A Complete Unknown: Writing The Biopic

[@EmmaSven]

The culture loves bob’s mystery, and at the same time, what are the themes of his music? It’s all truth seeking, search for meaning. I think he was onto something beyond wreckage of hot relationships with the unknowable schtick. Maybe it’s a lens through which others could better see themselves. Great piece, and superb podcast ❤

[@michaelgardiner8844]

The section tagged 'The Emotional Stakes of Bob Dylan's Journey' is great👌

[@Writeyourscreenplay]

That section goes out to the Dylan-splainers 😉

[@speezygirl7496]

I love the ending line of this podcast, "I believe in what I wrote." Especially with the guitar music chaser. So recursive, because that is what the film is about, what it means to be an artist, what one has to decide about one's art to feel authentic and run the risks, cope with the costs. Wow Jake. Myself having struggled for years about these "true story" choices, morphing on my own journey from journalist to dramatic writer and knowing that if ever produced, choices about the film will be out of my hands, this podcast is so right on target. There is no formulaic answer, writers have to keep making choices all the time, keep finding the balance. It reminds me of what I heard preached at church one time, regarding the prescription "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, give to God what is God's": this is a constant question that gets answered over and over differently, always a challenge. (N. B., I'm not literally saying the artistic quandary is a religious one. The comparison is meant to convey the perpetual exploring and soul-searching the quandary demands.)

[@JonnyHok-f2l]

Love this comment and agree about the power of that ending. "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's" is quite apt, even in a secular context. These decisions about artistic integrity versus commercial/external demands require continual discernment and balance. The film ending, particularly in those final moments at Newport, demonstrates this beautifully. It's not just about Dylan going electric, it's about the profound cost of that artistic evolution. The film gives us both the triumph and the tragedy of his choices. This podcast was an incredible complement to the film. Thank you, Jake!

[@Writeyourscreenplay]

Beautifully said. And love that you picked up on the guitar music buried at the end there! That was a fun last minute addition before publication. What if Pete reflected back on this moment with a wider lens on emotional truth telling? It would sound something like 44:32

[@Writeyourscreenplay]

Congrats to James Mangold & Jay Cocks on their Best Adapted Screenplay nomination. Writers, this script is worth a close read for its narrative efficiency. Well deserved!

[@speezygirl7496]

Will read immediately. Curious as to how the singing is rendered.