I didn't like the portrayal of the women in the film as much as the arcs of the leading men. Seeing an irritating side of Dylan was done well. Edward Norton's Pete Seeger was beautiful to watch. Fanning's role was particularly annoying at times, true. Dylan's actual girlfriend during this time did encourage Dylan's political awareness, as did Baez. But I don't think the Joan Baez characterization was as hideous as this review argues. The scenes of Dylan and Baez singing together looked equal and charming. And when Dylan meets her for the first time, he is clearly entranced, in a Dylanesque way. On the whole, the film was pretty good about the singers, the political climate, and the metamorphosis of Dylan from folk to rock. Thank you for this very detailed review, it opened up to me a lot of insights into portrayal by the actors, and the director's direction.
Kudos, Mr. Lack, as this is the most insightful review of the film I've read so far. I provide a shorter piece which refers to this one and quotes it, using but not 100%-agreeing with your point about Joan Baez, over at PostModernConservative. https://pomocon.substack.com/p/the-new-dylan-film
I left the theater so angry and not entirely sure why I felt like I wanted to kick the shins of every man in the lobby. OK, maybe it's because I was a rock singer during Bob's era and believe me, the misogyny was thick as buttah. But my anger is also grounded in my academic background as a writing and lit professor whose specialty is silence in women. (I'm writing my second book about the way women are silenced). Perhaps, as you note, Dylan was a product of his times, but Mangold is alive today and his portrayal of Joan Baez is deeply offensive. His reductive treatment of Susie (Bob's girlfriend) is patriarchal, small-minded, and infuriating. He makes me want to speak only in four-letter words. I'm grateful for your precise and careful critique of the film and your support of women's voices! Bravo! BTW, I did like the film and love Dylan.
Excellent synopsis. I left the theater wondering where the women were in the making of the film, and why Baez was so moody and shortchanged. The voice also left me flat. I hope other women and progressive men weigh in here as well.
I so enjoyed this movie but the more I think about it, Joan, Toshi and Sylvie were portrayed as passive bystanders in awe of Dylan. From what I’ve read Toshi was a successful filmmaker, organizer of festivals and an environmental activist. In this movie, she was the typical media stereotype of a passive and supportive Asian wife.
I wonder why the great song performed by Big Bill Morganfield, as you mentioned, is not anywhere on any soundtrack. I was so disappointed at not being able to find the song. I thought it was one of the highlights of the film, but it’s not available anywhere. Why?
I didn't like the portrayal of the women in the film as much as the arcs of the leading men. Seeing an irritating side of Dylan was done well. Edward Norton's Pete Seeger was beautiful to watch. Fanning's role was particularly annoying at times, true. Dylan's actual girlfriend during this time did encourage Dylan's political awareness, as did Baez. But I don't think the Joan Baez characterization was as hideous as this review argues. The scenes of Dylan and Baez singing together looked equal and charming. And when Dylan meets her for the first time, he is clearly entranced, in a Dylanesque way. On the whole, the film was pretty good about the singers, the political climate, and the metamorphosis of Dylan from folk to rock. Thank you for this very detailed review, it opened up to me a lot of insights into portrayal by the actors, and the director's direction.
Kudos, Mr. Lack, as this is the most insightful review of the film I've read so far. I provide a shorter piece which refers to this one and quotes it, using but not 100%-agreeing with your point about Joan Baez, over at PostModernConservative. https://pomocon.substack.com/p/the-new-dylan-film
I left the theater so angry and not entirely sure why I felt like I wanted to kick the shins of every man in the lobby. OK, maybe it's because I was a rock singer during Bob's era and believe me, the misogyny was thick as buttah. But my anger is also grounded in my academic background as a writing and lit professor whose specialty is silence in women. (I'm writing my second book about the way women are silenced). Perhaps, as you note, Dylan was a product of his times, but Mangold is alive today and his portrayal of Joan Baez is deeply offensive. His reductive treatment of Susie (Bob's girlfriend) is patriarchal, small-minded, and infuriating. He makes me want to speak only in four-letter words. I'm grateful for your precise and careful critique of the film and your support of women's voices! Bravo! BTW, I did like the film and love Dylan.
Excellent synopsis. I left the theater wondering where the women were in the making of the film, and why Baez was so moody and shortchanged. The voice also left me flat. I hope other women and progressive men weigh in here as well.
I so enjoyed this movie but the more I think about it, Joan, Toshi and Sylvie were portrayed as passive bystanders in awe of Dylan. From what I’ve read Toshi was a successful filmmaker, organizer of festivals and an environmental activist. In this movie, she was the typical media stereotype of a passive and supportive Asian wife.
Grief. Not another biopic...!
Ps. No one could sing Mercury.. but Dylan.. he can't sing anyway.
So did Bobby so pretty accurate
I wonder why the great song performed by Big Bill Morganfield, as you mentioned, is not anywhere on any soundtrack. I was so disappointed at not being able to find the song. I thought it was one of the highlights of the film, but it’s not available anywhere. Why?