Monica Barbaro Shines as Joan Baez in A Complete Unknown
In the highly anticipated film A Complete Unknown, Monica Barbaro takes center stage as Joan Baez, the legendary folk artist known for her noteworthy collaborations with Bob Dylan. Ahead of the film’s release, I had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with Barbaro about her captivating role.
A Memorable Scene with Bob Dylan
One standout moment in the film features Barbaro playfully flipping off Bob Dylan, portrayed by Timothée Chalamet. This scene unfolds at the Newport Folk Festival when Baez, visibly frustrated with Dylan’s tardiness, cleverly hides her gesture of defiance behind her guitar, all while maintaining her performance flawlessly. It encapsulates both humor and artistry, making it a memorable cinematic experience.
The Art of the Cinematic Middle Finger
This marks the second occasion where Barbaro has showcased her knack for delivering a “cinematic”middle finger to her on-screen counterparts. In the blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick (2022), she ingeniously pretends to scratch her face as a way to cheekily flip off her co-star, Jake “Hangman” Seresin, played by Glen Powell. This nuanced approach adds a layer of brilliance to her performances.
Insights from Barbaro on Her Unique Gesture
Curious about Barbaro’s technique for executing such memorable gestures, I probed her about the secret to pulling off an elegant middle finger in film. With a touch of humor, she acknowledged the idea of becoming known for this signature move. “I had that thought too where I said, ‘I guess this is just going to be part of…everything I do now,” she quipped.
Barbaro elaborated on the significance of subtleties in these moments: “I think it’s about subtlety. I’ve never had to speak on this; this is so funny. The key is not to overdo it; it should feel organic.” Her insights reveal a keen understanding of performance that enhances the authenticity of her characters.
Catch the Full Conversation
For more on this engaging discussion, you can explore our full conversation here:
Brilliance in A Complete Unknown
Barbaro delivers an outstanding performance as Joan Baez, affirming her talent and versatility as an actress. Don’t miss the opportunity to see her in A Complete Unknown, which hits theaters on December 25.
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