February 1, 2025 Samuel Hames 0

‘A Complete Unknown’ – Review

now viewing

James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown is a masterful exploration of Bob Dylan’s transformative years, capturing the essence of a cultural icon who continually reinvented himself. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s folk music revolution, the film delves deep into Dylan’s journey from a young, aspiring musician to a voice that defined a generation.

In the early 1960s, 19-year-old Bob Dylan arrives in New York with his guitar and revolutionary talent, destined to change the course of American music. Forming his most intimate relationships during his rise to fame, he grows restless with the folk movement, making a controversial choice that reverberates worldwide.

James Mangold once again proves why he is one of the most versatile and accomplished filmmakers working today. His ability to balance both the myth and the man behind Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown is nothing short of masterful. Rather than crafting a conventional biopic, Mangold embraces a freewheeling, almost dreamlike narrative structure that mirrors Dylan’s own unpredictable nature. He leans into impressionistic storytelling, allowing key moments in Dylan’s life to unfold through music, movement, and shifting perspectives, rather than rigid exposition. His deep understanding of Americana, evident in films like Walk the Line and Ford v Ferrari, is on full display in A Complete Unknown, capturing the electrifying, ever-changing landscape of the 1960s folk and rock scenes with a raw, lived-in authenticity.

Timothée Chalamet delivers a performance for the ages, embodying Dylan with meticulous precision. His portrayal transcends mere imitation; through nuanced gestures and a profound understanding of Dylan’s psyche, Chalamet makes you forget you’re watching an actor. The live musical performances, with Chalamet’s voice seamlessly blending with Dylan’s iconic lyrics, elevate the film to a transformative experience.Paired with Chalamet is Monica Barbaro who shines as Joan Baez, bringing depth to the complex relationship she shared with Dylan. Barbaro captures Baez’s elegance and the emotional turmoil of loving a man as enigmatic as Dylan. Their on-screen chemistry is palpable, reflecting the highs and lows of their storied connection.

Boyd Holbrook steps into the shoes of the legendary Johnny Cash, presenting him as a world-weary mentor to Dylan. Holbrook’s portrayal offers insight into the isolation that accompanies fame and the rebellious spirit that both he and Dylan embodied. His interactions with Chalamet’s Dylan are both grounding and provocative, pushing the young artist toward his revolutionary transformation. Bringing the whole picture together is Edward Norton with a heartfelt sincerity to his role as folk artist Pete Seeger. Norton’s Seeger recognizes Dylan’s potential but grapples with the inevitable changes he brings to the folk scene. Their relationship underscores the tension between tradition and innovation, a theme that is central to the experience of the film.

Mangold’s direction is a love letter to a pivotal era in American music. His attention to detail in recreating the time and place of Dylan’s rise is impeccable. The decision to feature live-recorded performances by the cast adds authenticity and serves as a dynamic narrative device, propelling the story forward in an organic and captivating manner.

A Complete Unknown is not just a biopic; it’s a visceral musical experience that immerses the audience in the tumultuous journey of an artist who refused to be confined. With stellar performances and Mangold’s deft storytelling, the film captures the spirit of rebellion and reinvention that defined Bob Dylan and his era.