Lessons From Bobby (Dylan)
TLDR:
(too long, didn’t read)Falling in Love with Dylan Through Others: My admiration for Bob Dylan grew as I experienced the love others had for him, which evolved into my own appreciation of his artistry.
A Timeless Reflection of Turbulence: A Complete Unknown showcases the social and political upheavals during Dylan's rise to fame, paralleling the challenges of our current times.
The Enigma of Self and Art: The film explores Dylan’s identity as both an artist and a person, questioning whether we are defined by our work, relationships, or the impressions we leave on others.
Love as a Mirror of Identity: Dylan’s relationships with key figures in his life reflect different facets of his identity—his pure, unfamous self, his creative side, and the parts of himself he feels he’s lost.
The Dedication to Creation: Dylan’s unwavering commitment to his art, even amidst personal and global chaos, inspires us to consider how our own dedication to meaningful work can shape our lives and impact the world.
Give Me the Deets!
Give me the juicy detailsThe Lessons We Can Learn from Bob Dylan: What We Do Matters
Bob Dylan’s portrayal in A Complete Unknown struck a chord in me—not just because of his music or the tumultuous period of history it highlights (Cough, cough. . . too much like today), but because it makes us reflect on something we rarely sit with: the many ways we exist and matter to the world around us. I feel this weighs even more when the world is on fire.
The film masterfully illustrates Dylan’s relentless dedication to his craft. It shows his unshakable belief in the importance of what he was creating, even when it consumed him or obscured other parts of his identity. This is where the profound lesson lies. Bob isn’t just writing music while the world is crumbling; he’s making a statement—one that resonates deeply: the act of doing what matters, no matter how small, has significance.
The Enigma of Creation and Selfhood
One thing the film captures beautifully is Dylan’s natural enigma. There are two threads here: Dylan as the vessel of some intangible artistic force—something raw, pure, and deeply human—and Dylan as the person eclipsed by his art. His creation becomes so intertwined with his identity that it’s almost impossible to for others to see him outside of his work.
The relationships in the film, particularly with Sylvie and Joan, serve as reflections of different facets of his identity. Sylvie represents a connection to a version of himself that existed before fame—before the world’s gaze turned him into a symbol. She challenges him to articulate who he is, even as he seems unsure or unwilling to define himself.
Joan, on the other hand, understands the part of him that’s a musician and creator. She’s a kindred spirit in artistry, but the film hints at her longing to be more than a collaborator—to be the object of his focus. Yet, Dylan’s obsession with creation leaves little room for anything else. It’s not so much unwillingness as it is an inability to give his attention to something that isn’t his art.
This portrayal raises a profound question.
Who Are We?
As the film raises the question, we see that identity isn’t a fixed answer. Are we our creations, our relationships, our legacy? Or are we an amalgamation of all these things? Dylan’s life, as depicted, suggests it’s all of them and more.
What We Create: Dylan’s art is an extension of himself, but it’s also something beyond him. His music becomes a vessel for ideas, emotions, and movements that touch countless lives. His relentless pursuit of creation shows that what we produce—whether it’s a song, a cup of tea, or a conversation—makes an impact.
How We Are with Others: Dylan’s relationships reflect how we experience others and ourselves through connection. Each partner in the film represents a different lens of identity, challenging the idea that we are ever fully known, even by those closest to us. But these connections still shape who we are.
What We Leave Behind: Legacy looms over every artist, creator, and individual striving to make a mark. Dylan’s work reminds us that our impact—intentional or not—ripples far beyond our reach.
The Weight of Dedication
What stood out to me most was Dylan’s almost compulsive dedication to his craft. The film paints this not as an indulgence but as a necessity, akin to breathing. His music wasn’t just something he did—creating was who he was. Even when life threw monumental distractions his way—love, fame, fear—he continued to play.
This unwavering focus highlights the power of consistent effort. If everyone brought even a small percentage of Dylan’s dedication to what truly matters to them, the collective impact could be monumental. It doesn’t have to be music; it could be kindness, curiosity, justice, or simply nurturing something you care about. These small acts of purpose add up and create meaning not just for ourselves but for the world around us.
What We Do Matters
Dylan’s story—his life as both a creator and a person—is a reminder that our actions, no matter how seemingly small, shape our lives and the lives of those around us. Every note he wrote, every word of his songs, every relationship he formed (or struggled with)—all of it contributed to his legacy. But more importantly, it contributed to a broader human tapestry of art, love, and purpose, making his work so relevant even today.
Through the film, we see vivid imagery of Dylan’s process and hear the sincerity of his words and music. He writes with an urgency, almost as though he’s fighting for listeners to find the truth hidden within his lyrics and the acoustic—and eventually electric—guitar. His work evolves alongside the social unrest around him, becoming a mirror to the times. Yet, this evolution is met with rage and backlash when his audience resists the changes in his art and expression, showing how difficult it can be to stay true to oneself in the face of others’ expectations. Watching Dylan wrestle with his art and identity mirrors a struggle many of us face in our own lives—how to stay true to who we are while navigating a world that often demands conformity.
So, if there’s one takeaway from Bob’s portrayal in A Complete Unknown, it’s this: our lives are a collection of moments, decisions, and actions. Each of these is a piece of who we are, and they all matter. If we embrace even a fraction of the effort, dedication, and passion Dylan poured into his music, we can make our own lives just a little more worth living.
Final Reflection: Start Small, Aim True
Take a moment to reflect: what’s one thing in your life that matters to you? Is it a relationship, a passion project, or a cause? Think about one small, meaningful step you could take today to nurture it. You don’t need grand gestures—just consistent, intentional effort. Over time, even the smallest actions can build into something significant.
Dylan’s writing in the midst of chaos wasn’t just music—it was purpose and resilience. It was his way of confronting the world and carving out meaning. We all have our own way of doing this, even when life feels overwhelming.
So, what’s your way of creating meaning? Maybe it’s a small gesture, a daily habit, or a quiet commitment. Whatever it is, start today—because even the smallest actions, done with intention, have the power to change lives, starting with your own
I’d love to hear from you: How do you stay grounded in what matters most to you?
Here’s to the quiet power of showing up <3
Astrid M
