The Arts Desk’s weekly picks for music, movies and more
By ELIZABETH BUNT — arts@theaggie.org
Movie: “A Complete Unknown” dir. James Mangold (2024)
Released only a few weeks ago, “A Complete Unknown” is the new biopic of Bob Dylan’s early life. The film follows the first few years of Dylan’s career from his arrival in New York as an untested 19-year-old to his controversial performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. Timothée Chalamet nails the part of young Dylan, and his performance is matched by Monica Barbaro’s portrayal of folk legend Joan Baez. Led by their convincing embodiment, the film does a fantastic job of giving viewers a glimpse into the folk music scene of the 1960s. No prior music history knowledge is required to enjoy “A Complete Unknown” — anyone with any amount of appreciation for good music will love watching this movie and will find themselves adding more Dylan to their usual playlists.
Book: “A Room of One’s Own” by Virginia Woolf (1929)
One of Virginia Woolf’s best known works, “A Room of One’s Own” is an extended essay on the topic of female artists. Over the course of roughly 100 pages, Woolf argues that feminine genius has been stifled by social conditions throughout all of human history. In her most convincing anecdote, she suggests a scenario in which Shakespeare had a sister with an equal amount of poetic talent but who was never given the opportunity to prove it. Originally given as two lectures at women’s colleges, Woolf finishes with a call to action, demanding that young women continue creating art despite the social obstacles. Though a work of nonfiction, “A Room of One’s Own” is fast-paced and easy to read. It is accessible and thought-provoking for any level of reader.
TV Show: “Abbott Elementary” by Quinta Brunson (2021)
Anyone looking for a new bingeable show should definitely put “Abbott Elementary” on their list. “Abbott Elementary” is a mockumentary sitcom set in an underfunded public school in Philadelphia. It features a cast of dedicated, underpaid teachers trying to give their students the best possible chance of success. While silly and satirical, “Abbott Elementary” is also a very wholesome show, making each episode a very “feel-good” experience. Fans of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” should definitely make a point to watch “Abbott Elementary” to prepare for the collaboration season coming out shortly.
Album: “Diamonds and Rust” by Joan Baez (1975)
“Diamonds and Rust” is a classic folk album put together by Joan Baez in 1975, and I included it here as a pairing with “A Complete Unknown.” Made up of a compilation of covers and original compositions, it showcases Baez’s incredible voice and songwriting ability. It is theorized that the title track, “Diamonds and Rust,” was written about Baez’s tumultuous relationship with Bob Dylan, offering her side of the story covered partially in the Dylan biopic.
