Here's the link to the greatest music mockumentary every made. Be sure to leave a comment and tell 'em Otis sent ya! th-cam.com/video/awxrMOvVAIc/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Ri6MFTjyLznpaVY6
I saw it three times and I’ll watch it again. Beautiful tribute. The music is real and true to Dylan’s spirit. It’s just a dam good movie. Touching and brought tears to my eyes. Dylan’s music is my lifeblood. The movie is beautiful. The characters portraying Dylan, Joan, Pete, Johnny, Woody and the rest did justice to our beloved and history. Now as then, the world was in turmoil. Bobby did his job in spite of that. Let’s do our job now and work for love and peace. Thank you Bob! Thank you Otis! ✌️
I started listening to Dylan sixty-four years ago. There is no one that holds a more special place in my heart. I am not a fan of rock biopics, I could never suspend reality long enough to believe that there was something other than fakery going on. That being said, "A Complete Unknown" was wonderful. I don't know how they did it, but they captured a time and a place warts and all. It made me cry with gratitude that I was somehow part of it all, me and my little Delco record player. I knew who characters were even though their names were never said. I didn't think I'd love it as much as I did.
My feelings exactly. I am a 72 year old music fan and Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan have been my favorite artists since my teenage years. I went to the Cash biopic that won many awards and I could not wait to get out of the theater. Almost seemed sacrilege to me. And being a movie fan as well I just didn't get it when the Oscars were announced. So....some friends asked me to attend the Dylan movie last week and I very respectfully initially declined for all the reasons you mentioned today. But after their continued "come on you old fart It'll be good" I relented and went and as you said, it wasn't torture to sit there, I enjoyed the music part of the film but I came away with nothing other than feeling like I had just seen a tribute band. I have watched most every documentary on Dylan, seen many live shows on TH-cam and read alot about him so to reduce his early career to an hour and a half or so of Hollywood dress up didn't seem like it would have anything new to offer, and it didn't for me. Conversely I have a friend who is a HUGE Dylan fan and he absolutely loved it. Different strokes I guess.
I am 74 and I lived through this era as you did. Dylan and Cash were likewise heroes of mine, and remain so to this day. But I loved the movie. I saw it in a theater with a lot of 70-somethings (never saw so much gray hair in a movie theater) and in the lobby after the movie it was clear that many people, like me, found it to be deeply moving. It was not an impersonation or a documentary. It was a film about a time when the world's problems seemed solvable and music meant everything to young people like me. It caught the zeitgeist of the times in a very artful way. That doesn't mean you have to like it, but I would encourage anyone who thinks this film is just another lame biopic to give it a chance,
Methinks ye protest too much, Otis. I was 9-13 years-old during the years depicted in the movie, 1961-65. The House Un-American Activities Committee, The Cuban Missile Crisis, the Civil Rights Movement, the repression of the 1950’s, the Assassination of JFK-and Dylan’s creativity and response to all that through his music are depicted brilliantly. His courage to stand up against it all in his songs astounds me! We can forget how turbulant those times were, but it brought all back for me. What a gift! I’ve been multiple times now. The movie evokes thoughts and feelings from that time all over again and gives me the opportunity re-process and re-think my experience. That’s the power of music and film. I couldn’t ask for more. Now you’ve heard on Saturday something you didn’t know on Friday, Otis-so go see the movie. 😉🤣😎👌
I was 17 in '61 and '62 and lived in NYC and remember Dylan, the Folklore Center and Izzy Young, but it was a collective of people and places that are to be remembered. When I saw Dylan I thought he was a Rambling Jack Elliott clone. Even on his first album his version 'The House of the Rising Sun' was a Dave Van Ronk version. I still think Dylan was a great marker of that time, but he was part of something bigger than one person.
Just finished viewing and man, I could write the equivalent of a novella in comment based merely on this one visit. But, I'll try and just say this: I was reflecting on how you are intriguing, based and unlike anyone else I see on TH-cam. When I first found your channel, I just came back a few times, subscribed and eventually joined. I've just now realized why that is, to a large extent. I've been working with internet for a long time and of those many years, probably spent half them using social media. I was a writer and fairly easily got it together but don't know a lot. So, since I found you, I was continuing on, the same as always except that now, I get to your latest chat and everything changes; things get softer, lighter, inviting. By the time I get the virtual tie slacked, loafers kicked off and you beginning to talk, Life just instantly becomes easier, even if only for those moments sometimes. I could go on. And on, lol, and often tend to but in any event, my brother you and Amy stay warm, safe and well. And peaceful. And thank you so much - even for today's visit alone. Just a treat.
I’m waiting to rent that Dylan biopic as soon as it becomes available. Dylan approved this movie, and allowed them to use any of his music. The beauty of having our singers represented on the screen is they are introduced to a new generation. That was some pretty important music. Here’s wishing all hands a great weekend.
I saw a biopic of Dylan's being advertised on yt, said what Neil Young thinks of new Dylan biopic but I didn't watch it. I don't know the title but I think it is on here or maybe I am wrong.
I'm with ya, friend. As a boy, my father showed me The Buddy Holly Story, and I absolutely loved it. Then you read a book about Buddy and the history of rock, and you realize the biopics take a lot of 'artistic license' and dramatize much of it. Some of them are still good, but some could be cartoons they're so far from reality. I'm gonna see the Dylan movie, but only when it finds me. Oh, and museums and graveyard tours are always on the agenda while traveling. Highgate Cemetery in London is beautiful. Site of Marx and Faraday's resting place. Be safe and enjoy your day
It’s great to be able to think, learn,grow and evolve one’s opinion and make course corrections in life. It’s also good to have your personal opinion and beliefs and stand by it. I personally have generally liked biopics and when I think of why do I, I think it comes down to loving history, loving music, loving the personality and the inspiration those musicians have brought to me. I thought the Dylan movie was good and dug it. I appreciate you Otis. Keep up the good work!!!
Sounds like you’re a Tapophile Otis. “A taphophile is a person who is interested in cemeteries, gravestones, and funerals.” I love visiting cemeteries; so peaceful and so much history and beautiful monuments that are truly works of art.
"The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function." - F. Scott Fitzgerald
I agree. "A well-centered individual is usually open to considering different viewpoints and is not afraid to re-evaluate their beliefs when presented with compelling evidence or new knowledge." -Open AI
@@jimmyjambon9206 Is this true? It is really from an Open AI exchange? That seems so unreal (I don't mean in the doubting way - more the awesome way. I wonder what the precise question would be to elicit that articulation in just such a way. Mind you, I know nothing of AI.
@ It is true Almost scary...Just google, "a well centered person can change their opinion over time" And an AI overview pops up... I am so use to attributing quotes to real people as you did...so I thought to be consistent I shouldn't rip off AI...lol I am blown away by it all.
