A Complete Unknown Movie Review: Timothée Chalamet transforms into Bob Dylan in this stunningly immersive biopic
A Complete Unknown Movie Review: Critics Rating: 4.0 stars, click to give your rating/review,‘A Complete Unknown’ is a triumph for director James Mangold, who masterfully balances performances,
Critic's Rating: 4.0/5
Story: In 1962, a young Bob Dylan arrives in New York after reading about Woody Guthrie’s failing health in a newspaper. Visiting Guthrie in the hospital, where he also meets Pete Seeger, he has no idea that the music landscape is about to change.
Review: ‘A Complete Unknown’ focuses on a pivotal period in Bob Dylan’s early career as he gradually rises in the music world. Unlike typical musical biopics, this immersive drama transports viewers to the era, exploring his songwriting process, key influences, and their role in shaping him into one of America’s greatest singer-songwriters. The film features several of his songs, many of which are interpreted, offering insight into their creation. In this film, music itself becomes a character, seamlessly woven into the narrative. With stunning art direction, the film vividly recreates the vibrant and tumultuous music scene of the early 1960s and makes for a fantastic watch.
The story follows a young Bob Dylan (Timothée Chalamet) as he travels to New York after reading about Woody Guthrie’s (Scoot McNairy) failing health. At the hospital, he meets Guthrie and Pete Seeger (Edward Norton), performing a song he wrote in Guthrie’s honour. With nowhere to stay, Seeger offers him a place and introduces him to the city’s music scene. Dylan later meets Sylvie Russo (Elle Fanning), and after they begin a relationship, he moves into her apartment. As his talent catches the attention of music executives, he lands a record deal but grows frustrated when pushed to perform only cover songs. Encouraged by Sylvie to pursue original music, he finds inspiration in the city’s social scene while she is away. This leads to his work being noticed by singer-activist Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro), with whom he begins both a musical collaboration and a romantic affair. As Dylan’s fame rises, his decision to embrace the electric guitar is about to shake everything up.
The film is a captivating watch, bringing musical legends like Woody Guthrie, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and Johnny Cash in and out of Bob Dylan’s life, and you marvel at it. It delves into Dylan’s struggle with creative restrictions, his frustration at being limited to cover songs, and the resistance he faced from the Newport Folk Festival when he considered going electric.
The film also explores his complex relationships with Sylvie Russo and Joan Baez, both of whom deeply influenced his music. What makes this film stand out is its balanced portrayal of every character—each depicted as both talented and flawed. Director James Mangold masterfully captures Dylan’s gradual transformation, making it an unforgettable experience.
Beyond its stunning art direction and expert direction, ‘A Complete Unknown’ becomes an immersive experience thanks to its compelling performances. Timothée Chalamet’s transformation into Bob Dylan is remarkable, delivering a performance that captures both the brilliance and vulnerabilities of the musical icon. He portrays Dylan’s unravelling under fame with striking authenticity. Edward Norton is a revelation as Pete Seeger, embodying a man devoted to folk music and deeply committed to helping others. His scenes with Dylan are among the film’s highlights, showcasing their camaraderie, mutual respect, and underlying tensions. The moment when Seeger pleads with Dylan not to go electric, fearing it will undermine everything he’s worked for, is particularly heartbreaking. Monica Barbaro brings sincerity to her role as Joan Baez, sharing an electric chemistry with Dylan, while Elle Fanning delivers a standout performance as Sylvie Russo.
Ultimately, ‘A Complete Unknown’ is a triumph for director James Mangold, who masterfully balances performances, period authenticity, cinematography, and music to create a deeply immersive experience. The film doesn’t just tell a story—it allows you to step into the vibrant music scene of the 1960s, capturing its energy and atmosphere. More than a biopic, it offers a compelling glimpse into the early years of an enigmatic artist who would go on to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. With its fresh perspective on Dylan’s journey, the film remains both captivating and thought-provoking.
Review: ‘A Complete Unknown’ focuses on a pivotal period in Bob Dylan’s early career as he gradually rises in the music world. Unlike typical musical biopics, this immersive drama transports viewers to the era, exploring his songwriting process, key influences, and their role in shaping him into one of America’s greatest singer-songwriters. The film features several of his songs, many of which are interpreted, offering insight into their creation. In this film, music itself becomes a character, seamlessly woven into the narrative. With stunning art direction, the film vividly recreates the vibrant and tumultuous music scene of the early 1960s and makes for a fantastic watch.
The story follows a young Bob Dylan (Timothée Chalamet) as he travels to New York after reading about Woody Guthrie’s (Scoot McNairy) failing health. At the hospital, he meets Guthrie and Pete Seeger (Edward Norton), performing a song he wrote in Guthrie’s honour. With nowhere to stay, Seeger offers him a place and introduces him to the city’s music scene. Dylan later meets Sylvie Russo (Elle Fanning), and after they begin a relationship, he moves into her apartment. As his talent catches the attention of music executives, he lands a record deal but grows frustrated when pushed to perform only cover songs. Encouraged by Sylvie to pursue original music, he finds inspiration in the city’s social scene while she is away. This leads to his work being noticed by singer-activist Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro), with whom he begins both a musical collaboration and a romantic affair. As Dylan’s fame rises, his decision to embrace the electric guitar is about to shake everything up.
The film is a captivating watch, bringing musical legends like Woody Guthrie, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and Johnny Cash in and out of Bob Dylan’s life, and you marvel at it. It delves into Dylan’s struggle with creative restrictions, his frustration at being limited to cover songs, and the resistance he faced from the Newport Folk Festival when he considered going electric.
The film also explores his complex relationships with Sylvie Russo and Joan Baez, both of whom deeply influenced his music. What makes this film stand out is its balanced portrayal of every character—each depicted as both talented and flawed. Director James Mangold masterfully captures Dylan’s gradual transformation, making it an unforgettable experience.
Beyond its stunning art direction and expert direction, ‘A Complete Unknown’ becomes an immersive experience thanks to its compelling performances. Timothée Chalamet’s transformation into Bob Dylan is remarkable, delivering a performance that captures both the brilliance and vulnerabilities of the musical icon. He portrays Dylan’s unravelling under fame with striking authenticity. Edward Norton is a revelation as Pete Seeger, embodying a man devoted to folk music and deeply committed to helping others. His scenes with Dylan are among the film’s highlights, showcasing their camaraderie, mutual respect, and underlying tensions. The moment when Seeger pleads with Dylan not to go electric, fearing it will undermine everything he’s worked for, is particularly heartbreaking. Monica Barbaro brings sincerity to her role as Joan Baez, sharing an electric chemistry with Dylan, while Elle Fanning delivers a standout performance as Sylvie Russo.
Ultimately, ‘A Complete Unknown’ is a triumph for director James Mangold, who masterfully balances performances, period authenticity, cinematography, and music to create a deeply immersive experience. The film doesn’t just tell a story—it allows you to step into the vibrant music scene of the 1960s, capturing its energy and atmosphere. More than a biopic, it offers a compelling glimpse into the early years of an enigmatic artist who would go on to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. With its fresh perspective on Dylan’s journey, the film remains both captivating and thought-provoking.
