‘A Complete Unknown’ Review: Timothée Chalamet’s Transformative Portrayal Elevates A Somewhat Murky James Mangold Screenplay
SPOILER FREE REVIEW
Synopsis: At the Newport Folk Festival in 1965, a young Bob Dylan shakes up his act on the folk music scene by going electric and siring rock as the voice of a generation - defining one of the most transformative moments in 20th century music.
James Mangold’s ‘A Complete Unknown’ is an immersive exploration of Bob Dylan’s meteoric rise during the early 1960s Greenwich Village folk scene.
Anchored by Timothée Chalamet’s transformative portrayal of the legendary singer-songwriter, the film paints a textured portrait of an enigmatic artist while delving into the era’s cultural and musical revolution. It’s a deeply evocative film that thrives on its lived-in performances, attention to period detail, and electrifying musical sequences, even as it leaves the man at its center somewhat unknowable.
Chalamet’s Dylan arrives in New York City as an unpolished but ambitious figure, guitar case in hand, ready to make his mark on the burgeoning folk scene. The film meticulously recreates the Village’s vibrant atmosphere—dimly lit basement venues, bustling coffeehouses, and streets brimming with young idealists. From the outset, Chalamet embodies Dylan’s restless energy, blending raw talent with a brooding, often inscrutable persona. His vocal performance, which captures Dylan’s signature nasal tone and scratchy intensity, feels like more than an impersonation. Chalamet’s Dylan exudes passion, anger, and sly wit, forging a connection to the music that transcends mere mimicry.
The film’s greatest strength lies in its depiction of Dylan’s music and the cultural milieu that shaped it. Songs like “Masters of War” and “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall” emerge organically from Dylan’s experiences and relationships, reflecting the political urgency of the time. The music sequences are among the film’s highlights, showcasing Chalamet’s ability to inhabit Dylan’s artistry. These performances feel alive, transporting audiences to a time when folk music was a vehicle for social change.
Dylan’s relationships with Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro) and Sylvie Russo (Elle Fanning) serve as emotional counterpoints to his aloof and driven nature. Barbaro’s Baez is portrayed with radiant self-possession, her angelic voice and commanding stage presence underscoring her role as both a mentor and collaborator. The dynamic between Baez and Dylan is particularly compelling: while she helps elevate his career, his emotional detachment strains their connection. A scene in which Baez calls Dylan out for his condescending attitude toward her songwriting is a sharp reminder of his abrasive personality, a recurring theme throughout the film.
Fanning’s Sylvie, based on activist and artist Suze Rotolo, offers another layer of complexity. Sylvie’s political convictions ignite Dylan’s passion for socially conscious songwriting, yet their relationship is fraught with unspoken tensions. Fanning captures Sylvie’s fragility and strength, particularly in moments where she confronts Dylan’s emotional inaccessibility. Her influence on his creative process is evident, yet the film leaves ambiguous whether Dylan ever fully acknowledged her impact.
Edward Norton shines as Pete Seeger, the folk pioneer whose warmth and generosity provide a stark contrast to Dylan’s prickly demeanor. Norton’s Seeger is a steadying presence, deeply invested in the communal spirit of folk music, even as Dylan’s meteoric rise threatens to overshadow his contributions. A poignant moment sees Seeger performing “This Land is Your Land” on courthouse steps, embodying the resilience of an artist standing firm in his principles.
Boyd Holbrook’s brief turn as Johnny Cash adds another dimension, capturing the rugged charisma and outlaw spirit of the Man in Black. Dylan’s admiration for Cash hints at a kindred connection between two artists who defied convention in pursuit of their unique sounds.
Mangold’s direction brings the 1960s to life with stunning authenticity. The production design, led by François Audouy, captures the grit and vibrancy of pre-gentrification Greenwich Village. Dylan’s messy 4th Street apartment, Baez’s bohemian Chelsea Hotel room, and the intimate music venues pulsate with life, creating an evocative backdrop for the story. Cinematographer Phedon Papamichael’s use of digital with vintage anamorphic lenses bathes the film in the rich textures and Kodachrome colors of the era, evoking the iconic imagery of Dylan’s early albums.
The film also ventures into larger historical contexts, including Dylan’s interaction with his hero Woody Guthrie, played by Scoot McNairy. Guthrie’s scenes are deeply moving, particularly when Dylan performs heartfelt tributes like “Song for Woody” and “Blowin’ in the Wind” during visits to the ailing folk legend.
While the film excels in atmosphere and performance, its narrative structure occasionally falters. Dylan’s internal conflict—his uneasy relationship with fame and his tendency to push away those who care for him—drives the story but also limits its emotional resonance. Scenes of Dylan evading fans or brooding over his sudden stardom repeat, causing the film to lose momentum in its midsection.
The much-anticipated conflict at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, where Dylan famously “went electric,” is treated more as a late narrative coda than a driving force. While the cultural clash between traditionalists like Seeger and Dylan’s revolutionary new sound is compelling, it doesn’t carry the dramatic weight one might expect. Instead, the film finds its emotional charge in the music itself, with Dylan’s electrified performances of “Maggie’s Farm” and “Like a Rolling Stone” sparking visceral energy.
Ultimately, ‘A Complete Unknown’ is less concerned with solving the mystery of Bob Dylan than with celebrating the transformative power of his music and the cultural forces that shaped it. The film positions Dylan as a figure both of and apart from his time, a man whose charisma and talent are as undeniable as his flaws. Chalamet’s performance captures this duality, making Dylan both magnetic and frustratingly elusive.
‘A Complete Unknown’ succeeds as a vibrant tribute to an era defined by idealism, creativity, and change. It immerses audiences in the spirit of the 1960s folk scene, offering a richly detailed portrait of a pivotal moment in music history. Fans of Dylan and lovers of the era’s music will find much to savor in this evocative and musically exhilarating film.
Our score: ★★★★
(out of 5 stars)