@@jimmyjambon9206 Thanks for that perspective. And stating the obvious here: The older we are, the scarier this whole AI breakout is. I'll be 69 in May, been around computers long enough to have lived through all sorts of phases and trends and constantly changing the way we do things. A great many of the safe, reliable, no second-guessing foundational principles and fundamental underpinnings of society, are disappearing; and many of us have no assurance incoming replacements will be any better. I figure most of the resistance to AI comes from that.
I once heard that you should never laugh at or make fun of someone for mispronouncing a word, because it means (as you mention) they learned it by reading. Of course, in the current cesspool we're in you're more apt to be made fun of for reading.
Thanks yet again, Otis! I've been involved with music throughout my life both as a fan and as employment... I have always had a hard time with biopics, particularly when they are about musicians I've actually experienced in "real time," grew up with, saw perform, read interviews with... I would be interested to hear what films your listeners find redeemable, meritous, enjoyable, and/or recommended ? Hope to hear from some of you! 🎶🎬🎸🎥🎺✌️
I got invited to go to a Brit Floyd concert by a friend with an extra ticket. I would never have gone to see them otherwise, but they were excellent! With my eyes closed I couldn’t tell a difference. I play guitar and Gilmore is one of my favorite guitar players. Even the vocals were spot on.
Sitting here with my coffee thinking how is a child I looked forward to Saturday morning cartoons and it's the old man I get that same excitement for Saturday's with Otis
It’s difficult to capture the real stories. It seems we, as contemporaries , know a bit more than the writers. As for the actors, they take on an insurmountable task. When I studied piano , at an early age, I was into classical music. Today, my mind is open. As a musician I truly appreciate the works of these world class composers. To visit their resting place must inspire a heavy feeling of gratitude for all they did. Not unlike Macon , Ga. & the Allmsn Brothers. Though all these fantastic musicians are gone, we keep their music alive.
I think the best movie to get at the spirit of Dylan is Todd Haynes’ I’m Not There. By having different characters (other than the Cate Blanchett character) portray a discrete fictionalized facet of the Dylan mythology but not the historical Dylan got at Dylan the artist and the icon better than a standard biopic ever could. Cate Blanchett as the mid 60’s newly turned electric Dylan represents the only performance modeled after the actual Dylan where the actor does an imitation and she knocks it out of the park. Furthermore, it works within the film’s structure. Dylan spanned so many decades, has been such an enormous part of modern culture and has been such a mercurial artist, I thought Haynes came up a brilliant and extremely moving way to relate how the Dylan mythos has evolved. Plus, he uses one of the great songs from the original basement tapes in the film and for the title.
Otis, picked up two tickets for Peter Case at the Bluebird in March based off of your recommendation last weeks I’ve never seen him and am not real familiar, but i have some faith in you. Looking forward!
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The whole time I was watching the Dylan biopic, I was thinking "Who would play Prine in a Prine biopic?". Maybe if/when they make that, I'll feel a little bit more like you do about the Dylan flic. I loved the film!
⚓️ Thanks Otis 🌈 Walk the Line, Elvis, I Saw The Light, Funny Girl, What’s Love Got to Do With It?, Blaze ⚓️ These movies mostly capture a significant arc… NOT a biography. Don’t expect too much…AND 😎 these movies are to INTRODUCE an artist to a whole new generation. So many 20-30 something people don’t know the genius of Bob. Now they have an introduction.🌈
While I agree suspending disbelief is an essential part of movie making. Biopics are probably a different animal. When one is familiar with the subject, in this case, Dylan. Perhaps trying to view the movie from a different perspective may help one find the movie more enjoyable. I personally really enjoyed the movie on a few levels. The thought of Dylan hitch hiking to NYC in 1961 at 19 years old with a flattop, the clothes on his back, and some great songs. Then having everything line up just right so he could make his mark. Absolutely fascinating! As many have pointed out. That particular time period in his career hasn’t been examined much. Also fascinating! In my minds eye. The movie seems to be about a fixed mindset vs a growth mindset. Many wanted Dylan to stay the same, to keep singing his songs within the folk community, etc. A fixed mindset. Dylan did not want to stay in same place artistically, he wanted to go forward, to grow as an artist. A growth mindset. A very cool movie!
I’ll say it again, you’re a peach my friend…. I generally agree but am going to see the Dylan movie after listening to Another Side from beginning to end last night. I’ll go see him play when he comes to Maine again… Have fun and do good work! 😎
I think it just depends on how biopics are made. Some are good at telling a story, and others feel like they try to cram everything in. Most modern music biopics fit into the later category. They cram everything in between ten different songs and the movie becomes less of a story and more of a summary.
Maybe it’s an east coast thing but the Dylan movie definitely interested me. I saw it and I loved it. I’m fascinated with the music scene of New York at that time….Dave Van Ronk, Dylan, etc. Love your comments Otis.
I haven't yet seen the Bob Dylan biopic, but a problem I have with them generally is they tend to come across as propaganda and more or less depict the person as perfect, with most or all of the less flattering aspects of the persons life and personality toned down or removed entirely. I don't think we should demonize people because of mistakes they've made - none of us are perfect - but I don't think we should glorify people and act like they were saints, either.
Biopics were some of my favorte films on TV when I was growing up. "Yankee Doodle Dandy", "Your Cheatin' Heart", and "Gentleman Jim" were some of my earliest favorites. I knew there was some falseness baked in the cake. George Hamilton as Hank Williams, lol. Yet I enjoyed them because I loved the medium of film and I respected the artists and their accomplishments. I also remember loving Carradine in "Bound For Glory" at the Twin drive-in as a teenager with my family. So many entertaining ones like "The Buddy Holly story", "La Bamba", and "Great Balls of Fire". None of them are 100% accurate but neither are the best books about the artists. The truth is in their art for us all to interpret but I love the movies and the books as well.
The Al Jolson story with Larry Parnes ( think that’s his name) and the Glenn Miller story starring James Stewart. Hope to see you in the UK soon Otis 👍
I think the movie that thing you do that Tom Hanks got made is a really underrated movie about being a musician and I think it really captures that time of the early Rock and roll. Where so much of what was going on was being driven by the record labels and the artist had so little control over what happened to them
John Banner is buried in a cemetery where a lease must be paid or the headstone is removed and someone else is buried in that plot. Apparently no one renewed John Banner's lease so his plaque has been replaced.
Hi Otis. Great video friend. Yes, I approached 'A Complete Unknown' with a certain amount of intrepidation. Biopics are an odd phenomenon. It's like looking at a film about the life of Jesus knowing it's going to end mostly in tears. However, I really liked the movie. Sure Chalamet didn't look like Dylan but what the heck. I'm in my 70s and live in Ireland so it's unlikely that I will ever see New York. Besides, the Village of the Beatniks and the 60s is probably long gone. At the same time the film gave me a feel for what it must have been like back then. I grew up listening to Dylan and I felt the incidents and images portrayed were oddly familiar. The film could have been a right old mess but thanks to those involved I enjoyed every minute of it.
