A Complete Unknown (2024) Review: Timothee Chalamet Brings Bob Dylan to Life
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| A Complete Unknown Review |
Introduction
James Mangold's
A Complete Unknown takes us back to the influential New York music scene
of the early 1960s, chronicling the meteoric rise of a young Bob Dylan.
Starring Timothee Chalamet as Dylan, the film explores his journey from a
19-year-old folk singer in Minnesota to a groundbreaking rock and roll icon.
The story culminates in his controversial electric performance at the Newport
Folk Festival in 1965, a pivotal moment in music history.
A Complete Unknown Trailer
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Bob Dylan’s Enigmatic Persona
Bob Dylan is an artist whose music has touched generations. As a kid, I first
encountered his songs in Lady in the Water, which led me to track down
his original work. Initially, I found his voice unusual, but as I grew older, I
began to appreciate his extraordinary talent and songwriting prowess. Dylan
remains an enigma—someone who has never seemed particularly enamored with fame,
making him all the more fascinating.
Timothee Chalamet’s Transformation into Bob Dylan
Chalamet delivers an outstanding performance, embodying Dylan with uncanny
accuracy. Over the years, Chalamet has proven his versatility across films like
Call Me by Your Name, Dune, and Wonka. His portrayal of
Dylan is no exception—he disappears into the role, making it one of his most
impressive performances yet.
James Mangold
brings his signature energy to this film, reminiscent of his work in Walk
the Line. I remember watching Walk the Line back in 2005, knowing
little about Johnny Cash at the time, yet leaving the theater eager to explore
his music. I suspect A Complete Unknown will have the same effect on
audiences regarding Dylan’s legacy.
The Film’s Strengths: A Beautifully Crafted Biopic
Mangold does not shy away from depicting Dylan’s early career struggles. The
film highlights his reluctance to conform to expectations, his resistance to
the idea of fame, and his desire to experiment with new sounds. At the heart of
the drama is Dylan’s transition from folk to electric rock, a move that
alienated some of his fans and fellow musicians. The film also features a love
triangle involving Monica Barbaro and Elle Fanning, which adds another layer of
complexity to Dylan’s character.
Boyd Holbrook
shines as Johnny Cash, marking the second time Mangold has directed someone
portraying the country legend. The film emphasizes how fellow artists supported
Dylan even when the public resisted his evolution. Edward Norton’s portrayal of
Pete Seeger is also a standout.
A Few Drawbacks
While the film is engrossing, some aspects felt a little underexplored. For
those unfamiliar with Dylan’s life, certain moments assume prior knowledge,
making it harder to fully grasp the significance of key events. Additionally,
while the love triangle adds drama, it occasionally feels like an unnecessary
detour from the central narrative.
Dylan is often
portrayed as a difficult and unlikable figure in the film, which aligns with
historical accounts. However, I would have liked more insight into his
motivations and decisions rather than just seeing his actions unfold without
deeper context.
Final Thoughts
Despite some minor shortcomings, A Complete Unknown is a beautifully
crafted film. The cinematography, period-accurate production design, and music
all work together to create an immersive experience. The recreation of Dylan’s
performances, including the Newport Folk Festival, is exceptionally well done.
Whether you're a long-time Dylan fan or someone new to his music, this film is
an absolute must-watch for lovers of musical biopics.
Conclusion
James Mangold once again proves his ability to bring musical legends to the big
screen. With a powerhouse performance from Timothée Chalamet, stunning
cinematography, and a compelling exploration of Dylan’s rise to fame, A
Complete Unknown is a film that resonates deeply. It may not answer all the
questions about Dylan’s life, but it certainly captures the essence of his
artistic spirit.
Summery
James Mangold’s
A Complete Unknown chronicles Bob Dylan’s rise from a young folk singer
to a rock and roll icon, culminating in his controversial 1965 Newport Folk
Festival performance. Timothee Chalamet delivers an impressive portrayal,
capturing Dylan’s enigmatic persona. The film highlights Dylan’s artistic
evolution, struggles, and relationships, with standout performances from Boyd
Holbrook and Edward Norton. While the love triangle subplot and assumed prior
knowledge of Dylan may detract for some, the film excels in its immersive storytelling
and music. A beautifully crafted biopic, it’s a must-watch for fans of Dylan
and musical history.
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