James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown delivers a spellbinding exploration of Bob Dylan’s early years, elevated by an astonishing performance from Timothée Chalamet who has solidified himself as one of the greatest actors of all time the past few years. Known for his transformative roles in films like Call Me By Your Name, Little Women, Dune, and Wonka, Chalamet fully inhabits the role of the iconic folk artist, capturing Dylan’s awkward mannerisms, mumbling speech, and even his legendary singing voice with remarkable authenticity.
Amazing Vocal Performance
Going into this film, and at the beginning, I was quite wary. At 2 hours and 20 minutes, the runtime felt daunting, and the prospect of listening to Dylan’s famously cryptic mumbling seemed like it was going to be challenge. However, any apprehension dissolves the moment Chalamet begins to sing. Dylan’s poetic lyrics, paired with Chalamet’s stunning vocal performance, create moments of such raw, goosebump-inducing power that you’ll find yourself fully immersed, forgetting entirely that this is a biopic and not a live concert. I nearly clapped, by accident, throughout. Remarkably, the lengthy runtime never drags, as the film flows seamlessly from one mesmerising scene to the next.
A Relatable, Straightforward Tale
All images courtesy of Searchlight Pictures
Unlike many music biopics that aggrandise their subjects or seek to justify their flaws, A Complete Unknown offers a refreshingly unvarnished portrayal of Dylan. The film embraces his complexities—the “kind of an asshole” attitude included—without judgment or unnecessary focus. It’s a story of a young individual unapologetically following his muse, whether or not the world approves.
Mangold, who previously directed Walk the Line, strikes a similar chord here as he did there. Just as his Johnny Cash biopic found beauty in simplicity and humanity, A Complete Unknown roots its storytelling in the mundane yet profound moments of Dylan’s life. There’s no need for larger-than-life dramatics—this is a simple, generic, straightforward, down to earth story of a young man, his guitar, his harmonica, his personal insecurities, and a few messy relationships, who is trying to navigate this world. A relatable figure, which is hard to come by in recent biopics and is a cornerstone of the narrative.
There will be a lot of talk about this film ‘not adding anything’ and being simple and generic (as a negative), but thats the beauty of it. It does not need to be anything more than that.
Stellar Supporting Cast
The supporting performances add further depth to the film. Elle Fanning shines as Sylvie Russo (a fictionalised version of Dylan’s real-life girlfriend Suze Rotolo), delivering a heartbreakingly emotional portrayal that captures the turbulence of their relationship. Monica Barbaro is captivating as Joan Baez, matching Chalamet’s vocal prowess in scenes that showcase their magnetic onstage chemistry. Boyd Holbrook also impresses as Johnny Cash, embodying the country legend with an uncanny resemblance and a commanding presence.
Humour and Humanity
Surprisingly, A Complete Unknown also injects humour into its narrative. The script is peppered with unexpected one-liners and moments of levity that keep the tone grounded. These lighter touches balance the emotional intensity of the story, making the film as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. It also enhances Dylans relatability more, as when he is being an ass, he is still witty, still human.
Knockin’ on the Academy’s Door
With its masterful direction, heartfelt performances, and extraordinary musical sequences, A Complete Unknown feels like a deserved contender for awards season. Chalamet’s portrayal of Dylan, in particular, seems destined to be remembered as one of the great biopic performances of our time.
Set to release in UK cinemas on January 17, 2025, this film is a must-see for fans of Dylan, music lovers, and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted story of artistic perseverance. A Complete Unknown isn’t just a biopic—it’s a poetic reminder to stay true to oneself, no matter what others may think, say or expect.