06/03/2025

LYFE THURSDAY | MAR 6, 2025

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Malaysian Paper

Biopic captures essence of Bob Dylan

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o Lengthy film requiring patience focuses on artiste’s early rise to stardom

strength, offering a counterpoint to Bob’s restless ambition. The chemistry between Chalamet and Fanning feels authentic, making their dynamic one of the film’s emotional anchors. Together, they create a compelling portrait of a relationship caught in the tides of fame, artistry and personal conflict. Chalamet’s quiet brilliance and Fanning’s grounded presence make A Complete Unknown as much a personal story as it is a musical one. Patience required, earned A Complete Unknown is not for everyone. The film’s pacing is slow, its tone introspective and its storytelling subtle. Those seeking high drama or rapid-fire dialogue may find themselves restless. However, for viewers who come prepared for a contemplative experience, the film delivers in spades. It perfectly captures the cultural spirit of the 1960s while offering deep insights into the artistic struggle between creative expression and public expectation. The message is clear: this is a film that must be felt as much as it is watched. Authentic 60s vibe Mangold successfully recreates the atmosphere of 1960s New York, with smoky clubs, intimate performance spaces and the charged energy of a city on the brink of cultural revolution. The cinematography captures the era’s moodiness, while the sound design highlights every strum of the guitar and each note sung by Chalamet. The film’s live performances stand out, adding a raw and immersive quality that transports audiences into Highway 61 Revisited (1965) This album marks Dylan’s continuing evolution as an artiste, moving further afield from his original folk roots to encompass a wider rock sound. A full backing band gives each tune real meat, compared to the previous stripped down folk tunes featuring Dylan and just his acoustic guitar (and harmonica), the album features iconic tunes such as Like a Rolling Stone and Queen Jane Approximately . The sprawling 11-minute blues narrative Desolation Row is also a highlight, showcasing the power of lyrics in a A double album that was partly recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, it has often been described as one of the greatest albums of all time. Featuring crack session musicians from the area’s thriving music scene, Dylan sharpened his lyrical sensibilities to a razor’s edge as heard on the magical narratives of Leopard Skin Pill-Box Hat and Rainy Day Women #12 & 35 . Visions of Johanna is also ranked by many fans as among his finest compositions, in a career littered with them. Even casual listeners will recognise this as a work of genius. fast maturing rock scene. Blonde on Blonde (1967)

Ű BY YASMIN ZULRAEZ

immersive experience that holds attention through its rich storytelling and stellar performances. Dynamic duo At the centre of A Complete Unknown are two powerhouse performances: Timothee Chalamet as Dylan and Elle Fanning as Sylvie. Chalamet fully embodies the young Dylan, capturing his quiet intensity, enigmatic personality and unmistakable voice. His commitment to the role is evident in his live performances, making it feel like Dylan himself is on screen rather than an actor playing him. Fanning, meanwhile, brings depth and emotional weight to the film as Sylvie, a character inspired by Bob’s real-life muse Suze Rotolo. Her portrayal balances warmth and

D IRECTED by James Mangold, A Complete Unknown transports audiences to the vibrant music scene of 1960s New York, a time of revolutionary sounds and cultural upheaval. This biographical musical drama is not a typical one. It is a slow, thoughtful retelling of Bob Dylan’s formative years, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexities of fame, identity and artistic freedom. Clocking in at a substantial runtime, this is not a film for those expecting fast-paced action. The narrative unfolds deliberately, requiring viewers to absorb the atmosphere, dialogue and music. However, for those willing to invest the time, it rewards with an

The film is bound to generate renewed interest in Dylan’s work.

Woody Guthrie serves as a poignant reminder of the generational shifts in American music. Every performance feels essential, contributing to the film’s rich tapestry. audience A Complete Unknown is a cinematic reflection on music, fame and the cost of individuality. For those ready to embrace its slow pace and introspective tone, it offers a rich, rewarding experience. But viewers should approach it with the right mindset: this is not a thrill ride, it is a thoughtful journey. For those willing to take the ride, A Complete Unknown will stay with them long after leaving the cinema. Rewarding watch for right

the heart of the era’s folk music movement. For music lovers, this attention to detail is a treat, offering an auditory journey that complements the visual storytelling. Stellar supporting cast While Chalamet and Fanning command the spotlight, the supporting cast is equally impressive. Edward Norton brings depth as folk scene mentor Pete Seeger, balancing idealism with pragmatic concerns. Monica Barbaro delivers a compelling turn as Joan Baez, adding layers of tension and chemistry to the story. Boyd Holbrook’s portrayal of Johnny Cash injects charisma and lightness, while Scoot McNairy’s Blood on the Tracks (1975) Artistes must suffer for their art. In Blood on the Tracks , Dylan drew on his collapsing marriage for inspiration. Needless to say, the album is filled with anger, recriminations, regret and no small amount of poignancy. With songs titles such as Buckets of Rain and Shelter from the Storm speaking volumes, this album remains Dylan’s most commercially successful one, reaching the apex of the US album charts. Bittersweet ruminations of a relationship gone wrong has never been so eloquently captured. Time Out of Mind (1997) This late career offering is a highlight as it catches the singer in a reflective mood, having survived a serious health scare during the recording process. Produced by Daniel Lanois (U2, Emmylou Harris), Time Out of Mind was both a critical and commercial success, with it bagging the Grammy for Album of the Year. It leans heavily on Dylan’s blues influence, with the brush of mortality bringing his life and career into sharp focus. Despite being an octogenarian, Dylan continues to tour and record

0 DIRECTOR: James Mangold 0 CAST: Timothee Chalamet, Elle

Fanning, Edward Norton, Monica Barbaro, Joe Tippett E-VALUE 7 ACTING 8 PLOT 7 Five recommended albums for newbies

Chalamet captures the essence of the artiste with his spot-on performance. – PICS FROM IMDB

Ű BY R.BALA

THOSE who watched the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown may be tempted to dip their toes into this legendary performer’s back catalogue. But with the folk rock legend’s discography including 40 studio albums, 21 live albums, 17 volumes of The Bootleg Series , 44 compilation albums, numerous soundtracks and EPs, the task can seem a little overwhelming. Here theSun picks the five essential albums newbies should dive into to experience the glory that is Dylan. Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan (1963) This is the singer’s second album and the one that launched him into mainstream consciousness. With standout tracks such as Blowin’ in the Wind and A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall showcasing the rising star’s prowess as a lyricist, it marks a turning point in rock history where artistes took greater creative control of albums. There would be less reliance on professional songwriters as Dylan’s 11 original compositions on this record show just what an album can sound like when it is a purer reflection of the artiste.

Blood on the Tracks turns 50 this year and is Dylan’s most commercially successful album. – PIC FROM FACEBOOK @PITCHFORK music until this day. But these are the standouts in a career filled with high points. Dive headlong into these albums and it will prove to be far more rewarding than relying on random playlists or compilations as an introduction to this Nobel laureate’s music.

Dylan’s back catalogue is immense and can be intimidating to new listeners, featuring 40 studio and 21 live albums. – PIC FROM FACEBOOK @BOBDYLAN