A Complete Unknown movie review: James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown is a cinematic tribute to one of the most enigmatic and influential musicians of the 20th century, Bob Dylan. Rather than adhering to the traditional biopic formula, the film boldly focuses on Dylan’s transformative years in the early 1960s. This period marked his evolution from a revered folk artist to a groundbreaking force in rock music, a journey fraught with controversy and cultural significance. Anchored by Timothée Chalamet’s electric and nuanced portrayal of Dylan, A Complete Unknown strikes a balance between humor, drama, and the raw energy of music, capturing the essence of a legend who reshaped the sound of a generation.
A Complete Unknown movie review
The storyline of A Complete Unknown is adapted from Elijah Wald’s book Dylan Goes Electric! and co-written by James Mangold and Jay Cocks. The film zeroes in on Dylan’s pivotal shift from acoustic folk to electrified rock music—a moment that redefined his career and polarized his fanbase. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing America, the narrative weaves together Dylan’s personal and professional struggles with the broader cultural shifts of the 1960s.
The film opens in Greenwich Village, a hub of folk music and counterculture, where a young Dylan is making waves with his poetic lyrics and magnetic stage presence. Initially embraced by the folk music community, Dylan’s innovative approach and lyrical depth earn him a devoted following. However, his dissatisfaction with the limitations of traditional folk music propels him toward experimentation. Drawing inspiration from rock’n’roll, Dylan decides to integrate electric instrumentation into his music, a bold move that culminates in his historic and controversial performance at the Newport Folk Festival. This act of defiance, met with both admiration and outrage, serves as the film’s dramatic centerpiece, showcasing the tension between artistic evolution and audience expectations.
A COMPLETE UNKNOWN – Official Trailer
Timothée Chalamet delivers a career-defining performance as Bob Dylan, embodying the singer-songwriter’s complex persona with remarkable authenticity. Chalamet captures Dylan’s enigmatic charisma, blending arrogance with vulnerability and defiance with introspection. His portrayal delves into the many facets of Dylan’s character, from his witty and often cryptic public persona to his moments of private reflection.
A standout aspect of Chalamet’s performance is his vocal work. Performing Dylan’s iconic songs himself, Chalamet brings a raw authenticity to classics like “Don’t Think Twice” and “Blowin’ in the Wind.” His ability to replicate Dylan’s unique vocal style—the nasally tone, the uneven phrasing, and the emotional depth—adds an extra layer of credibility to his portrayal. One of the film’s most poignant moments features Dylan performing for an ailing Woody Guthrie, a scene that highlights both Chalamet’s musical talent and his ability to convey profound emotion.
The film’s ensemble cast enhances the richness of Dylan’s story, with each character representing a different aspect of his journey.
Elle Fanning shines as Sylvie Russo, a character inspired by Dylan’s real-life girlfriend Suze Rotolo. Fanning’s portrayal captures the emotional complexities of their relationship, highlighting the challenges of loving a man whose artistic ambitions often take precedence over personal connections. Sylvie’s grounded and pragmatic perspective provides a stark contrast to Dylan’s mercurial nature, making their interactions both tender and bittersweet.
Monica Barbaro brings elegance and depth to her role as Joan Baez. As one of Dylan’s collaborators and romantic interests, Baez’s character plays a pivotal role in his rise to fame. Barbaro skillfully portrays Baez’s strength and vulnerability, creating a dynamic relationship that underscores the tension between their differing artistic paths.
Edward Norton delivers a moving performance as Pete Seeger, Dylan’s mentor and a prominent figure in the folk movement. Norton’s nuanced portrayal captures Seeger’s disappointment and sense of betrayal during Dylan’s shift to electric music, reflecting the generational and ideological divides of the era.
Boyd Holbrook portrays Johnny Cash with understated charm, highlighting the mutual respect and camaraderie between Cash and Dylan. Their interactions offer a glimpse into the supportive network of musicians navigating the evolving music landscape.
Scoot McNairy’s depiction of Woody Guthrie, though brief, is profoundly impactful. As Dylan’s idol and a symbol of folk music’s legacy, Guthrie’s presence in the film underscores the passing of the torch to a new generation of artists.
Mangold’s direction brings the energy and turbulence of the 1960s music scene to life with vivid detail. The film’s concert sequences, particularly Dylan’s electrified Newport Folk Festival performance, are masterfully crafted. Chalamet’s commanding stage presence, coupled with meticulous sound design, transports the audience into the heart of these pivotal moments. The decision to relocate the infamous “Judas!” shout from Manchester to Newport, while a departure from historical accuracy, serves the film’s dramatic purpose and heightens the emotional stakes.
The soundtrack plays a crucial role in capturing the spirit of the era, featuring both Dylan’s original compositions and Chalamet’s renditions. These musical moments are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, reinforcing the film’s exploration of Dylan’s artistic evolution.
A Complete Unknown eschews the conventional rise-fall-redemption arc typical of biopics. Instead, the film presents Dylan’s story as a continuous journey of reinvention, marked by moments of conflict and self-discovery. This unconventional structure mirrors Dylan’s refusal to conform to societal or artistic expectations, offering a portrayal that is as dynamic and unpredictable as the man himself.
Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Dylan stands apart from previous interpretations. While Todd Haynes’ I’m Not There fragmented Dylan’s persona across multiple actors and the Coen brothers’ Inside Llewyn Davis explored the broader folk scene, Chalamet delivers a singular, fully embodied performance. His portrayal captures the essence of Dylan’s enigmatic character while making him approachable and relatable, setting a new standard for biographical performances.
The film’s greatest strengths lie in its compelling performances, vibrant cinematography, and evocative soundtrack. Mangold expertly balances mythmaking with humanizing moments, creating a well-rounded portrait of Dylan. However, some viewers may find the omission of key events, such as Dylan’s interactions with The Beatles, a missed opportunity to explore his broader cultural impact. Additionally, the film’s focus on Dylan’s early years leaves little room for examining his later career and enduring legacy.
Summary
A Complete Unknown is a daring and unforgettable exploration of Bob Dylan’s transformative years. Anchored by Timothée Chalamet’s electrifying performance, the film captures the spirit of an artist who defied expectations and reshaped modern music. Whether you’re a lifelong Dylan fan or new to his work, this biopic offers a compelling and thought-provoking look at a legend who changed the sound of a generation.
Top Rotten Tomatoes Reviews
Chalamet’s performance is only ever a shell of Dylan; His passion and purpose, the one he found in the very folk music this biopic zeroes in on, isn’t there – Lex Briscuso, CBR
Mangold’s tribute to Bob Dylan is a sincere effort despite the near 2 ½ hours running time steeped in convention and light touches. But as a tried-and-tested formula, the confidence in Chalamet’s performance brings the vision home – Kelechi Ehenulo, Movie Marker
I felt like I was hearing these songs for the first time again. Everything about it made me feel special and like I was given a gift as a fan of Bob Dylan’s work – Rachel Leishman, The Mary Sue
A grounded and entertaining drama featuring an award-worthy performance by Timothée Chalamet, who brilliantly captures Bob Dylan’s mysterious persona while giving audiences something to latch onto – Nate Adams, The Only Critic
Chalamet could have come off as an impersonator doing an “SNL” sketch. Instead, he inhabits Dylan self-effacingly. Among rock and roll biopic performances this one is right up there with Sissy Spacek as Loretta Lynn and Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison – Roger Friedman, Showbiz 411
Top Movie Ratings
| Metacritic | 70% |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 75% |
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