Bob Dylan, the legendary singer-songwriter, is set to return to the silver screen with the release of the biopic "A Complete Unknown," hitting theaters on Christmas Day this year. This film, directed by James Mangold and starring Timothée Chalamet as the iconic folk artist, explores Dylan's formative years and provides insight not just about his music but also his connections to Delaware.
For many, the significance of Dylan's ex-wife, Sara Dylan, being originally from Delaware adds depth to the narrative. Born Shirley Noznisky in Wilmington, Sara married Bob Dylan in 1965 but the couple parted ways in 1977 after having four children together. Notably, their son, Jakob Dylan, frontman of The Wallflowers, has also made musical waves, performing at various venues, including the Firefly Music Festival.
Bob Dylan's last concert experience at the Firefly Music Festival occurred on June 17, 2017, marking him as the oldest headline performer at the event at the age of 76. Before this, Dylan had previously graced Delaware’s stages, including shows at Bob Carpenter Center and Kahunaville, establishing significant connections with the First State over the years.
Now, as Santa gets ready to slide down chimneys, fans of Dylan and cinema alike anticipate "A Complete Unknown." The film delves deep from 1961 to 1965—a pivotal period when diverse musical styles collided, and Dylan's career took off. The narrative highlights the iconic moment when Dylan controversially performed with electric guitar at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, which reverberated throughout the music community.
Chalamet's portrayal of Dylan doesn’t just rely on acting skills but also involves extensive preparation; he reportedly underwent training with vocal, guitar, and dialect coaches. He even dedicated wall space to Dylan’s lyrics, underscoring his commitment to authentically represent the musician. Chalamet expressed the importance of handling Dylan's legacy with care, stating, "People are deeply protective of Bob Dylan and his music legacy because it’s so pure..."
Critics are already weighing in on the film, with Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times calling it, "one of the best films of 2024," and praising Chalamet's performance as “Oscar-worthy.” The film is currently boasting rave reviews, holding 79% on the critics' score and 96% on the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, which suggests audiences will find it both engaging and compelling.
For those unable to catch it in theaters, fans can expect to see "A Complete Unknown" stream on Hulu within two to three months following its theatrical release—a trend seen with previous films from Disney’s Searchlight Pictures. Digital copies are expected to be available for purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+ shortly after.
While "A Complete Unknown" promises to give audiences insight about Dylan’s life and influences, it also reopens discussions about Delaware's place in the legacy of one of music's greatest icons. With the intertwining stories of Dylan's family roots and his legendary performances, this film encapsulates the depth of his artistry and personal connections.
Whether watched on Christmas Day or awaited on streaming services, Bob Dylan’s narrative continues to resonate, showcasing not just his music but the lives intertwined with it—including those from Delaware.
