The Oscars are known for recognizing cinematic excellence, it’s the highest of honors in the industry, which rewards artists that push boundaries and deliver career-defining performances. But every once in a while, a film comes along that doesn’t just aim for the award but challenges the very essence of storytelling, and the James Mangold directorial, A Complete Unknown, seems to be one of them.
But what makes the director stand out amongst all the other brilliant minds that have been nominated this year? Let’s find out the answers that shed light on Mangold’s creative genius.
Why James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown triumphed in storytelling
A Complete Unknown isn’t just a typical biopic, but a linear retelling of Bob Dylan’s life that focuses on the pivotal moments of his career. James Mangold is amazing at capturing the tension, creativity, and rebellion of an artist who wanted to break free and exceed everyone’s expectations. In the Annual Secret Ballot survey by Entertainment Weekly, an anonymous Oscar voter highlighted why the director was his pick.
He chose a difficult subject matter. I don’t think he necessarily took many chances with it, but I appreciate he brought a film to screen that tackled the creative life and what it is to try to make creative work…. this movie is difficult to do.
The jury member is a filmmaker himself, so perhaps he understood the importance of Mangold’s fresh take. Moreover, Timothée Chalamet’s performance as Dylan has also been widely praised, but the film’s anchor is still its masterful direction.
James Mangold’s vision and why he deserves an Oscar for A Complete Unknown
The anonymous voter’s comments truly support the notion that James Mangold deserves to win this year’s Best Director. The way he balanced historical accuracy without compromising on cinematic flair was indeed commendable. In an interview with Variety, it was revealed that he spent 18 hours consulting the singer himself to ensure the representation was true to his spirit.
However, he also didn’t aim to overexplain Dylan and wanted to leave some room for creative interpretation, which is a hallmark of being a great filmmaker. Mangold remarked that he “let the events happen and let the audience absorb what they want from it.”
His direction shines in scenes like the Newport Folk Festival, where we experienced the tension between Dylan and people who were folk purists. But Mangold’s style is not just meticulous, it’s also empathetic, as he paints a nuanced portrait of everyone grappling with change in that era.
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