Anna Daniels
Hollywood has a strong tradition of engaging musical biopics, and A Complete Unknown, focusing on the legendary Bob Dylan, is poised to become a classic alongside favorites like Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman. Directed by James Mangold and inspired by Elijah Wald’s 2015 work Dylan Goes Electric!, this film delves into Dylan’s ascent as a folk hero in 1960s New York, featuring his iconic electric performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965.
As its December 25th release approaches, enthusiasm is building, with reviewers praising Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Dylan. Scott Menzel has called it “the performance of the year,” highlighting Chalamet’s skill in capturing Dylan’s nuanced traits. Monica Barbaro and Edward Norton, who play Joan Baez and Pete Seeger, are also receiving recognition for their complex portrayals, with some stating they even surpass Chalamet’s performance.
Clayton Davis from Variety commends Mangold’s assured directing style, along with the film’s impressive set and costume designs. Gregory Ellwood from The Playlist, despite his indifference to folk music, finds the film “shockingly moving” and even suggests a spin-off focusing on Joan Baez.
Critics have remarked on the film’s capacity to reflect Dylan’s enigmatic nature. David Poland notes that it manages to reveal “everything about Bob Dylan while telling us almost nothing,” emphasizing the artist’s persistent mystery. The film also serves as a celebration of individualism and creativity during a time of rapid change.
The cast features Elle Fanning as Dylan’s first girlfriend in New York, along with Boyd Holbrook and Dan Fogler, further enriching Mangold’s vision. With increasing Oscar buzz surrounding Chalamet’s performance, A Complete Unknown is expected to resonate with both audiences and critics.
Initial reactions to A Complete Unknown indicate it may rise above standard biopic conventions. Chalamet’s dedication to portraying Dylan’s mystique seems to enhance the story, but my greatest interest lies in the depiction of Dylan’s formative years and the surrounding cultural landscape of the 1960s folk revival. While Chalamet’s role likely grabs headlines, the performances by Barbaro and Norton as Baez and Seeger add richness, transforming this from merely Dylan’s narrative into a homage to a pivotal moment in music history.
However, biopics are often challenged by the need to balance authenticity with entertainment. I’m eager to see how Mangold addresses Dylan’s intricate legacy, particularly in light of discussions about the film’s somewhat ambiguous narrative style.
What element of Bob Dylan’s legacy excites you most about A Complete Unknown—his music, his enigmatic persona, or his cultural significance?
