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Arts & Culture
25 December 2024

Bob Dylan's Transformation Explored In A Complete Unknown

Timothée Chalamet brings life to the folk legend's rise amid cultural upheaval

Bob Dylan’s transition from folk icon to rock star is at the heart of director James Mangold’s latest biopic, A Complete Unknown, which opened in theaters on December 25, 2024. Starring Timothée Chalamet as Dylan, the film traces the turbulent years of the early 1960s when the legendary musician grappled with the pressures of fame and shifting musical genres.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City’s Greenwich Village, where Dylan first made his mark, A Complete Unknown engages viewers with live performances of classic Dylan tunes, including “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “Like a Rolling Stone.” Critics praise Chalamet’s commitment to the role, which required him to immerse himself deeply in the character of Dylan, down to live singing on set, enhancing the authentic feel of the performances.

The film begins with Dylan’s arrival at age 19 and follows his rise to fame during the tumultuous wake of the Civil Rights Movement and the Cold War. This political backdrop is evident yet underutilized; frequent references to the era’s conflicts serve more as ambiance than driving narrative forces. While A Complete Unknown does touch on significant historical themes, it largely focuses on Dylan’s personal relationships with figures like Joan Baez (played by Monica Barbaro) and Pete Seeger (Edward Norton), painting them with broad strokes.

One of the most captivating yet debated aspects of the film is the portrayal of Dylan’s relationships. Critics note the film significantly alters the timeline and reality of these connections. For example, the friendship between Johnny Cash (represented by Boyd Holbrook) and Dylan is portrayed as beginning at the Newport Folk Festival, though this meeting actually occurred earlier, affirming the common myth surrounded by their legendary camaraderie.

Interestingly, the film also depicts Joan Baez and Dylan meeting as contemporaries starting their careers; factual history, though, shows Baez was already an internationally recognized artist by the time she crossed paths with Dylan. Such discrepancies have led some critics to describe A Complete Unknown as more hagiography than factual biopic. Rolling Stone quoted the film’s creative team explaining their rationale: “It’s about capturing the essence of the man, rather than recounting every detail of his life.”

Indeed, A Complete Unknown conveys Dylan’s complexity—not just as a musician, but as a person wrestling with the expectations of the folk establishment and the allure of electric rock. A pivotal scene is Dylan’s turn to electric music, which culminates at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. Here, the film does capture the energy of Dylan’s controversial set. Historically, Dylan faced boos and mixed reactions for his electrifying performance, which many folk-purists viewed as sacrilegious.

Critics have noted the film’s portrayal of the Newport reaction as both dramatic and thought-provoking, yet still question its depth. Some argue it fails to fully convey why Dylan’s shift was revolutionary, missing opportunities to explore the artistic, cultural, and personal motivations behind his decisions. TIME magazine underscored this point: “What became clear is Dylan’s rebellion against the expectations of the folk scene, but the film struggles to articulate why it mattered.”

The narrative also omits the reality of Pete Seeger’s response to Dylan’s electric debut. Contrary to the common myth of Seeger’s outrage, records show he actually supported Dylan, emphasizing the importance of innovation even within the protest culture of the time. This representation is one of the film’s noteworthy oversights, reflecting its tendency to favor dramatization over accuracy.

While criticisms abound, others laud the film for its musicality and emotional resonance. Live performances, harmonizing beautifully executed songs, breathe life and authenticity, allowing audiences to feel the pulse of the era. This aspect has been praised widely, with PureWow highlighting the delight of engaging with Dylan’s music: “If you hope to reignite your interest in folk music, A Complete Unknown succeeds magnificently.”

Timothée Chalamet’s performance is the glue of the film. Critics have noted he showcases Dylan’s essence rather than mimicry, delivering haunting versions of Dylan’s songs and embodying the artist’s complexity. Chalamet believes deeply anchoring his interpretation enabled him to do justice to Dylan’s enigmatic nature. The Hollywood Reporter quoted Chalamet, saying, “This man’s life and work are so biblical to me...I had to deliver. He inspires.”

Despite its narrative flaws and historical liberties, A Complete Unknown encapsulates the spirit of Bob Dylan and the cultural upheaval of his time. It serves as not only entertainment but as a spark for discussion about authenticity, art, and the human experience during one of America's most charged social movements. With engaging music and dynamic performances, the film both acknowledges Dylan’s legendary impact on American music and invites viewers to grapple with the myths and truths surrounding his life.

Overall, A Complete Unknown shines when it allows the music to speak, anchored by Chalamet’s compelling portrayal, inviting audiences to experience the legendary legacy of Bob Dylan, even amid the imperfections of its storytelling.

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