Hey Otis… I always thought biopics were something to do with eye care.. lol.. I’ve seen clips of the Dylan flick.. astonishing! But I’m cheap and haven’t seen it. ✌🏼😁
Otis - I too visit graves around the world when travelling. It's good to pay respect to people you admire. I just got back from Vienna. Small correction: Mozart is buried a few miles up the road in St. Marx. Beethoven, Strauss, Brahms, Schubert, Salieri and Falco are in the Central Cemetery. It is indeed a beautiful place and worth a visit if you are there. I enjoy your channel and content. Now come out to the West Coast so I can see you in concert!
The problem for me with modern biopics especially is not knowing until it's too late if the producers had an agenda or not. Nowadays the public seems to want the gritty along with the life. I don't. If I love somebody's art, that's all I need to know. I don't need the "dark side", it taints the connection. La Bamba was a great, respectful biopic, but I have no interest in Bohemian Rhapsody because the trailer looks like it wants to show "the troubled side." I could be wrong, but I'm content not knowing. I just watched No Direction Home again, and maybe it's not a biopic strictly, but that's all the "backstory" I generally need to see. Leave me love my art.
OTIS, I’m a huge Bob fan as well. I love the content on Dylan and 90% of your channel. That being said, I went to see the Dylan movie bc of my children (ones named Dylan) and it was an absolute cool experience. Of course I wish it had more details, but u could tell Bob had his hand in it. Take the wife & take a look.
Here's a left of center recommendation for a bio pic that isn't a biopic "The Ecstasy of Wilko Johnson" Wilko is a hugely influential guitarist from the pre-Punk British blues band Dr Feelgood who were huge in their brief time in the spotlight. It's about his cancer diagnosis and reaction to it, the tour of England he did with Roger Daltry, and if you are into the Great British Roadside Otis you can visit Canveytown and the pier next time you are in London. It's a movie about how to live. Love all your stuff Otis.
"Walk Hard" is the best biopic ever made. As Eddie Vedder said, "If Elvis and Buddy Holly are the Cain and Abel of rock and roll, Bruce Springsteen is Zachariah, Iggy Pop is Methuselah, and, of course, Neil Young is the wise prophet Ezekiel, then what does that make Dewey Cox?"
I LOVED The Rutles! I watched it on TV when it came out with my life long buddy in his basement apartment in Ames , Iowa while we finished Uni. He also bought the album. Sadly, he died from cancer at 67 last August. She went and upset the apple cart!
Yeh Otis I've had the same feeling about Bio pics myself. Being a musician and singer and a big Dylan fan I feel no urge to see it. But maybe I'll change my mind one day. Love your videos Man. . Peace
Amadeus is one of my all time favorite movies, seen it dozens of times, it turned me on to Mozart’s music and classical music in general, but I think it’s kind of a stretch to call it a biopic. Though there are some biographical elements in it, it is a highly fictionalized story. That doesn’t mean it’s somehow unworthy. It’s an outstanding movie by any measure and deserves all the acclaim it gets, but if you really want to learn about Mozart’s life you would be better off reading a biography about him.
It is a slippy slope for sure as some of these Biopics feel more like a historical film. That said, my favorites are folks that pasted prior to my generation. On the subject of cemeteries, I vacationed in Paris and walking through Pe’re Lachaise cemetery was one of my top memories. The silence and beauty broken by the occasional call from Crows.
According to The Biopic about Harry Nilsson he died peacefully in his bed.... According to Marianne Faithfull RIP (Who was not a part of his biopic) and was a close friend he died in an oral surgeon's chair after a reaction to anesthesia. She said it in 1997 in Montreal during her performance of "Don't Forget Me" It was on YT but its been taken down. I don't believe the biopic.
My friend, and I really liked it. The movie does take liberties with stuff being heightened, and certain events not out of place in terms of the timeline.
I totally agree that Walk Hard, The Rutles and Spinal Tap depict more truth than most biopics these days. A film like Raging Bull is not only a biopic, it is also great filmmaking. You can't say that with many of the current biopics though. The Dylan film is not really made for Dylan fans. It's an introduction for casual fans (and Tomothee Chalamet fans). Thanks for the Bad News link. I'd never heard of the series.
Otis, I quite agree. There are exceptions, but by and large I don't care much for movies where the point is for a famous person to be played by an actor, especially when the person, or rather his artistry, is an important part of my life..
Otis, i completely agree with you on this. Nothing needs to last forever, that what memories are for. Dylan is a one and only; just like Jerry Garcia, Neil Young, etc. No need to rehash Dylan in the eyes of someone else. Will I watch this? Not sure.
Hey Otis, I want you to know it’s not weird to go to places and look at graveyards ,graveyard specially old historic ones are my favorite place to go Bob Dylan is one of my all-time favorites. Have a groovy day. ☮️❤️
Biopics trend to not age well in most cases, with a few exceptions, despite always starting hot at the box office. They generally aren't made to be good art, but more to get butts in the seats for a quick haul of millions. That's why one of my very favorite movies was a hilarious parody of every music biopic all in one, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. Yet it remains criminally overlooked and underrated. The Buddy Holly Story is still great. And yeah, The Rutles, obvious greatness.
I went to IMBD’s list of fifty greatest biopics. I’ve seen probably a dozen of the movies on the list and I actually liked every one of them quite a bit, so I guess that makes me a fan of biopics. My favorites were probably Patton, Goodfellas, and Casino in no particular order. One that is on the list that I haven’t seen is I Walk The Line. I would go out of my way to avoid seeing it. To me, Johnny Cash is too much of an icon for anyone to portray. The movie received good ratings, but I’ve seen a couple of clips and wasn’t impressed. That’s actually an understatement. The truth is I found Joaquin Phoenix’s acting cartoonish and nauseating. I don’t think I could sit through it.
Those 60’s clips and records says it all and all I need. Agree on Amadeus, Saliari. I had the exact same thought process. Sometimes it’s not made for me. For the uneducated, born to late, maybe it’s a thing. Depends.
Amazing that you know Bad News. That is pretty obscure even in the UK. I haven’t seen it for years but I will try and find it. I think your enjoyment of a biopic is in inverse proportion to how much you like the artist. Actually the one I like is The Beatles one when they are in Hamburg, Backbeat.
Hey Otis I went to the theater to see a movie for the first time in 25 years for a complete unknown it was a late night showing the last of the night otherwise I would have paid to see it again everyone involved in this movie did a great job. I wasn't familiar with timothee chalamet but the fact that he learned guitar harmonica and sang all the songs live is mind blowing also just saw a video of him on Saturday Night Live I thought it was amazing just a side note my favorite thing about seeing Dylan these days is playing Name That Tune I've made a couple dollars off my friends my nephew who's a Dylan fanatic had to declared a mercy rule I was shutting him out after the first like nine songs😊 I'm also wondering have you ever seen the documentaries Searching for Sugar Man and Satan and Adam you probably have but if you didn't I'm sure you would love them
I suspect your issue is that of not being able to suspend disbelief, which is essential for enjoying any genre of film other than pure documentary. I'm a great admirer of Robert F. Kennedy (the real one) and I've had that exact problem with portrayals of him. I've been a huge Springsteen fan for nearly 50 years. I've read numerous books about both of those guys. I've watched speeches by RFK many times over and Bruce's music? Immeasurable. So, I just struggle to suspend disbelief when seeing an actor pretend to be Bobby or I'm sure Jeremy Allen White as Bruce. We just know too much to pretend.
