A Complete Unknown
Warning: This article contains MAJOR SPOILERS for A Complete Unknown!
Unsurprisingly, numerous movies and documentaries have focused on the singer, including the 2024music biopicA Complete Unknown.
A Complete Unknown is based on the bookDylan Goes Electric!
They write letters back and forth until they finally meet in real life at the 1964 Newport Folk Festival.
If Bob Dylan and Johnny Cashs son are to be believed, they met prior to that event.
This matches up with the story that Johnny Cashs son told during a Reddit AMA.
Custom Image by Dani Kessel Odom
Dylan reportedly ran into the room and started jumping on the bed, saying, I met Johnny Cash.
I met Johnny Cash a hilariously relatable response.
Baez has an agent, but she still hasnt been picked up by a label.
via Searchlight Pictures
The fact that they both are up-and-coming artists is a bonding factor for the pair.
However, this is far from reality.
When Dylan and Baez met, the Barefoot Madonna was already an internationally famous folk singer.
She appeared onstage wearing no shoes, for which she gained her nickname.
In his memoir, Dylan described her as the most erotic thing Id ever seen.
Elle Fanning doesnt look like a 17-year-old, so its less likely to make some viewers uncomfortable.
They then performed the song at the March on Washington as well, furthering its reach.
This was a significant deal since Bob Dylans version of the song didnt reach the charts.
Baez has discussed many times how heartbroken she felt about Dylan breaking things off.
Joan wont be there when I want her.
She wont do it when I want to do it (viaFar Out Magazine).
This is what it said:
Bob!
via Searchlight Pictures
Someone just told me that you too think I didnt like your going electric in 1965.
Ive denied that so many times.
No, this is the way they want it, they said.
My big mistake was in not challenging from the stage the foolish few who booed.
I shoulda said, Howlin Wolf goes electric, why cant Bob?
In any case, you keep on.
Ultimately, there are a few reasons why James Mangold might have included the mythologized version of events.
However,A Complete Unknownreviews have pointed out that this didnt succeed.
One of the few moments where Dylans personality is more noticeable is when hes recording Highway 61 Revisited.
However, in real life, Dylan wasnt the one who had the idea to use a police whistle.
He suggested that Bob Dylan play the whistle instead of the harmonica.
In response, he says, I dont believe you.
Photo Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures
Then, he turns to his band and says, Play it loud.
This matches up almost beat for beat with the real moment in rock n roll history.
After the real-life audience member shouted Judas, Dylan replied I dont believe you.
Play it f*cking loud.
Besides the profanity removal, theres only one major difference between the movie and the actual incident.
Ultimately, this change makes sense from a narrative standpoint because the heckler and response are iconic.
It almost wouldnt feel right to have aBob Dylan moviewithout the Judas situation.
He wants to perform his new style, but the festival board pushes him to do acoustic folk music.
This moment shows the unconditional support within the friendship, and it helps Dylan feel confident in his decision.
Taking this into consideration, the scene inA Complete Unknownfeels emotionally true, even if its factually inaccurate.
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