Culture Cabinet

Making a biopic about a person still living amongst legends is a tricky feat. Particularly when that person is arguably one of the most legendary musicians still living and working today. 

It is especially difficult if that person is Bob Dylan. Thankfully, A Complete Unknown (mostly) rises to the challenge. 

A Complete Unknown is a biographical film that covers the story of a young Bob Dylan (Timothée Chalamet) as he navigates the rise in fame throughout New York’s folk scene in the 1960s, catapulting into legend status, and the eventual controversy that arose from his initial release of his now iconic album, Highway 61 Revisited. 

The folk movement of the 1960s is one of the most well-documented movements in America’s musical history. Its confluence of working around the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement, along with tense political conflicts such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the assassination of John F. Kennedy, allowed artists such as Dylan the opportunity to create anthems of hope that reflect the times. The film does not shy away from these themes, opening with Pete Seeger (Edward Norton) standing in on behalf of Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy) for investigation by the FBI on ties to communism. A victorious Seeger greets the press with a banjo, and sings Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land.” Dylan kisses Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro) while frightened New Yorkers flee for what they think is an impending nuclear attack. 

But the movie focuses more on the mind of Bob Dylan himself, using the key moments in history to underscore his mindset as he writes some of his most iconic songs, like “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “The Times They Are A’Changin,” and “Masters of War.” A safe choice, given that this era of Dylan is one of the more documented times of an otherwise mythic public figure. But director James Mangold, who co-wrote the screenplay with Jay Cocks, manages to keep the story moving at a pace that never feels redundant. 

The film also steps into a bit of Dylan’s personal history, including his relationship with his first longtime partner, Suze Rotolo (whose name in the film is changed to Sylvie Russo at the request of Bob Dylan himself, portrayed by Elle Fanning), his tumultuous professional and personal relationship with Joan Baez, and his friendship with country music legend, Johnny Cash (Boyd Holbrook). The film stays as true to life as it can (while, of course, taking some artistic liberties in the story as biopics often do). The result is a gorgeous glimpse into one of the most formative times in American music, and one of the better films of the year. 

While the story feels like a respectful service to the subject, the musical re-creations of essential Dylan tracks are so masterfully done, and the performances across the board are spectacular, the obvious star of the show is Timothée Chalamet. While Chalamet has had the opportunity to showcase a diverse range in his acting (and singing) talents, this feels like a career-defining performance. Chalamet absolutely nails Dylan’s mannerisms, speech patterns, and singing voice, without ever crossing the line into being too cartoonish or making it seem like he’s simply trying to do a Bob Dylan impression. Chalamet simply becomes Bob Dylan onscreen. Playing such a legend, particularly one that is still living, has to be an incredibly daunting task for any actor. But, I believe Bob Dylan said it best, when he referred to the actor as “brilliant.” 

A Complete Unknown will speak to anyone familiar with Bob Dylan’s work, or any folk music fan. However, the overarching story of a man who is simply trying to fight for his freedom to create the kind of art he wants to create, and not just cater to what is expected of him, can resonate with a wider crowd. 

Don’t think twice, this one is worth the watch.