My thing with biopics is they're more popular than the real history. They're more accessable than the truth and they tend to stretch it. It's the movies. It's larger than life. Hollywood tends not to are for the real story if there's a bigger better version to tell. That Dylan flick is pretty good, but it ain't Bob. The kind of history you try to present here, to me, is more valuable. It's not about production value or putting a team together to approximate authenticity by keeping the angles and costumes the same as the archival footage. It's people who were there telling a guy a story about how it was which is the kind of authenticity I am after. Thanks Otis.
First time watching just wondering if you saw Jesus Christ Superstar (with Ted Neeley) back in the day and if that is a biopic. I liked it. The graveyard thing sounds awesome to go somewhere nice and reflect sounds awesome
My thoughts are the same as yours, Otis, but I have been surprised at times by a biopics. I have heard nothing but good things about the recent Dylan movie. You are just as crazy as me, but keep that a secret. Meanwhile thanks for the Dylan link!
I think there is a substantive difference between an epic masterpiece like "Lawrence of Arabia" or "Amadeus" and the sub-genre of biopics about popular music stars, such as Jim Morrison, Johnny Cash, Elton, Freddie Mercury, and now, Dylan. I dig all of those artists; each one of their stories fascinates me. These biopics met with critical acclaim and are popular with audiences, and I know they are well done. I also understand that they have to condense the story and create a dramatic narrative arc, so some events get mashed together. I get that these biopics introduce lots of new listeners to these great artists. Having said all of that, there's just something about those kinds of movies that I don't find appealing. I just can't ignore it when Dylan says, "I don't believe you," after being booed at Newport Folk Festival - when he went electric - because I know he said that on the 1st tour to England with the band (minus Levon) that wasn't yet The Band... a tour that happened after the timeline of the movie ends. The music was done really well, especially considering how the actors actually played the instruments and performed the songs. That said, I'm still not sure I'm glad I went to see it. Invite me to a Martin Scorsese Dylan movie, and I'm there.
I enjoy a good biopic. It’s fun to sit there and shout out what they got right or wrong, it’s fun to point out the gear they thought would slide. The new Dylan movie has some really cool equipment in shot, like the 1929 Martin that Joan Baez used and they had a lot of cool old vintage mics and studio gear. It’s fun. I don’t expect it to be true to history, just another layer of myth and in Dylan’s case that is kind of his whole bag. Just adding more myth to himself
I’m with you on biopics. The first one that I recall seeing was the awful “Your Cheating Heart” . But I do usually like films about historical figures or at least well made ones. Maybe it’s easier to get info about historical figures than entertainers. Fewer people around who might threaten law suits.
Thanks Otis! Getting ready to check out Bad News. If you haven't seen it, another good newer movie is American Satan. Not a huge metal guy, but it's definitely worth watching for any musicians.
A friend of mind has just seen the Dylan movie, loved it, and has kept on at me to go. The actor does a fantastic job with the voice and mannerisms and guitar and you get to hear whole songs, he says. I'm thinking exactly why should take a trip to the cinema and hand over my money to watch a good imitation of Dylan doing a few of his songs when any night I can stay home and listen to the real thing singing any song I wish from his whole catalog?
Morning Otis, Did you know we as humans cannot survive without coffee ? The dinosaurs didn't have it and look what happened to them! Just a little humor :) :):) I appreciate the work you do Afterthought: just wondering if you noticed in the comments of the George Jones compilation the other day that Shawn Mullins reached out to you offering up some Chris Kristofferson Stories.... just wondered if you noticed that comment or not T
My partner has one of the funniest stories about meeting Bob Dylan a couple of times back in the 90’s when she was Sharon Stones best friend. Maybe she can tell you about it some day if you ever happen to meet.
I think your comparison to Raging Bull - and tribute/cover bands- is spot on. 'Complete Unknown' is not a biopic or documentary. Is one artist's (writer, director Mangold's) interpretation or "cover" of Greenwich Village in the early 60's - and Dylan's impact on the 'folk scene' and American music/culture (ART). In a way, it was not about Dylan. He was just the lens through which the narrative was viewed. I am not a film snob or Dylan worshipper. This was a 'time lapsed' photo of '61-'65. I couldn't help but hear "Springsteen's" (the next Dylan, also signed to Columbia by Joh Hammond) 'Hard to be a Saint in the City' "... I burst just like a supernova...' Great ensemble cast who honored Dylan, Baez, Seeger, Johnny Cash, et al with their artistic talent. Caught Scorsese's 2005 documentary "No Direction Home". They're both great films.
I enjoyed A Complete Unknown, but the core of the praise was, "better than typical music biopic" ... the changes made were typical, expected, "print the legend" type. The fudges a movie apparently can't be made without.
Here's the link to the greatest music mockumentary every made. Be sure to leave a comment and tell 'em Otis sent ya! th-cam.com/video/awxrMOvVAIc/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Ri6MFTjyLznpaVY6
I saw it three times and I’ll watch it again. Beautiful tribute. The music is real and true to Dylan’s spirit. It’s just a dam good movie. Touching and brought tears to my eyes. Dylan’s music is my lifeblood. The movie is beautiful. The characters portraying Dylan, Joan, Pete, Johnny, Woody and the rest did justice to our beloved and history. Now as then, the world was in turmoil. Bobby did his job in spite of that. Let’s do our job now and work for love and peace. Thank you Bob! Thank you Otis! ✌️
Just knowing there's a person like you makes me a happy camper.
I started listening to Dylan sixty-four years ago. There is no one that holds a more special place in my heart. I am not a fan of rock biopics, I could never suspend reality long enough to believe that there was something other than fakery going on. That being said, "A Complete Unknown" was wonderful. I don't know how they did it, but they captured a time and a place warts and all. It made me cry with gratitude that I was somehow part of it all, me and my little Delco record player. I knew who characters were even though their names were never said. I didn't think I'd love it as much as I did.
Thank you, Otis. You're alright, man.
My feelings exactly. I am a 72 year old music fan and Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan have been my favorite artists since my teenage years. I went to the Cash biopic that won many awards and I could not wait to get out of the theater. Almost seemed sacrilege to me. And being a movie fan as well I just didn't get it when the Oscars were announced. So....some friends asked me to attend the Dylan movie last week and I very respectfully initially declined for all the reasons you mentioned today. But after their continued "come on you old fart It'll be good" I relented and went and as you said, it wasn't torture to sit there, I enjoyed the music part of the film but I came away with nothing other than feeling like I had just seen a tribute band. I have watched most every documentary on Dylan, seen many live shows on TH-cam and read alot about him so to reduce his early career to an hour and a half or so of Hollywood dress up didn't seem like it would have anything new to offer, and it didn't for me. Conversely I have a friend who is a HUGE Dylan fan and he absolutely loved it. Different strokes I guess.
