Finally got around to seeing the Coen brothers Llewyn Davis. Its a small, smart, but ultimately dismal portrait of an artist as a young man. Dr. Joyces famous prescription - silence, exile, and cunning - for artistic success is simply a placebo for Llewyn. Sure, theres a nudging reference to Bob Dylan in the films final moments, and its a suggestion that the artists struggle doesnt have to culminate in a grim ending. However, to my mind a more instructive (and uplifting) lesson is encapsulated in Dylans performance at Royal Albert Hall in London, circa 1964; the live recording is on several Dylan collections. Theres skinny Bob, maybe 20, and after an acoustic set he goes out on stage with his band and is now booed. Bob yells back at the doubters. I dont believe you, he challenges. Then he turns to his band and orders, Play it f-ing loud. The drum stick cracks against the drum like a rifle blast signaling a cavalry charge. And the performance of Like a Rolling Stone that follows is breathtaking. Forget Sinatra doing it his way, or Tom Petty defiantly saying he wont back down. Heres an artist announcing that he sees a better way and - heres the kicker - hes going to convince the doubters of the clarity and power of his vision. And by the songs end, the crowd at Royal Albert Hall is on their feet cheering Bob and his vision. Sublime.
Posted on: Sat, 25 Jan 2014 12:44:05 +0000