A major flaw of biopics in general, and music biopics specifically, is the tendency to sand down the rough edges of the person being profiled.
For the most part, director and co-screenwriter James Mangold — along with co-screenwriter Jay Cocks — do a commendable job showing how the iconic Bob Dylan is not only talented but rather prickly and arrogant — a creative force with the talent and chutzpah to ennoble change.
The warts-and-all approach and strong performances across the board elevate this absorbing...