I am 74 and I lived through this era as you did. Dylan and Cash were likewise heroes of mine, and remain so to this day. But I loved the movie. I saw it in a theater with a lot of 70-somethings (never saw so much gray hair in a movie theater) and in the lobby after the movie it was clear that many people, like me, found it to be deeply moving. It was not an impersonation or a documentary. It was a film about a time when the world's problems seemed solvable and music meant everything to young people like me. It caught the zeitgeist of the times in a very artful way. That doesn't mean you have to like it, but I would encourage anyone who thinks this film is just another lame biopic to give it a chance,
Methinks ye protest too much, Otis. I was 9-13 years-old during the years depicted in the movie, 1961-65. The House Un-American Activities Committee, The Cuban Missile Crisis, the Civil Rights Movement, the repression of the 1950’s, the Assassination of JFK-and Dylan’s creativity and response to all that through his music are depicted brilliantly. His courage to stand up against it all in his songs astounds me! We can forget how turbulant those times were, but it brought all back for me. What a gift! I’ve been multiple times now. The movie evokes thoughts and feelings from that time all over again and gives me the opportunity re-process and re-think my experience. That’s the power of music and film. I couldn’t ask for more. Now you’ve heard on Saturday something you didn’t know on Friday, Otis-so go see the movie. 😉🤣😎👌
Michael is correct! This biopic is excellent and moving. Yes, go see it, Otis! Then tell us what you think! (From one Hoosier to another! )😊👍🏻🌽🏀🏁
I was 17 in '61 and '62 and lived in NYC and remember Dylan, the Folklore Center and Izzy Young, but it was a collective of people and places that are to be remembered. When I saw Dylan I thought he was a Rambling Jack Elliott clone. Even on his first album his version 'The House of the Rising Sun' was a Dave Van Ronk version. I still think Dylan was a great marker of that time, but he was part of something bigger than one person.
Just finished viewing and man, I could write the equivalent of a novella in comment based merely on this one visit. But, I'll try and just say this:
I was reflecting on how you are intriguing, based and unlike anyone else I see on TH-cam. When I first found your channel, I just came back a few times, subscribed and eventually joined. I've just now realized why that is, to a large extent.
I've been working with internet for a long time and of those many years, probably spent half them using social media. I was a writer and fairly easily got it together but don't know a lot. So, since I found you, I was continuing on, the same as always except that now, I get to your latest chat and everything changes; things get softer, lighter, inviting. By the time I get the virtual tie slacked, loafers kicked off and you beginning to talk, Life just instantly becomes easier, even if only for those moments sometimes. I could go on. And on, lol, and often tend to but in any event, my brother you and Amy stay warm, safe and well. And peaceful. And thank you so much - even for today's visit alone. Just a treat.
Forgot to mention I spend most days working on social media - working, that is.
I’m waiting to rent that Dylan biopic as soon as it becomes available. Dylan approved this movie, and allowed them to use any of his music. The beauty of having our singers represented on the screen is they are introduced to a new generation. That was some pretty important music.
Here’s wishing all hands a great weekend.
I saw a biopic of Dylan's being advertised on yt, said what Neil Young thinks of new Dylan biopic but I didn't watch it. I don't know the title but I think it is on here or maybe I am wrong.
Otis all I can say is Rock me Amadeus LOL you're all right and I really enjoy having my Saturday morning coffee with you brother
Thank you Otis
I'm with ya, friend. As a boy, my father showed me The Buddy Holly Story, and I absolutely loved it. Then you read a book about Buddy and the history of rock, and you realize the biopics take a lot of 'artistic license' and dramatize much of it. Some of them are still good, but some could be cartoons they're so far from reality.
I'm gonna see the Dylan movie, but only when it finds me.
Oh, and museums and graveyard tours are always on the agenda while traveling.
Highgate Cemetery in London is beautiful. Site of Marx and Faraday's resting place.
Be safe and enjoy your day
It’s great to be able to think, learn,grow and evolve one’s opinion and make course corrections in life. It’s also good to have your personal opinion and beliefs and stand by it. I personally have generally liked biopics and when I think of why do I, I think it comes down to loving history, loving music, loving the personality and the inspiration those musicians have brought to me. I thought the Dylan movie was good and dug it. I appreciate you Otis. Keep up the good work!!!
Sounds like you’re a Tapophile Otis. “A taphophile is a person who is interested in cemeteries, gravestones, and funerals.”
I love visiting cemeteries; so peaceful and so much history and beautiful monuments that are truly works of art.
"The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function." - F. Scott Fitzgerald
I agree. "A well-centered individual is usually open to considering different viewpoints and is not afraid to re-evaluate their beliefs when presented with compelling evidence or new knowledge." -Open AI
@@jimmyjambon9206 Is this true? It is really from an Open AI exchange? That seems so unreal (I don't mean in the doubting way - more the awesome way. I wonder what the precise question would be to elicit that articulation in just such a way. Mind you, I know nothing of AI.
@ It is true Almost scary...Just google, "a well centered person can change their opinion over time" And an AI overview pops up... I am so use to attributing quotes to real people as you did...so I thought to be consistent I shouldn't rip off AI...lol I am blown away by it all.
@@jimmyjambon9206 Thanks for that perspective. And stating the obvious here: The older we are, the scarier this whole AI breakout is. I'll be 69 in May, been around computers long enough to have lived through all sorts of phases and trends and constantly changing the way we do things. A great many of the safe, reliable, no second-guessing foundational principles and fundamental underpinnings of society, are disappearing; and many of us have no assurance incoming replacements will be any better. I figure most of the resistance to AI comes from that.
@ You have acute perception my friend. We met because we both know this Otis fella is the genuine article. My favorite channel. Peace be with you.
I once heard that you should never laugh at or make fun of someone for mispronouncing a word, because it means (as you mention) they learned it by reading.
Of course, in the current cesspool we're in you're more apt to be made fun of for reading.
I agree with you 100%! There are many words I have only encountered through reading. We make our best guess then move on.
... & what rhymes with the word "cesspool" ?
...my Liturature Degree ((haha))
Thanks yet again, Otis!
I've been involved with music throughout my life both as a fan and as employment...
I have always had a hard time with biopics, particularly when they are about musicians I've actually experienced in "real time," grew up with, saw perform, read interviews with...
I would be interested to hear what films your listeners find redeemable, meritous, enjoyable, and/or recommended ?
Hope to hear from some of you! 🎶🎬🎸🎥🎺✌️
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You are quite the well rounded gentleman, Otis!
A complete Unknown is as good as it get from start to finish Otis, fantastic.
Had to see it twice. I missed a lot first time! Loved it.
