Everything comes together in A Complete Unknown; a finely crafted and reverent portrait of Bob Dylan, one of the 1960s’ undisputed icons of music.
More than Dylan himself, the film explores the culture and times of New York City in the midst of the twentieth century, with all its upheaval and changing times. It portrays folk music as the zeitgeist of the times; a wave from the delta blues into the clubs of the City.
Timothée Chalamet plays Dylan excellently, capturing his nasal twang and talent. Impressively, he plays Dylan’s music, and to his credit he pulls it off. The music is replicated brilliantly, loudly and authentically. The supporting cast is also excellent, Edward Norton playing folk mentor Pete Seeger with a world-weary smile throughout. Elle Fanning as Dylan’s enamoured girlfriend Sylvie Russo, and Monica Barbaro as fellow famous folk singer Joan Baez, are also great.
More than a straight music story, A Complete Unknown delves into the complexities of Dylan’s art and its wrestling with the music industry and the folk scene. His evolution of his craft into electric-bolstered rock was lambasted as heresy by some. The film takes this drama and propels the narrative, making for a compelling and entertaining ride.
2024, James Mangold
8.5
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