Bob Dylan fans should know that director James Mangold’s “A Complete Unknown” isn’t trying to do an in-depth study of the folk music legend, but it’s a solid ride for anyone who loves his music or is curious about his early days. The film gives us a peek into the ‘60s when Dylan was just starting to make waves, showing him as this enigmatic, difficult, and very self-absorbed figure who was about to change the music world for the better.
A real treat for fans of Dylan’s music, the film captures the essence of the man without trying to over-analyze him. The story gives a cool glimpse of who he was during the pivotal time in his career when he went from a fresh-faced, unknown folk singer to a game-changing, controversial figure.
Timothée Chalamet does a fantastic job portraying Dylan, both in terms of his look and his attitude. He channels the aloof, enigmatic, and often prickly demeanor that Dylan has always been (and remains) famous for. In reality, it’s a well-known fact that Dylan’s always been a bit of a jerk, and Chalamet nails that part of his personality. It’s not so much about exploring Dylan’s selfish psyche as it is about watching him move through this phase of his life, seemingly unaware or uninterested in the way he’s affecting those around him. His relationship with the iconic musicians in his orbit, like Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro, in a wonderfully understated performance) and Johnny Cash (Boyd Holbrook, who completely chews up the screen that is oh-so-Cashlike), feels a little cold and distant, which makes sense for the character.
The film centers around the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, the infamous event where Dylan electrified his sound and alienated some of his folk music fans in the process. This moment, which was a major turning point in his career, is depicted in a way that focuses on the tension and not just the performance itself. Dylan’s self-centeredness and drive to push boundaries are clear, but the film doesn’t really dig too deep into the reasons behind his decisions. In other words, Dylan’s just kind of doing his thing, as artists often do.
The supporting cast is solid as well, with Ed Norton as Pete Seeger adding some nice weight to the narrative, and Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo playing a key role in Dylan’s personal life.
The standout, of course, is the music. The renditions of Dylan’s classic songs are excellent (with Chalamet performing the tunes himself), and the film captures the electric energy of the era’s folk scene.
“A Complete Unknown” doesn’t offer much new insight into Dylan as a person, but if you’re a fan of his music and the era, it’s a blast to spend time with him. This is not a groundbreaking biopic, but a fun, nostalgic journey through a key moment in music history.
By: Louisa Moore / SCREEN ZEALOTS