I got invited to go to a Brit Floyd concert by a friend with an extra ticket. I would never have gone to see them otherwise, but they were excellent! With my eyes closed I couldn’t tell a difference. I play guitar and Gilmore is one of my favorite guitar players. Even the vocals were spot on.
Sitting here with my coffee thinking how is a child I looked forward to Saturday morning cartoons and it's the old man I get that same excitement for Saturday's with Otis
It’s difficult to capture the real stories. It seems we, as contemporaries , know a bit more than the writers. As for the actors, they take on an insurmountable task.
When I studied piano , at an early age, I was into classical music. Today, my mind is open.
As a musician I truly appreciate the works of these world class composers. To visit their resting place must inspire a heavy feeling of gratitude for all they did.
Not unlike Macon , Ga. & the Allmsn Brothers.
Though all these fantastic musicians are gone, we keep their music alive.
I think the best movie to get at the spirit of Dylan is Todd Haynes’ I’m Not There. By having different characters (other than the Cate Blanchett character) portray a discrete fictionalized facet of the Dylan mythology but not the historical Dylan got at Dylan the artist and the icon better than a standard biopic ever could. Cate Blanchett as the mid 60’s newly turned electric Dylan represents the only performance modeled after the actual Dylan where the actor does an imitation and she knocks it out of the park. Furthermore, it works within the film’s structure. Dylan spanned so many decades, has been such an enormous part of modern culture and has been such a mercurial artist, I thought Haynes came up a brilliant and extremely moving way to relate how the Dylan mythos has evolved. Plus, he uses one of the great songs from the original basement tapes in the film and for the title.
'I am Not There' is the best film about Dylan I have seen and made a similar comment here as well.
My wife and I loved the Dylan biopoic Otis. It really was enjoyable. The cast were great and our non-musical friends enjoyed it just as much 😊
Otis, picked up two tickets for Peter Case at the Bluebird in March based off of your recommendation last weeks I’ve never seen him and am not real familiar, but i have some faith in you. Looking forward!
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The whole time I was watching the Dylan biopic, I was thinking "Who would play Prine in a Prine biopic?". Maybe if/when they make that, I'll feel a little bit more like you do about the Dylan flic. I loved the film!
⚓️ Thanks Otis 🌈 Walk the Line, Elvis, I Saw The Light, Funny Girl, What’s Love Got to Do With It?, Blaze ⚓️ These movies mostly capture a significant arc… NOT a biography. Don’t expect too much…AND 😎 these movies are to INTRODUCE an artist to a whole new generation. So many 20-30 something people don’t know the genius of Bob. Now they have an introduction.🌈
Right on about Bad News. Classic! "Hello, Spider".
While I agree suspending disbelief is an essential part of movie making. Biopics are probably a different animal. When one is familiar with the subject, in this case, Dylan. Perhaps trying to view the movie from a different perspective may help one find the movie more enjoyable.
I personally really enjoyed the movie on a few levels. The thought of Dylan hitch hiking to NYC in 1961 at 19 years old with a flattop, the clothes on his back, and some great songs. Then having everything line up just right so he could make his mark. Absolutely fascinating!
As many have pointed out. That particular time period in his career hasn’t been examined much. Also fascinating!
In my minds eye. The movie seems to be about a fixed mindset vs a growth mindset. Many wanted Dylan to stay the same, to keep singing his songs within the folk community, etc. A fixed mindset.
Dylan did not want to stay in same place artistically, he wanted to go forward, to grow as an artist. A growth mindset.
A very cool movie!
I’ll say it again, you’re a peach my friend…. I generally agree but am going to see the Dylan movie after listening to Another Side from beginning to end last night. I’ll go see him play when he comes to Maine again… Have fun and do good work! 😎
Amadeus is a favorite. Inside llewelyn Davis is a pretty good one.
Was just about to mention ILD as an alternative to the Dylan biopic. I think it’s Oscar’s best role.
I think it just depends on how biopics are made. Some are good at telling a story, and others feel like they try to cram everything in. Most modern music biopics fit into the later category. They cram everything in between ten different songs and the movie becomes less of a story and more of a summary.
Maybe it’s an east coast thing but the Dylan movie definitely interested me. I saw it and I loved it. I’m fascinated with the music scene of New York at that time….Dave Van Ronk, Dylan, etc. Love your comments Otis.
I haven't yet seen the Bob Dylan biopic, but a problem I have with them generally is they tend to come across as propaganda and more or less depict the person as perfect, with most or all of the less flattering aspects of the persons life and personality toned down or removed entirely. I don't think we should demonize people because of mistakes they've made - none of us are perfect - but I don't think we should glorify people and act like they were saints, either.
Guilty of the same pronunciation error. I still make it when I read the word.
Thoughts on I’m Not There, the Todd Haynes “Biopic” on Dylan? I’m not sure it can be surpassed.
It is the best I have seen.
“The Life and Hard Times of Guy Terrifico” is my favorite. Phil Kaufman, Merle Haggard, Donnie Frits, Peter Dinklage. So good!
You've inspired me to dig out my copy of Amadeus and watch it. Thanks.
Hey Otis, Any interest in the Springsteen/Nebraska biopic? If yes, more or less than the Dylan one?
Biopics were some of my favorte films on TV when I was growing up. "Yankee Doodle Dandy", "Your Cheatin' Heart", and "Gentleman Jim" were some of my earliest favorites. I knew there was some falseness baked in the cake. George Hamilton as Hank Williams, lol. Yet I enjoyed them because I loved the medium of film and I respected the artists and their accomplishments. I also remember loving Carradine in "Bound For Glory" at the Twin drive-in as a teenager with my family. So many entertaining ones like "The Buddy Holly story", "La Bamba", and "Great Balls of Fire". None of them are 100% accurate but neither are the best books about the artists. The truth is in their art for us all to interpret but I love the movies and the books as well.
The problem with "biopics" about stars is that the stars are so much more charismatic than the actors who portray them.
I love biopics but some are horrible lol.Your a real deal Artist & we appreciate & value your opinion.God Bless Stay safe
Blues Brothers 😮. Thanks for the links I won’t be seeing the movie , gotta keep an eye on my record collection 😂
😳I'm only 66 & I've been pronouncing it wrong my whole life too Otis. Thank you!!
Enjoying my ☕& a🥃with ya!
It's Saturday 👍🏽🤙🏽
The Al Jolson story with Larry Parnes ( think that’s his name) and the Glenn Miller story starring James Stewart. Hope to see you in the UK soon Otis 👍
I think the movie that thing you do that Tom Hanks got made is a really underrated movie about being a musician and I think it really captures that time of the early Rock and roll. Where so much of what was going on was being driven by the record labels and the artist had so little control over what happened to them
John Banner is buried in a cemetery where a lease must be paid or the headstone is removed and someone else is buried in that plot. Apparently no one renewed John Banner's lease so his plaque has been replaced.
