Timothée Chalamet takes on the iconic role of Bob Dylan in the much-anticipated biopic titled A Complete Unknown, set to open on December 25, 2023. Directed by James Mangold, the film recounts the legendary musician's rise from obscurity to stardom during the early 1960s, capturing the essence of Dylan's transformative impact on music and culture.
Unlike the experimental format of previous Dylan biopics, such as Todd Haynes’s I’m Not There, A Complete Unknown offers audiences a more straightforward narrative. The film kicks off with Chalamet's portrayal of the young Dylan as he arrives in Manhattan at the age of 19, filled with ambition and awe. He seeks out his idol, folk legend Woody Guthrie, played by Scoot McNairy, performing his heartfelt song “Song to Woody” during their encounter. This pivotal moment sets the tone for Dylan’s meteoric rise as he immerses himself within Greenwich Village's folk music scene and attendees at intimate coffee houses.
James Mangold, discussing the film’s thematic elements, remarked, "There was a wonderful book... it occurred to me this should begin with his arrival... as a fairy tale." This fairy-tale-like quality permeates the film, evoking the sense of destiny surrounding Dylan as he transforms from a young man with dreams to one of the most significant cultural figures of his time. The narrative spans his early years leading up to his groundbreaking performance at the Newport Folk Festival, where he electrified audiences and redefined musical genres.
Chalamet’s preparation for the role was intense, as he learned to play over 30 of Dylan's songs under the guidance of various coaches, making it clear how much pride he takes in this project. He expressed his newfound respect for the global music icon, stating on The Graham Norton Show, "I have really worship at the church of Bob. I am deeply passionate about this man and his work." Chalamet's commitment to authenticity shines through not just in his dialogue delivery but also through the musical performances captured on screen.
Bob Dylan himself acknowledged Chalamet's talent, saying, "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." Dylan's approval of Chalamet's performance lends additional credibility to the film, which bases its storyline on Elijah Wald's book Dylan Goes Electric. This source material provides rich historical background leading up to the pivotal moments of Dylan's career.
To coincide with the film's release, Levi’s has introduced a new clothing line inspired by Chalamet’s portrayal of Dylan. The Levi’s Vintage Clothing x A Complete Unknown collection includes replicas of the iconic outfits worn by Dylan during the ‘60s, including a luxurious leather jacket and custom jeans. Costumer designer Arianne Phillips mentioned, "I kept noticing Bob Dylan wore Levi’s consistently throughout his career, both on and off stage," ensuring the authenticity and stylization of the collection.
Examining the film's reception, NME's Alex Flood noted, "The most important (and often trickiest) job of any music movie is to get the music right. And this nails it." The film is expected to resonate well with both existing fans of Dylan's work and newcomers alike, sparking renewed interest in his catalog of music.
With its blend of rich narrative, passionate performances, and the unique stylistic elements contributing from real-life events, A Complete Unknown embodies not just the story of Bob Dylan but also the spirit of a transformative era in music history. While the film opens during the holiday season, its artistic and emotional depth suggests it will leave audiences eager to explore more about the man behind the legend.
Timothée Chalamet’s transformation for the role may not only earn him accolades this awards season but also cement his place among Hollywood’s rising stars. The film is heralded as not just another biopic but rather as a celebration of the creativity and spirit of Bob Dylan, calling out to audiences to not only watch the film but to understand the cultural significance of its subject.
A Complete Unknown is set for nationwide release on Christmas Day, marking what could be both the beginning of Chalamet’s impactful career within biographical filmmaking and illuminating Bob Dylan's path as one of the century’s pivotal cultural icons.
