About the film (courtesy of Searchlight Pictures):
A Complete Unknown follows 19-year-old Minnesota musician Bob Dylan’s (Timothée Chalamet) meteoric rise as a folk singer to concert halls and the top of the charts – his songs and mystique becoming a worldwide sensation – culminating in his groundbreaking electric rock and roll performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965.
James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown is not your typical biopic. It’s a film that defies expectations, much like its subject, Bob Dylan. Instead of a cradle-to-grave chronicle, Mangold, along with a transformative Timothée Chalamet, offers a snapshot of a pivotal moment in Dylan’s career: his controversial transition from folk hero to electric rock star. The film captures the essence of Dylan’s enigmatic persona, his restless spirit, and his unwavering commitment to artistic evolution, even in the face of fierce backlash.
Chalamet embodies Dylan with an uncanny accuracy, not just physically, but in his mannerisms, his voice, and his piercing gaze. He disappears into the role, capturing the young Dylan’s charisma, vulnerability, and rebellious spirit. This isn’t mere imitation; it’s a full-bodied channeling of an artist on the cusp of a revolution. Chalamet strums the guitar, croons the iconic lyrics, and navigates the whirlwind of fame with a captivating intensity.
A Complete Unknown focuses on the period leading up to Dylan’s infamous performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, where he shocked the audience by plugging in his electric guitar. Mangold expertly recreates the atmosphere of the folk music scene in the early 1960s, with its coffee houses, protest songs, and fervent idealism. He also captures the growing tension between Dylan’s artistic ambitions and the expectations of his folk purist fanbase.
A Complete Unknown doesn’t shy away from the controversy surrounding Dylan’s “going electric.” It portrays the outrage and betrayal felt by some folk fans, who saw his embrace of rock and roll as a betrayal of their values. But the film also highlights Dylan’s artistic integrity and his refusal to be confined by any one genre or label.
The supporting cast, including Edward Norton as Pete Seeger and Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez in a breakthrough performance, adds depth and complexity to the narrative. These characters represent different facets of the folk music world, and their interactions with Dylan illuminate his evolving relationship with his own music and his audience. Other names to lookout for are Scoot McNairy, Dan Fogler, and Boyd Holbrook, to name a few.
Mangold’s direction is assured and stylish, with a keen eye for period detail and a masterful use of music. A Complete Unknown‘s soundtrack, naturally, is a highlight, featuring both classic Dylan tracks and original compositions that capture the spirit of the era.
While A Complete Unknown may not satisfy those seeking a comprehensive biography of Dylan’s life, it offers a compelling and insightful glimpse into a crucial turning point in his career. It’s a film about artistic freedom, the courage to challenge conventions, and the enduring power of music to inspire and provoke.
A Complete Unknown opens in theaters everywhere Wednesday, December 25th and it should not be missed. Timothée Chalamet shows exactly why he should be considered on of the greats of his generation, just like the classic character he portrays.
