A Complete Unknown is undoubtedly one of the best films of the year – if not the best- thanks to incredible acting and musical performances.
I should start this review off by noting that I knew almost nothing about Bob Dylan going into A Complete Unkown. Of course, I had heard his music before and could recognize his voice just about anywhere, but I did not know about his life or his rise to fame. I certainly did not know about the 1965 Folk Festival, which ends up being the climax of the flim.
This movie follows Bob Dylan’s life from 1961 to 1965. It details his songwriting and his decision to “go electric” at the 1965 Folk Festival, despite the board not wanting him to do so. Timothée Chalamet brilliantly portrays Dylan, truly becoming the singer, becoming more and more unrecognizable as the film goes on.
Bob Dylan’s tracks are not used in the film, but rather these are actual performances by the actor. The same can be said for the other singers that are portrayed in A Complete Unknown. This brings an authenticity to it, and is likely a large part of why the movie works as well as it does. There are intimate moments of Dylan writing in his room in his boxers, but at the same time, we also see him on stage in front of a sold out crowd.
Something I learned from watching A Complete Unknown is that Bob Dylan never wanted to be put in a box. Why should he have to define his genre of music? Can’t he just write and perform whatever he wants too without a label? Honestly, this reminds me of Taylor Swift’s style, as we have seen her jump and blend genres. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. There is a clear reason why Bob Dylan’s music is so popular, so just let him do his thing.
Elle Fanning plays Bob Dylan’s love interest (well, one of them), Sylvie Russo. This is the changed name of real life love interest Suze Rotolo. Fanning is exceptional, per usual, her chemistry with Chalamet is electric. No matter if they are showing affection or fighting, the two are captivating to watch.
One scene in particular, towards the end of A Complete Unknown, left me in tears. It became so easy to become invested in these two and their relationship. As someone who did not know the outcome of their story going into this movie, I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened.
Another standout in the film is Edward Norton, who plays Pete Seeger, a real life folk singer who was one of Bob Dylan’s inspirations. When I tell you that this entire cast – lead and supporting – come together to make something unforgettable and special, I mean it. Norton and Chalamet have an intriguing dynamic.
Seeger takes Dylan under his wing at first, but it isn’t long before Dylan’s fame explodes, almost leaving Seeger in the dust. This culminates into Norton’s Seeger more or less being town between the past and the future, in terms of the creation of music and art.
I cannot talk about A Complete Unknown without mentioning Monica Barbaro’s portrayal of Joan Baez. She also has electric chemistry with Chalamet’s Bob Dylan – especially during their musical performances together. Whenever she opens her mouth to sing in this film, I literally get goosebumps. She is an extreme talent and could certainly be a singer as well as an actress should she choose to.
The back and forth of their relationship, and the way that it shapes the art they create together, is one of the many things that had me completely invested in this film.
I want nothing more than the soundtrack of A Complete Unknown on vinyl. The musical numbers have all stuck with me ever since watching this film for the first time, and I do not see them leaving me any time soon. The cast is phenomenal. One of the best ensembles of the year, hands down.
Of course, I cannot speak on how Bob Dylan fans will feel about this movie as I went into it not really knowing much about him. However, despite his imperfections, A Complete Unknown has made me a Dylan fan.
Undoubtedly one of the best films of the year. Timothée Chalamet brilliantly portrays Bob Dylan, while the supporting cast delivers their best-ever performances. Captivating musical performances are the icing on the cake. A truly awe-inspiring must-watch.
NEXT: Nosferatu (2024) Review: Terrifying Masterpiece or Bloodsucking Bore?
About A Complete Unknown
New York, 1961. Against the backdrop of a vibrant music scene and tumultuous cultural upheaval, an enigmatic 19-year-old from Minnesota named Bob Dylan arrives with his guitar and revolutionary talent, destined to change the course of American music.
He forges intimate relationships with music icons of Greenwich Village on his meteoric rise, culminating in a groundbreaking and controversial performance that reverberates worldwide.
Timothée Chalamet stars and sings as Bob Dylan in James Mangold’s A COMPLETE UNKNOWN, the electric true story behind the rise of one of the most iconic singer-songwriters in history.
