The latest Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, directed by James Mangold and released on December 25, 2024, has quickly garnered attention for its unique take on the musician's early life, breaking away from typical Hollywood biopic trends. Unlike many music films such as Bohemian Rhapsody and Elvis, which seem crafted solely to win awards, A Complete Unknown delves deeply and thoughtfully, paying genuine homage to Dylan's formative years as he transitioned from obscurity to becoming one of music's most iconic figures.
Timothée Chalamet stars as Bob Dylan, bringing to life the complexity of the artist through his engaging performance. Critics suggest this may well be Chalamet's best work yet, with some even predicting it could land him his first Oscar. The film, based on Elijah Wald's book Dylan Goes Electric!: Newport, Seeger, Dylan, and the Night That Split the Sixties, chronicles Dylan's evolution as he integrates himself within New York's thriving folk scene, sparking relationships with notable figures including Joan Baez (played by Monica Barbaro) and Pete Seeger (Edward Norton).
Opening with Dylan’s arrival to Greenwich Village, the narrative presents him as seeking out his idol, Woody Guthrie, suffering from Huntington's disease. This formative moment introduces the audience to the folk figures around him, establishing the mentoring dynamic with Seeger, who recognizes Dylan's raw talent. Critics have praised Chalamet's portrayal, noting, "Chalamet’s dedication to the character is evident. Strapped with a guitar on his side and a harmonica on his lips, Chalamet sound eerily similar to the real Dylan..." This dedication resonates as he performs songs written by Dylan himself, articulately capturing the man behind the music.
Central to the plot is Dylan's dual relationship with Baez and another woman, Sylvie Russo (Elle Fanning). The film intricately navigates these relationships, depicting the nuances of Dylan's personal life. While Baez assists him in achieving stardom, Russo, his first love, challenges him to embrace political themes within his work. Yet, the film's framing leaves their romantic threads feeling somewhat unfulfilled. Critics note their romance consists primarily of fleeting moments, exemplified by brief scenes like their awkward date at a restaurant. Her eventual departure, highlighted by Dylan’s performance of It Ain't Me Babe, serves as the emotional climax of their relationship.
One standout moment occurs during the now-infamous 1965 Newport Folk Festival, where Dylan embraces his electric sound—a decision met with mixed reactions from audiences. This pivotal performance echoes through time as it contributes to the artist's growing legend. The film effectively captures the tension surrounding this moment, reminding viewers of the conflict faced by artists who choose innovation over tradition. PETE SEEGER, shocked and distressed, argues with Dylan’s manager, emphasizing the cultural significance placed upon Dylan’s choices. They express fears of breaking from folk music's roots, foreseeing potential societal impacts.
James Mangold’s direction breaks the mold seen in many music biopics by focusing not just on Dylan’s accomplishments but also highlighting his flaws. The film does not shy away from showing Dylan as simultaneously brilliant and infuriated, complicate character dynamics with moments of humility intertwined with arrogance. The portrayal of Seeger displays his idealism, as he pushes for political engagement from Dylan only to be met with resistance. Their exchanges, especially when Seeger says to Grossman, "You’re the only one selling anything here, Albert!" encapsulate the tension between commercialism and artistic integrity within the music world.
Musical performances throughout the film serve not only as entertainment but also as insight. For example, the duet of It Ain't Me Babe between Dylan and Baez amplifies the growing rift between Dylan and Russo, which culminates when she catches wind of Dylan’s infidelities. The song plays as both emotional insight and narrative device—it marks not just the end of one relationship but forecasts the future integrations Dylan will later embrace.
Overall, A Complete Unknown emerges as not just another biopic but as a cultural commentary on the tensions of the 1960s. Its deep exploration of Bob Dylan's character renders the film significant, positioning it as one of the most substantial entries within the music biopic genre. Amidst its Golden Globe nominations, which saw it losing all three, including Best Actor to Adrien Brody, it's anticipated to resonate strongly during the Oscar season. Critics assert the film is poised for nominations and could confirm Chalamet's rising stardom as he helps bridge the gap between today’s generation and the rich music history shaped by artists like Dylan.