For audiences with long memories, singer-songwriter, Bob Dylan, has been a constant presence since he first went to New York City, aged 20, in 1961, made contact with Pete Seeger, admired Woody Guthrie, was given opportunities to sing in clubs, at festivals, and to record. And, he has done so ever since, awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016 for having created new poetic expressions. Still at work in his 80s.
For younger audiences, becoming aware of the Bob Dylan of later years, memories of his songs, his contribution to folk music, his developments and musical talent, may have made a strong impression.
Which means that this two-hour twenty minute film about Bob Dylan’s earliest years, from a complete unknown in 1961 to a star, acclaimed, also criticised for his transition from folk to electric instruments, in developing music styles at the Newport Festival in 1965, will be a significant experience.
And, there is the performance by Timotheé Chalamet as Bob Dylan, a physically slight figure, characteristic wavy hair, intent on singing, writing his lyrics, always with a cigarette in his mouth, bringing Dylan to life. (In the last 12 months Timotheé Chalamet has been Wonka, Paul Atreides in Dune 2 and now Bob Dylan, indicating that in his talent, Chalamet is a screen chameleon. It is worth seeing him in interviews as his ordinary self to appreciate his versatility.)
Not that Bob Dylan in his early years was always an attractive character to meet. He was self-obsessed, ambitious, intent on writing and composing at all times and all places, fickle, often casual and off-hand, in relationships, especially with singer Joan Baez – but this is a young man in his early 20s. But he knows what he wants for himself and his creativity and career.
However, one of the great values of director, James Mangold’s film is situating the early songs, including some songs from Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger as well as Blowing in the Wind, The Times are Achanging and quite a catalogue of other songs. And impressively, Timotheé Chalamet sings all the songs himself, plays the guitar and harmonica. In fact, all the supporting cast do their own singing, Monica Barbaro impressive with a beautiful voice as Joan Baez, Ed Norton in a very impressive performance as a sympathetic Pete Seeger, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash. (Incidentally, James Mangold directed the film portrait of Johnny Cash in 2005, Walk the Line.)
There are some moving moments at the beginning of the film and at the end with Pete Seeger present and singing for a chronically ill Woody Guthrie in hospital.
Bob Dylan has been a significant figure in American and world music for more than 60 years. This is a welcome opportunity for us to go back to this introduction as a complete unknown.
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Irena Heath says:
My friend and I both enjoyed the movie, however felt it didn’t delve further into his life in later years and perhaps even his early upbringing.