A Creative Life in Dark Times

In these dark and challenging times, the impulse is strong to run away from it all, to hide under the covers. I’ve not  been shocked by the events of recent weeks and have been busy calling my senators.  A post on social media reminded me of all the great art that was made in times of struggle, even during the Dark Ages.  We do what we can do.

I go to the movies.

I’ve found inspiration and joy in A Complete Unknown, the story of four years in Bob Dylan’s early career, which conveys what it is like to live a creative life in difficult times. The period of the early 60’s saw the struggle for civil rights, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, and the assassinations  of JFK, Malcolm X and Medgar Evans

In the middle of all of this, enters Bob Dylan into a very established folk music world. His explosion of creativity speaks to audiences in a way that changes the course of music. The movie shows how music and lyrics can inspire, soothe, and affect social change.

The film also depicts the personal struggle he had as his  creative process developed, “going electric,” when many of his backers and fans were against it. A creative life does not always come free.

I love this movie for so many reasons- I’ve seen in four times! Yes, four. And I’ve only seen a few movies more than once in the theater– 20 Feet From Stardom, an Oscar winning documentary; Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris, and Jon Favreau’s Chef.

The acting of all the main characters is outstanding, especially portraying the struggles Dylan has with his  relationships, as he becomes more famous.  The women in his life at the time, Joan Baez and Sylvie  based on the real life Suze Rotollo) are strong characters and call him out on his issues, but can’t help falling for him.  The electricity between Joan and Bobby is palpable.

For me this movie comes at no better time than now, because it reminds us that we have a voice. We must continue to speak it- through music, writing, painting, dance, cooking whatever is our way to express. We have been through other dark times.  Let us throw off the covers, and face the challenge of now. Be bold  and  create something meaningful out of it