Hi Otis. Great video friend. Yes, I approached 'A Complete Unknown' with a certain amount of intrepidation. Biopics are an odd phenomenon. It's like looking at a film about the life of Jesus knowing it's going to end mostly in tears. However, I really liked the movie. Sure Chalamet didn't look like Dylan but what the heck. I'm in my 70s and live in Ireland so it's unlikely that I will ever see New York. Besides, the Village of the Beatniks and the 60s is probably long gone. At the same time the film gave me a feel for what it must have been like back then. I grew up listening to Dylan and I felt the incidents and images portrayed were oddly familiar. The film could have been a right old mess but thanks to those involved I enjoyed every minute of it.
Hey Otis… I always thought biopics were something to do with eye care.. lol.. I’ve seen clips of the Dylan flick.. astonishing! But I’m cheap and haven’t seen it. ✌🏼😁
Same here.. considering he wears glasses 😂
All I can say is you are spot on with everything!! I have copies of Amadeus and Spinal Tap 😂 and will definitely check out Bad News ! Thanks 🐿️😎🐿️
I’m still gonna say biop-ic!
LOL. Yer a radical!
Otis - I too visit graves around the world when travelling. It's good to pay respect to people you admire.
I just got back from Vienna. Small correction: Mozart is buried a few miles up the road in St. Marx. Beethoven, Strauss, Brahms, Schubert, Salieri and Falco are in the Central Cemetery.
It is indeed a beautiful place and worth a visit if you are there. I enjoy your channel and content. Now come out to the West Coast so I can see you in concert!
The problem for me with modern biopics especially is not knowing until it's too late if the producers had an agenda or not. Nowadays the public seems to want the gritty along with the life. I don't. If I love somebody's art, that's all I need to know. I don't need the "dark side", it taints the connection. La Bamba was a great, respectful biopic, but I have no interest in Bohemian Rhapsody because the trailer looks like it wants to show "the troubled side." I could be wrong, but I'm content not knowing. I just watched No Direction Home again, and maybe it's not a biopic strictly, but that's all the "backstory" I generally need to see. Leave me love my art.
OTIS, I’m a huge Bob fan as well. I love the content on Dylan and 90% of your channel. That being said, I went to see the Dylan movie bc of my children (ones named Dylan) and it was an absolute cool experience. Of course I wish it had more details, but u could tell Bob had his hand in it. Take the wife & take a look.
Here's a left of center recommendation for a bio pic that isn't a biopic "The Ecstasy of Wilko Johnson" Wilko is a hugely influential guitarist from the pre-Punk British blues band Dr Feelgood who were huge in their brief time in the spotlight. It's about his cancer diagnosis and reaction to it, the tour of England he did with Roger Daltry, and if you are into the Great British Roadside Otis you can visit Canveytown and the pier next time you are in London. It's a movie about how to live. Love all your stuff Otis.
"Walk Hard" is the best biopic ever made. As Eddie Vedder said, "If Elvis and Buddy Holly are the Cain and Abel of rock and roll, Bruce Springsteen is Zachariah, Iggy Pop is Methuselah, and, of course, Neil Young is the wise prophet Ezekiel, then what does that make Dewey Cox?"
I LOVED The Rutles! I watched it on TV when it came out with my life long buddy in his basement apartment in Ames , Iowa while we finished Uni. He also bought the album. Sadly, he died from cancer at 67 last August. She went and upset the apple cart!
ha friend and i used to laugh its been a hard days rut
I Loved that Movie - It taught me so much ... !
Yeh Otis I've had the same feeling about Bio pics myself. Being a musician and singer and a big Dylan fan I feel no urge to see it. But maybe I'll change my mind one day. Love your videos Man. . Peace
Nice!............................................................
Amadeus is one of my all time favorite movies, seen it dozens of times, it turned me on to Mozart’s music and classical music in general, but I think it’s kind of a stretch to call it a biopic. Though there are some biographical elements in it, it is a highly fictionalized story. That doesn’t mean it’s somehow unworthy. It’s an outstanding movie by any measure and deserves all the acclaim it gets, but if you really want to learn about Mozart’s life you would be better off reading a biography about him.
It is a slippy slope for sure as some of these Biopics feel more like a historical film. That said, my favorites are folks that pasted prior to my generation. On the subject of cemeteries, I vacationed in Paris and walking through Pe’re Lachaise cemetery was one of my top memories. The silence and beauty broken by the occasional call from Crows.
According to The Biopic about Harry Nilsson he died peacefully in his bed.... According to Marianne Faithfull RIP (Who was not a part of his biopic) and was a close friend he died in an oral surgeon's chair after a reaction to anesthesia. She said it in 1997 in Montreal during her performance of "Don't Forget Me" It was on YT but its been taken down. I don't believe the biopic.
Feel the same Otis !!
Nothing wrong with loving it, nothing wrong with not being interested. And yes, Walk Hard is the greatest biopic ever made!!
My friend, and I really liked it. The movie does take liberties with stuff being heightened, and certain events not out of place in terms of the timeline.
I totally agree that Walk Hard, The Rutles and Spinal Tap depict more truth than most biopics these days. A film like Raging Bull is not only a biopic, it is also great filmmaking. You can't say that with many of the current biopics though. The Dylan film is not really made for Dylan fans. It's an introduction for casual fans (and Tomothee Chalamet fans). Thanks for the Bad News link. I'd never heard of the series.
Lol! I agree with you 100%. I used to pronounce it the same way, until recently.😮
Otis, I quite agree. There are exceptions, but by and large I don't care much for movies where the point is for a famous person to be played by an actor, especially when the person, or rather his artistry, is an important part of my life..
Does "the Blues Brothers" count as a biopic?
Otis, i completely agree with you on this. Nothing needs to last forever, that what memories are for. Dylan is a one and only; just like Jerry Garcia, Neil Young, etc. No need to rehash Dylan in the eyes of someone else. Will I watch this? Not sure.
Hey Otis, I want you to know it’s not weird to go to places and look at graveyards ,graveyard specially old historic ones are my favorite place to go
Bob Dylan is one of my all-time favorites. Have a groovy day. ☮️❤️
Biopics trend to not age well in most cases, with a few exceptions, despite always starting hot at the box office. They generally aren't made to be good art, but more to get butts in the seats for a quick haul of millions. That's why one of my very favorite movies was a hilarious parody of every music biopic all in one, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. Yet it remains criminally overlooked and underrated. The Buddy Holly Story is still great. And yeah, The Rutles, obvious greatness.
I went to IMBD’s list of fifty greatest biopics. I’ve seen probably a dozen of the movies on the list and I actually liked every one of them quite a bit, so I guess that makes me a fan of biopics. My favorites were probably Patton, Goodfellas, and Casino in no particular order.
One that is on the list that I haven’t seen is I Walk The Line. I would go out of my way to avoid seeing it. To me, Johnny Cash is too much of an icon for anyone to portray. The movie received good ratings, but I’ve seen a couple of clips and wasn’t impressed. That’s actually an understatement. The truth is I found Joaquin Phoenix’s acting cartoonish and nauseating. I don’t think I could sit through it.
