Do you love talking about Films? Are you trying to watch more films in English?
Thinking in English will host the monthly Film Club: Premiere
at 18:00 (UTC) on Wednesday 25th June!
Join us to discuss… A Complete Unknown!
You can find more details on how to participate on Patreon and Discord!
Film Club – A Complete Unknown – Conversation Questions –
Useful Resources – Vocabulary – Example Answers
What is the Thinking in English Film Club?
The Film Club is a great opportunity for Thinking in English Patreon members to practice their conversational English by discussing a film with other members.
Members meet every week on Wednesdays at 6pm UK Time to discuss Films and TV. Most weeks there is no specific topic and you do not have to watch or prepare anything before joining. It’s just a free chat about films!
However at the end of each month we have a special Film Club: Premiere where we discuss one specific film. Earlier in the month, members have voted for what film they want to discuss and just like in the normal Conversation Clubs we will provide 10 questions about the film to help to inspire you.
You can find these (and some other useful resources) below…
For our next Film Club: Premiere on Wednesday 25th June, we will be discussing A Complete Unknown (2024), a retelling of the early career of one of the most culturally important living musicians – Bob Dylan. Timothee Chalamet gives a complete and complex performance as the famous yet mysterious singer.
A Complete Unkown (2024)
What is A Complete Unknown?
Here is a movie description for A Complete Unknown
A Complete Unknown follows a young Bob Dylan as he arrives in New York City in 1961, as he intends to meet and follow in the footsteps of his idol: folk legend Woody Guthrie.
Dylan quickly impresses famous musicians Peter Seeger and Joan Baez and quickly becomes a central figure in the New York folk music scene, which is characterised by accoustic music, traditional songs, strong political messages.
As Dylan becomes more and more popular he has to navigate the complexities of fame, romantic relationship, loyalty and artistic authenticity. He does this all with a particular aloof, intelligent, and slightly childish insensitivity. As Joan Baez says in the film: “You‘re kind of an asshole, Bob”.
The film explores the tension between tradition and innovation, freedom and expectations, authenticity and loyalty. It’s particularly interesting for anyone who likes Bob Dylans music or is interested in the history of Folk, Blues, Rock, and Pop music. Whatever you think of Dylan, his actions in the period shown in this film reshaped popular music forever.
Join us for the Film Club Premiere on 25th June to share your thoughts!
Conversation Questions and Talking Points!
- What are your overall feelings about the film? Did you know much about Bob Dylan before watching it?
- Talk about the film’s music. Did you like the way the film gave context to some famous songs? Did you have a favourite (in the film)?
- Did you like Dylan as a character? Did your feelings about him change throughout the film
- What did you think of Timothee Chalamet’s performance? Can you compare it to the real Bob Dylan or perhaps to other parts played by Chalamet?
- How did you feel about Bob’s relationships with Joan and Sylvie? Do you think the character was hiding any true feelings in order to maintain his aloof persona?
- Did you sympathise with the character of Pete Seeger (played by Edward Norton)? How was he similar and different to Bob?
- Did you agree with Bob’s decision to play his electric set at the folk festival? Do you think it was a betrayal?
- Did you like the setting of New York in 1960s? Did the film capture the cultural atmosphere well?
- Does the film present Bob as a unique genius and revolutionary? Or was change inevitable and he was just the right man in the right place at the right time?
- Bob’s early life is left totally mysterious. He tells Sylvie that people “make up their past” and that people don’t “find themselves”, they “change themselves”. The real Bob Dylan famously gives confusing and contradictory stories about his own life and beliefs. Overall, do you think his personality is authentic or a performance? Might it be both??
And finally, how would you describe the film to someone who has never seen it before? Would you recommend it? Why?
Do you have any more thoughts or questions? Why not prepare 1 or 2 more of your own questions or opinions about the film?!
Useful Resources
To help you prepare for the Film Club, you might want to look at the following useful online resources:
IMDb Page
IMDb page where you can find everything about the film including: Videos, Characters, Cast and Crew, Plot Synopsis, Quotes, Reviews and more!
“The human embodiment of a changing world”
YouTube Film Reviewer Karsten Runquist is not crazy about A Complete Unknown but he would still recommend it to nearly everyone!
“Like it’s subject has done so many time… this one exceeds expectations”
Written review of the film by Brian Tallerico (3.5/4 stars)
Vocabulary
A Complete Unknown Vocabulary
Learn and practice vocabulary for this Conversation Club!.
Practice using 5 different study games and activities – including writing, listening, and memorisation techniques!
Flashcards
Matching Game
Learning Game
Test Yourself
Listening and Spelling
General Film Vocabulary
Learn and practice vocabulary for this Thinking in English Conversation Club.
Practice using 5 different study games and activities – including writing, listening, and memorisation techniques!
Flashcards
Matching Game
Learning Game
Test Yourself
Listening and Spelling
Example Answers
4. Did you agree with Bob’s decision to play his electric set at the folk festival? Do you think it was a betrayal?
B1 Example Answer
B2 Example Answer
C1 Example Answer
See you all at the Film Club!
