Timothée Chalamet shines as Bob Dylan in the upcoming biopic, "A Complete Unknown," which chronicles the legendary singer-songwriter's meteoric rise from humble folk roots to the electrifying heights of rock music. Set for release on Christmas Day, the film, directed by James Mangold, peels back the layers of Dylan's initial fame and explores his controversial switch to electric sound.
Based on Elijah Wald's book "Dylan Goes Electric!", the movie features Chalamet portraying Dylan during the pivotal years of 1961 to 1965. The film is split between two halves, with the first focusing on Dylan's early career as he captivated audiences on the folk scene of Greenwich Village, and the second detailing the backlash he faced when he embraced electric music.
Mangold, known for his success with musical biopics like "Walk the Line," aims to revitalize the genre and present Dylan not just as a figure of folklore but as a complex individual struggling with his identity and the expectations placed upon him. According to Chalamet, he underwent extensive preparation to embody Dylan, immersing himself in the artist's world, learning new songs, and even performing live during filming to preserve authenticity.
Despite the film's slick direction and Chalamet's committed performance, critiques suggest it struggles with its narrative depth. While the performances— including appearances from Elle Fanning as Dylan's girlfriend Sylvie Russo, Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, and Edward Norton as Pete Seeger—are commendable, the plot reportedly lacks the emotional exploration signifying Dylan's notorious complexity.
The film provides glimpses of Dylan's relationships and the broader cultural moment, yet fails to fully articulate the associated turmoil. Critics have noted the film's shallow handling of significant social issues, such as the civil rights movement, which Dylan often sang about, mentioning events like Martin Luther King Jr.'s march and JFK's assassination without delving deeply enough to create meaningful connections.
Oscar Isaac, who starred alongside Chalamet, humorously remarked on Chalamet's preparation by stating, "My first thought was it was a very bad idea for him to play Bob Dylan," highlighting the challenge of portraying such an iconic yet elusive figure. Chalamet acknowledges the inherent difficulties stating, "It's an interpretation… It's a fable. The film doesn't pretend to be a Wikipedia page or historical account."
Bob Dylan's involvement and creative input reportedly influenced the film's direction, though the specifics of his feedback remain opaque. He publicly introduced Chalamet by praising him, saying, "Timmy is a brilliant actor, and I’m sure he will be totally believable as me, or as a younger version of me, or another me," acknowledging the actor’s ability to capture his essence.
Chalamet's insistence on singing live during performances, advised by Norton, aimed for realism, which added depth to his portrayal, "When I arrived on set, I thought it would be best to actually sing. It would be more realistic and authentic… Edward Norton was the little demon whispering in my ear: ‘Do it live, you sound so much more real.’”
Reflecting on the experience, Chalamet expressed how the role transformed his artistic perspective, saying, "This experience deeply changed me… It's new facets of my experience as an artist." He hopes the audience sees the film through Dylan's lens, appreciating its narrative's multi-layered structure.
Overall, "A Complete Unknown" combines rich historical detail with emotional storytelling, capturing the pivotal moments of Bob Dylan's early career and revolutionizing American music. While some critiques suggest the biopic does not wholly grasp its subject's essence, it remains poised to intrigue audiences curious about the multifaceted life of one of music's most enigmatic figures.
Set to premiere nationwide on December 25, 2024, the biopic builds excitement and anticipation, promising to reveal more about Bob Dylan and the world he shaped with his music.
