Timothée Chalamet is making waves this holiday season with his powerful portrayal of Bob Dylan in the much-anticipated biopic, A Complete Unknown. Wrapped up just five months ago, the film has swiftly moved its release date to December, placing it perfectly for the upcoming awards circuit. Initial buzz surrounding Chalamet's performance has ignited excitement and chatter, leaving film critics and audiences alike eager for the premiere.
Recent early screenings have been met with rave reviews, particularly highlighting Chalamet's immersive performance. Clayton Davis, the senior awards editor for Variety, wrote, "Timothée Chalamet slides seamlessly as Bob Dylan with effortless yet focused determination. He is fearless during some hypnotic moments." This praise sets the stage for Chalamet to contend for his first Oscar, possibly making history as the youngest actor to win the leading role award.
Chalamet's performance has been dubbed "the performance of the year" by several critics. Scott Menzel, remarked on the emotional depth Chalamet brings to the character, stating, "The film is a true tour de force ... Chalamet delivers more than just the voice and look; he encompasses the little nuances and mannerisms of Dylan." This kind of detailed critique builds anticipation for what viewers can expect from the film.
If he wins an Oscar this March, Chalamet would surpass Adrien Brody as the youngest leading actor winner. Brody achieved this record back in 2003, and should Chalamet claim the award, he'll be only 29 years and 75 days old, making for quite the historic moment.
Chalamet won’t be without competition, as Brody himself is also being considered this award season for his role as a Holocaust survivor in the dramatic film The Brutalist. Other actors gaining Oscar buzz include Colman Domingo for Sing Sing and Ralph Fiennes for Conclave, making the category quite competitive.
The film marks the 13th of its kind focused on the legendary singer-songwriter, following previous documentaries and dramatizations. One standout is Todd Haynes’s experimental film I’m Not There, which saw several actors take on different aspects of Dylan's persona. Now at 83 years old, Bob Dylan has granted the rights for his music to be used within A Complete Unknown, which promises to feature snippets of Chalamet singing Dylan classics like "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall."
Chalamet's commitment to embodying Dylan was serious, as Edward Norton, who portrays Pete Seeger, described his approach during filming as “relentless.” This dedication reached the point where he asked to be called nothing other than "Bob Dylan" on set, illustrating just how deeply he wanted to connect with the legendary artist.
Directed by James Mangold, known for his Oscar-winning work on the Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line, the film promises to dwell on pivotal moments of Dylan's career, particularly focusing on his controversial transition to electric guitar during the legendary 1965 Newport Folk Festival. This switch ignited debates among his contemporaries and is seen as a defining moment for the singer.
A Complete Unknown is set for release on Christmas Day this year, with the UK premiere following on January 17. This timing positions the film and its star nicely within the awards season spotlight, adding to the anticipation and buzz. With the Oscars slated to take place on March 2, Chalamet's performance will certainly be under close scrutiny.
The biopic genre is well-loved by Academy voters, with multiple actors having received accolades for their musical portrayals. This year sees Angelina Jolie contending for Best Actress for her role as Maria Callas, alongside significant praise directed at the film Better Man, which features Jonno Davies as Robbie Williams, albeit portrayed as a CGI chimpanzee. A glance at next year’s film slate reveals even more music biopics on the horizon, including Deliver Me from Nowhere, depicting Bruce Springsteen's life.
Critics note the challenges actors face when trying to authentically capture the essence of iconic singers. Timothée Chalamet must emulate Dylan's distinct vocals, famously described by David Bowie as having qualities reminiscent of "sand and glue." Early examinations of Chalamet's singing have shown he captures the spirit of songs without falling prey to caricature.
The general consensus? Timothée Chalamet's performance is generating significant Oscar buzz, poised to challenge long-standing records and expectations. With so much riding on the film’s reception and Chalamet’s subconscious channeling of Dylan, audiences are left with bated breath to see how the holidays will not only unwrap gifts but potentially redefine awards history.
