
Near the conclusion of the movie “A Complete Unknown“, we find Pete Seeger and a young Bob Dylan in a quiet yet tense interaction. With the 1965 Newport festival’s “going electric” by Dylan in mind, Seeger delivers an eloquent metaphor to Dylan about collective efforts for social justice. In this analogy, each person contributes a spoonful of sand to counterbalance the weight of injustice. According to Seeger, Dylan was unique because he brought a shovel, symbolizing his powerful folk songs such as “Masters of War” and “The Times They Are A-Changing.” However, Dylan dismisses Seeger’s message, grabs the stage, and challenges the traditional folk scene with his electric Stratocaster.