Those 60’s clips and records says it all and all I need. Agree on Amadeus, Saliari. I had the exact same thought process. Sometimes it’s not made for me. For the uneducated, born to late, maybe it’s a thing.
Depends.
Amazing that you know Bad News. That is pretty obscure even in the UK. I haven’t seen it for years but I will try and find it. I think your enjoyment of a biopic is in inverse proportion to how much you like the artist. Actually the one I like is The Beatles one when they are in Hamburg, Backbeat.
Hey Otis I went to the theater to see a movie for the first time in 25 years for a complete unknown it was a late night showing the last of the night otherwise I would have paid to see it again everyone involved in this movie did a great job. I wasn't familiar with timothee chalamet but the fact that he learned guitar harmonica and sang all the songs live is mind blowing also just saw a video of him on Saturday Night Live I thought it was amazing just a side note my favorite thing about seeing Dylan these days is playing Name That Tune I've made a couple dollars off my friends my nephew who's a Dylan fanatic had to declared a mercy rule I was shutting him out after the first like nine songs😊 I'm also wondering have you ever seen the documentaries Searching for Sugar Man and Satan and Adam you probably have but if you didn't I'm sure you would love them
I suspect your issue is that of not being able to suspend disbelief, which is essential for enjoying any genre of film other than pure documentary.
I'm a great admirer of Robert F. Kennedy (the real one) and I've had that exact problem with portrayals of him. I've been a huge Springsteen fan for nearly 50 years. I've read numerous books about both of those guys. I've watched speeches by RFK many times over and Bruce's music? Immeasurable.
So, I just struggle to suspend disbelief when seeing an actor pretend to be Bobby or I'm sure Jeremy Allen White as Bruce.
We just know too much to pretend.
Great band name! The I’llTakeBob’s 😂❤
Amadeus is my absolute favorite biopic, too. oxo
Bad News was superb!
Walk Hard is effin’ hilarious!
My thing with biopics is they're more popular than the real history. They're more accessable than the truth and they tend to stretch it. It's the movies. It's larger than life. Hollywood tends not to are for the real story if there's a bigger better version to tell.
That Dylan flick is pretty good, but it ain't Bob. The kind of history you try to present here, to me, is more valuable. It's not about production value or putting a team together to approximate authenticity by keeping the angles and costumes the same as the archival footage. It's people who were there telling a guy a story about how it was which is the kind of authenticity I am after.
Thanks Otis.
First time watching just wondering if you saw Jesus Christ Superstar (with Ted Neeley) back in the day and if that is a biopic. I liked it. The graveyard thing sounds awesome to go somewhere nice and reflect sounds awesome
My thoughts are the same as yours, Otis, but I have been surprised at times by a biopics. I have heard nothing but good things about the recent Dylan movie. You are just as crazy as me, but keep that a secret. Meanwhile thanks for the Dylan link!
I think there is a substantive difference between an epic masterpiece like "Lawrence of Arabia" or "Amadeus" and the sub-genre of biopics about popular music stars, such as Jim Morrison, Johnny Cash, Elton, Freddie Mercury, and now, Dylan. I dig all of those artists; each one of their stories fascinates me. These biopics met with critical acclaim and are popular with audiences, and I know they are well done. I also understand that they have to condense the story and create a dramatic narrative arc, so some events get mashed together. I get that these biopics introduce lots of new listeners to these great artists.
Having said all of that, there's just something about those kinds of movies that I don't find appealing. I just can't ignore it when Dylan says, "I don't believe you," after being booed at Newport Folk Festival - when he went electric - because I know he said that on the 1st tour to England with the band (minus Levon) that wasn't yet The Band... a tour that happened after the timeline of the movie ends.
The music was done really well, especially considering how the actors actually played the instruments and performed the songs. That said, I'm still not sure I'm glad I went to see it. Invite me to a Martin Scorsese Dylan movie, and I'm there.
I enjoy a good biopic. It’s fun to sit there and shout out what they got right or wrong, it’s fun to point out the gear they thought would slide. The new Dylan movie has some really cool equipment in shot, like the 1929 Martin that Joan Baez used and they had a lot of cool old vintage mics and studio gear. It’s fun. I don’t expect it to be true to history, just another layer of myth and in Dylan’s case that is kind of his whole bag. Just adding more myth to himself
I’m with you on biopics. The first one that I recall seeing was the awful “Your Cheating Heart” . But I do usually like films about historical figures or at least well made ones. Maybe it’s easier to get info about historical figures than entertainers. Fewer people around who might threaten law suits.
once again you bring up some interesting points. and I agree.the one I found offensive was Cadillac Records.only one Chess brother! come on man.
Thanks Otis! Getting ready to check out Bad News. If you haven't seen it, another good newer movie is American Satan. Not a huge metal guy, but it's definitely worth watching for any musicians.
A friend of mind has just seen the Dylan movie, loved it, and has kept on at me to go. The actor does a fantastic job with the voice and mannerisms and guitar and you get to hear whole songs, he says. I'm thinking exactly why should take a trip to the cinema and hand over my money to watch a good imitation of Dylan doing a few of his songs when any night I can stay home and listen to the real thing singing any song I wish from his whole catalog?
Morning Otis,
Did you know we as humans cannot survive without coffee ?
The dinosaurs didn't have it and look what happened to them!
Just a little humor :) :):)
I appreciate the work you do
Afterthought: just wondering if you noticed in the comments of the George Jones compilation the other day that Shawn Mullins reached out to you offering up some Chris Kristofferson Stories.... just wondered if you noticed that comment or not T
My partner has one of the funniest stories about meeting Bob Dylan a couple of times back in the 90’s when she was Sharon Stones best friend. Maybe she can tell you about it some day if you ever happen to meet.
Tell us, please!?! 😂
I think your comparison to Raging Bull - and tribute/cover bands- is spot on. 'Complete Unknown' is not a biopic or documentary. Is one artist's (writer, director Mangold's) interpretation or "cover" of Greenwich Village in the early 60's - and Dylan's impact on the 'folk scene' and American music/culture (ART). In a way, it was not about Dylan. He was just the lens through which the narrative was viewed. I am not a film snob or Dylan worshipper. This was a 'time lapsed' photo of '61-'65. I couldn't help but hear "Springsteen's" (the next Dylan, also signed to Columbia by Joh Hammond) 'Hard to be a Saint in the City' "... I burst just like a supernova...' Great ensemble cast who honored Dylan, Baez, Seeger, Johnny Cash, et al with their artistic talent. Caught Scorsese's 2005 documentary "No Direction Home". They're both great films.
If they were alive during your lifetime and you know their story you're going to be more critical.
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I enjoyed A Complete Unknown, but the core of the praise was, "better than typical music biopic" ... the changes made were typical, expected, "print the legend" type. The fudges a movie apparently can't be made without.