Bob Dylan (Timothée Chalamet) is about to step on the stage of the Newport Folk Festival. Deep inside, he wants to defy expectations and experiment with his electric guitar, but the audience is eagerly anticipating his traditional folk singing. Before he steps out, does he reach for the electric guitar, or his iconic acoustic guitar?
Directed by James Mangold, “A Complete Unknown” is a musical drama depicting Dylan’s early days of fame as a folk musician up to his controversial switch to trying out electric instruments. Since its release on Dec. 25, the movie has earned eight nominations for the 97th Academy Awards.
Set in the 1960s, the film follows Dylan as he arrives in New York as a 19-year-old, guitar in hand, his only wealth his talent. After he meets his music idol Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy) and his friend Pete Seeger (Edward Norton), Seeger takes Dylan under his arm, introducing him to the folk community in New York City. The story continues as Dylan develops relationships with his muse Sylvie Russo (Elle Fanning) and already-famous Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro). Eventually, as Dylan’s career took off, he reached the intersection between folk music traditions and his own desire for freedom in his music, ultimately shaping the legacy he left on American music.
To capture the electrifying essence of the 1960s, the movie’s scenes and settings were intricately crafted to immerse the audience into the dynamic of the time period. From references to Kennedy’s presidency to shiny leather jackets to the warm coloring of a 1960s Chinese restaurant, the movie revives what was a well-known and transformative period of the twentieth century.
Avoiding the trap that often comes with biopics, “A Complete Unknown” doesn’t over-romanticize of the subject, instead seamlessly incorporating the raw personality of the characters. The movie captures Dylan’s layers of complexities — his brilliance when it comes to music and songwriting and also his vulnerability and aloofness.
Through his portrayal of Dylan, Chalamet maintains the true mystery behind the musician’s musical genius, even during his closest relationships. The movie only hints at his background, with a quick mention of his surname “Zimmerman” and a brief scene with an old scrapbook. The absence of a backstory for Dylan adds to the enigma of his character but doesn’t cause confusion.
Focusing on Dylan’s musical career and journey, the movie consists of many scenes of guitar-playing and singing on a stage. Regardless of the actor’s previous musical abilities, each moment of Chalamet playing the harmonica, plucking a guitar tune or dueting on stage with Barbaro comes naturally. Chalamet’s impression of Dylan’s subtle accent and his raspy tone throughout the film stays consistent, even through his singing, overall bringing to life the story.
The careful portrayals of the characters, along with the mood of every scene and soundtrack choice, create a work that showcases Dylan’s revolutionary contributions to American music while honoring those around him who helped shape his career and legacy. It’s a compelling watch for avid Bob Dylan fans, casual listeners and those less familiar with his story alike.
“A Complete Unknown”
2 hours, 20 minutes
Rated R for language
Directed by James Mangold
Starring Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning
