‘A Complete Unknown’ - Review
It really was only a matter of time before the great folk singer-songwriter Bob Dylan would, once again, be next in line for another of Hollywood's obsessions with musician biopics. However, unlike other attempts to capture an artist’s personal struggles, life before fame, or psyche, *A Complete Unknown* keeps us at arm’s length from this legendary figure. Directed by James Mangold, the film begins with Bob Dylan’s (Timothée Chalamet) arrival in New York, where he meets folk legend and entrepreneur Pete Seeger (Edward Norton). Once Pete sees the spark Bob claims he's looking for, Dylan’s life over the next four years is forever changed by fame, relationships, and a constant yearning to avoid being put into a box.
As mentioned earlier, the key difference between *A Complete Unknown* and other biopics is the choice to keep us distant from the central character. This decision is intentional, to the point where, when Bob Dylan and his then-girlfriend, Sylvie Russo (Elle Fanning), have a heated exchange, she practically lists all the critiques one might have about the film. She rants lines like, “It feels like I don’t even know you,” and “Where do you even come from?” Throughout the entire movie, Sylvie, Pete, and Joan Baez (Monica Barro) understand just as little about Bob as we do. To me, this adds a mythological quality to Bob Dylan’s character, emphasizing his enigmatic nature. For better or worse, this choice gives the movie a lot of free time to function as a musical jukebox, packed with Bob Dylan songs. According to producer Fred Berger, Chalamet sings 40 songs from Dylan’s discography spanning 1961–1965. For true Bob Dylan enthusiasts, this film might be exactly what they want — a treasure trove of hits and performances that align well with the real-life people they portray. However, for those hoping to truly understand and discover who this icon is, it may feel like a disappointment.
Speaking of performances, our lead, Timothée Chalamet, while reserved, is almost unrecognizable as Dylan. Chalamet fully embraces the role, adopting a mumbling tone and large vocal stage presence that make his performance leap off the screen. However, it is the two leading women, Elle Fanning and Monica Barro, who truly elevate both Chalamet and the film. Ultimately, the heart of *A Complete Unknown* lies in their performances and characters. Our sympathy and deeper connection to the story depend on them, and without their presence, the film could have easily fallen apart.
Visually beautiful and directed competently, *A Complete Unknown* may be remembered as the film that either earned or almost earned Chalamet his first Oscar. However, it could also be remembered for how well it captures the folk scene of the early '60s, documenting it through open mics, festivals, and cocktail parties. There’s a unique portrayal of a burgeoning genre that comments on current world events and personal struggles.
Take it or leave it, Bob Dylan’s life may never be as publicized as some might hope, and the film successfully capitalizes on that notion. But if you stick with it, you’ll be won over by charming performances and catchy tunes that will leave you feeling inspired to always follow the beat of your own drum.
