REVIEW: “A Complete Unknown” (2024)

As someone who has grown up with the melodies and lyrics of Bob Dylan resonating through my life, I must confess that initially, the idea of Timothée Chalamet playing the legendary singer-songwriter seemed like a stretch. But after witnessing his captivating performance in “A Complete Unknown,” I’m left wondering who else could have done justice to Dylan’s iconic persona.

Initially, when I learned that Timothée Chalamet was cast as Bob Dylan in an upcoming biopic, I must confess, I questioned if someone more suitable could have been chosen. However, watching him embody the legendary American singer-songwriter left me wondering who else could have played Dylan with such conviction. In James Mangold’s “A Complete Unknown”, Chalamet delivers an outstanding performance that brings Elijah Wald’s 2015 book “Dylan Goes Electric! Newport, Seeger, Dylan, and the Night That Split the Sixties” to life.

Timothée Chalamet diligently honed his skills for the part, teaching himself to play guitar and harmonica while delving deep into Dylan’s legendary lyrics and vocal techniques. Mangold effectively utilized Chalamet’s training. It’s rumored that Chalamet sang an incredible 40 songs for the movie, but the remarkable thing is he pulled it off flawlessly. This not only boosted his portrayal but eliminated any trace of pretense. For 141 minutes, we believe Timothée Chalamet is Bob Dylan, and there’s never a moment of doubt.

As a movie reviewer, I found that what truly sets “A Complete Unknown” apart is director Mangold’s strategic focus on a captivating slice of Dylan’s life. This isn’t your typical cradle-to-grave biopic. Instead, it’s an engaging ensemble film that charts Bob Dylan’s remarkable musical odyssey, starting with his arrival in New York City and culminating at the unforgettable 1965 Newport Folk Festival performance. This iconic moment ignited controversy when Dylan took the stage with an electric guitar, much to the dismay of his ardent folk music supporters.

The movie starts in 1961, showing 19-year-old Bob traveling from Minnesota to New York City by hitchhiking. His destination? To meet his role model, Woody Guthrie, who was residing at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital. During this visit, Bob encounters Pete Seeger, a well-known folk singer, who is instantly captivated by the young and talented singer-songwriter. Pete not only warms up to Bob but also starts showcasing him across the New York City folk music scene.

Mangold and Jay Cocks recount Bob’s journey to stardom primarily through the significant relationships that shaped his career. One of his initial connections is with Sylvie Russo, portrayed by Elle Fanning, who is modeled after Suze Rotolo. Sylvie isn’t just a romantic interest; she plays a crucial role in opening Bob’s eyes to the harsh realities of life, which would serve as inspiration for many of his popular songs. Moreover, among all, she was the one who motivated him to sing his own compositions once he secured a record deal with Capitol Records under Albert Grossman’s management.

The movie delves into Dylan’s relationship with Joan Baez, skillfully portrayed by up-and-coming actress Monica Barbaro. When they first met, Baez was an established artist, and she was one of the first to record some of Dylan’s original songs, thereby aiding in his rise to fame. The chemistry between Barbaro and Chalamet is fantastic, effectively showcasing the creative spark that ignited whenever Baez and Dylan performed together while also hinting at the more complex aspects of their personal relationship.

Among the secondary characters, Boyd Holbrook’s portrayal of Johnny Cash stands out as the most captivating. Although he doesn’t have many scenes, he makes each one memorable with a charismatic performance that sparkles. Holbrook masterfully embodies Cash’s essence and swagger, while subtly infusing his own unique touches into the character. I can’t wait for another Johnny Cash film starring Boyd Holbrook as ‘The Man in Black’.

In “A Complete Unknown”, Mangold skillfully intertwines an exploration of Bob Dylan’s personal life with a voyage through the chronicles of American music history. This film not only pays tribute to traditional folk music and its profound influence on American society, but it also underscores how music was evolving parallel to this very culture. The climax of the movie is a vibrant reenactment of the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, where Dylan stirred both amazement among fans and indignation among festival organizers by performing electric instead of acoustic. His brief performance is often referred to as a pivotal turning point in both folk and rock music.

Experiencing “A Complete Unknown” is like being swept off your feet by its compelling narrative, timeless melodies, and outstanding acting. What makes it even more captivating is its authentic production design, costumes, and stunning cinematography from Phedon Papamichael. However, what truly binds everything together is James Mangold’s evident passion for the project. You can feel it pulsing through every inch of his film. While music enthusiasts might find additional delight, there’s so much more to appreciate that goes beyond musical preferences alone. It’s a mesmerizing cinematic journey and easily one of the standout movies of the year.

2024-12-19 18:56

REVIEW: “A Complete Unknown” (2024)

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