The highly anticipated Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, featuring Timothée Chalamet, is set to arrive in theaters just in time for the holiday season on Christmas Day. This film marks yet another chapter in the long-standing relationship between Dylan, known for his enigmatic persona and groundbreaking music, and cinema.
According to historian Douglas Brinkley, Dylan's connection to films began during his formative years growing up in Hibbing, Minnesota, where local theaters played host to some of his most influential encounters. It was here Dylan first glimpsed the likes of Brigitte Bardot, who inspired some of his early songs. He later referenced this muse humorously, recalling, "Well, my telephone rang it would not stop. It's President Kennedy callin' me up. He said, 'My friend, Bob, what do we need to make the country grow?' I said, 'My friend, John, Brigitte Bardot, Anita Ekberg, Sophia Loren..."
Dylan's early exposure to film icons like Marlon Brando and James Dean was pivotal. After seeing Dean's performance in Rebel Without a Cause, Dylan was inspired to rebel against Cold War conformity through his music. By the time he arrived at New York's Greenwich Village, he was captivated by international art-house films like Truffaut's Shoot the Piano Player and Fellini's La Dolce Vita. Dylan often remarked how the latter reflected life as seen through "a carnival mirror."
The biopic A Complete Unknown focuses primarily on Dylan's transformative years from 1961 to 1964, highlighting his transition from folk singer to global superstar. Music historian and Dylan enthusiast Ted Olson points out the film captures the essence of Dylan's early career, particularly his pivotal concert at New York City's Philharmonic Hall on Halloween 1964, which was originally intended to capture the essence of his acoustic folk roots. Columbia Records had hoped to release it as his fifth official album, but Dylan's desire to push the boundaries of genre eventually overshadowed this plan.
While the film dives deeply between the lines of art and reality, it uniquely pays homage to Dylan's reluctance to engage with his legacy. Remarkably, Dylan has remained adamant about keeping his personal life shrouded, evidenced by his absence at the opening of the Bob Dylan Center and the 2016 Nobel Prize ceremony. His recent posts praising Chalamet's performance offer rare glimpses of the artist's acknowledgment of his cinematic portrayal.
But he has also had his fair share of cinematic connections throughout his career. His acting presence has plastered both the silver screen and documentary filmmaking, appearing as himself or having others interpret his complex character. Directed by James Mangold, the new biopic does not attempt to recount Dylan's entire life; instead, it provides viewers insight solely from the 1960s. This focus offers fresh air, avoiding the fatigue of experiencing his full biography on screen too soon.
The film's portrayal, especially Chalamet's performance, has sparked buzz surrounding potential award nominations. Critics have noted his considerable charm and the ability to replicate Dylan's elusive essence. Commenting on his portrayal, Dylan himself noted, "Timmy's a brilliant actor, so I'm sure he's going to be completely believable as me. Or a younger me. Or some other me."
To coincide with the film's premiere, Levi's has launched a clothing collection inspired by both Chalamet's wardrobe and Dylan's iconic style. Items include the $1,200 “Dig Yourself Brown” suede jacket and $495 jeans, both steeped heavily in nostalgia for early Dylan aesthetics.
While some have expressed skepticism over the heavy glamorization of Dylan's character as almost too enigmatic, others find it refreshing. The film portrays many of the key figures surrounding Dylan, such as Joan Baez and Pete Seeger, striving to understand the man behind the music. Factual liberties have drawn attention, especially the blending of key historical moments, like the Newport Folk Festival and Dylan's infamous “Judas” moment at Manchester's Free Trade Hall, which have sparked conversation about authenticity when representing musical legends.
Critics have offered mixed opinions on the film, with some finding heartfelt homage within its crafted narrative. The documentary Don't Look Back filmed during Dylan's 1965 concert tour remains hailed as significant, illustrating how Dylan's complex nature continues to captivate audiences and filmmakers alike. New York's dynamic cultural scene has been home to many films about or featuring Dylan, and the many adaptations highlight his versatile musical identity.
With the clamor surrounding A Complete Unknown, Dylan’s presence and influence continue to resonate. It remains to be seen how audiences will receive the film, but what is clear is Dylan's forge as both musician and cultural icon.
