Rarely does a film strike a balance between artistic legend and human vulnerability as poignantly as A Complete Unknown. Directed by James Mangold, this cinematic journey into Bob Dylan’s early career, spanning from his arrival in New York in 1961 to the infamous Newport Folk Festival incident in 1965, does more than simply recount milestones. It captures the essence of transformation, talent, and the enigmatic force of one of music’s most iconic and most reluctant stars.
Timothée Chalamet (Call Me By Your Name, Dune, and Wonka) delivers a mesmerising portrayal of Dylan, embodying the artist with a level of nuance that feels both intimate and transcendent. His voice, which he performs himself, resonates with authenticity, from the gentle melancholy of A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall to the electrifying climax at the Newport Folk Festival where he embraces electric guitars.
It’s not just his voice or appearance but the subtle mannerism, wide-eyed optimism and restless energy that bring Dylan to life. Chalamet disappears into the role, making it impossible to see the actor beneath the persona. This is arguably his finest performance yet.
While Chalamet anchors the film, the supporting cast amplifies its emotional depth even further. Monica Barbaro’s portrayal of Joan Baez is nothing short of sublime. She effortlessly oscillates between fiery determination and quiet vulnerability, capturing the complicated relationship between Baez and Dylan and their eventual falling out.
Edward Norton’s Pete Seeger is simply immaculate. Here he delivers a grounded and compelling performance that feels like witnessing history unfold. Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo (a fictionalised Suze Rotolo) brings warmth and complexity to the role, her chemistry with Chalamet adds layers of poignancy to the story.
Mangold’s direction, paired with breath-taking production design, immerses viewers in the vibrant Greenwich Village folk scene of the 1960s. The period details, from smoky coffeehouses to bustling streets, are meticulously crafted. Meanwhile, Phedon Papamichael’s cinematography captures the interplay of light and shadow, echoing Dylan’s own duality as a public figure and a private individual.
What sets A Complete Unknown apart is its refusal to spoon-feed answers or simplify complexities. Instead, it weaves a narrative that mirrors Dylan’s own elusiveness. The film explores identity, ambition, and the paradox of an artist whose work speaks volumes while he remains a complete mystery to most.
The film’s climax where Dylan debuts his electric sound at the Newport Folk Festival, is pure cinematic magic. Chalamet’s performance during Like a Rolling Stone is nothing short of perfect. It is a blend of defiance and vulnerability that encapsulates the stakes of that moment in music history.
This is more than a movie, it’s an experience. With standout performances from Chalamet, Barbaro, and Norton, combined with Mangold’s assured direction, it’s a film that captures a moment in time where anything felt possible. Whether you’re a die-hard Dylan fan or new to his music, A Complete Unknown invites you to explore the soul of an artist who continues to redefine what it means to be a modern-day poet.
