James Mangold’s Next Biopic Could Complete an Overlooked Trilogy

Following the success of films like Walk the Line and A Complete Unknown, James Mangold seems poised to create a remarkable concluding installment to his musician biopic trilogy. A Complete Unknown offers an insightful glimpse into the life of the legendary Bob Dylan, brought to life by Timothée Chalamet. Using Elijah Wald’s book, Dylan Goes Electric!, Mangold intricately weaves together a focused narrative that spans from Dylan’s beginnings in 1961 as a pioneering folk artist to his revolutionary transition in 1965, when he famously introduced electric guitar to his folk performances, challenging conventions of the era.

In contrast to the often sensationalized portrayals found in biopics such as Elvis and Bohemian Rhapsody, A Complete Unknown serves as a thoughtful character study. Rather than attempting to encapsulate Dylan’s entire life, the film adeptly captures his essence and the substantial influence he wielded over those in his circle. Featuring extensive scenes showcasing his interactions with fellow artists, the film’s musical performances occur in real-time, bestowing a concert-like feel that sets it apart from traditional biopics. As the narrative concludes, one can’t help but wonder which musician Mangold will focus on next.

A Complete Unknown: The Second Film in James Mangold’s Unofficial Music Biopic Trilogy

Mangold’s Dual Direction: Walk the Line and A Complete Unknown

Though it stands on its own, A Complete Unknown subtly aligns with Mangold’s ongoing exploration of musicians’ lives. Prior to delving into Dylan’s narrative, Mangold vividly portrayed the complexities of Johnny Cash’s life in Walk the Line. Interestingly, Cash plays a pivotal role in the new film, acting not only as a mentor to Dylan but also as a significant figure in his journey. With Cash having passed the baton to Dylan, it’s exciting to contemplate who Dylan will inspire next in this unofficial series.

Directors often develop thematic connections throughout their body of work, leading to the inadvertent creation of trilogies. Renowned filmmaker Wong Kar-wai explored love through his own trilogy, while Park Chan-wook addressed vengeance and Oliver Stone tackled the Vietnam War. Mangold now appears to be curating a compelling trilogy centered around music biopics, with just one film remaining to complete this artistic endeavor. Following the themes established in A Complete Unknown, the next film could be a natural extension of this narrative journey.

A Joan Baez Biopic: The Perfect Follow-Up to A Complete Unknown

Monica Barbaro’s Captivating Portrayal of Joan Baez

Joan Baez performs in A Complete Unknown — Photo Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures

A host of remarkable real-life figures populate A Complete Unknown, yet Monica Barbaro’s depiction of Joan Baez stands out particularly. Her performance alongside Chalamet is nothing short of captivating, as Baez herself boasts a rich history of creating pioneering folk music. With her complex relationship with Dylan, a biopic focused on Baez would naturally extend Mangold’s efforts to portray these musical icons on screen.

Joan Baez’s expansive career spans over six decades, during which she has released more than 30 albums. Both Baez and Dylan emerged onto the folk scene simultaneously, and they have been celebrated as two of the genre’s finest artists. Their dynamic, highlighted in A Complete Unknown, encompasses an intense romance and an enduring collaborative spirit, including numerous joint tours. Just as Cash passed the legacy to Dylan, a Baez-centric narrative could showcase Dylan transmitting that legacy to Baez, enriching the trilogy’s thematic depth.

A Biopic of Joan Baez: A Distinct Narrative from A Complete Unknown and Walk the Line

Baez’s Life Journey: A Divergent Path from Dylan and Cash

Joan Baez and Bob Dylan perform together on stage — Photo Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures

Should Mangold embark on a biopic about Baez, the narrative would undoubtedly differ from those of Walk the Line and A Complete Unknown. Although Cash and Dylan share overlapping themes as iconic figures grappling with fame and complex romantic dynamics, Baez’s journey diverges significantly from theirs. Her story would present a vastly different type of film, highlighting a unique set of experiences.

Joan Baez is not only a groundbreaking musician but also a dedicated advocate for various social and political issues, including civil rights and environmental justice. Baez, the second of three sisters, all of whom were musicians and activists, has an intriguing background. Her commitment to her values is illustrated by her refusal to perform at segregated venues. Furthermore, her upbringing — influenced by her father’s work with UNESCO — exposed her to diverse cultures across the globe. Consequently, a biopic delving into Baez’s life would unfold as a profoundly different narrative compared to A Complete Unknown.

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