity of his public image.

For example, Haynes might show different aspects of Dylan's persona through separate characters, highlighting the diversity and mystery that surrounds him. This allows the audience to see Dylan from multiple angles, adding to the enigma.

James Mangold's 'A Complete Unknown'

James Mangold's 'A Complete Unknown' takes a different tack. Instead of focusing on explanations for Dylan's behavior, the film shows what it was like to be in his orbit. Mangold's epiphany is that Dylan is a force rather than a protagonist.

The best sequences in the film are not about Dylan directly but about the impact he had on those around him. For instance, the scenes with Edward Norton as Pete Seeger and Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez capture the essence of the Greenwich Village folk scene and Dylan's rise.

Timothée Chalamet's Performance

Timothée Chalamet is superb as the young Dylan. His nasal singing and untested certainty in the spotlight gradually transform into swagger as Dylan grows restless. His performance provides a hard surface for other characters to bounce off of.

When Chalamet interacts with characters like Norton and Barbaro, it's clear that he is embodying the essence of Dylan. His portrayal adds depth to the story and makes the audience feel the gravitational pull of Dylan's talent.

The Greenwich Village Folk Scene

The film gives a cluttered, tactile texture to the Greenwich Village folk scene that has become mythical. Characters like Suze Rotolo (Elle Fanning) and the various folkies around Dylan add to the authenticity of the setting.

As Dylan's star rises, the folkies around him hope to hitch their movement to his, but they also feel the effects of his changing fame. This creates a complex web of relationships that is beautifully captured in the film.