When I first saw the movie “A Complete Unknown,” I was not familiar with Bob Dylan’s storyline. After researching, it became clear that he is such an enigmatic figure, someone the media has never quite figured out. Timothée Chalamet, playing Dylan, brought this mystery to life, creating a compelling story that resonates with all ages. From the moment the film hit theaters, I knew he gave a performance that carried the story. I enjoyed this movie not only because of my love for music history but also because of the elements that made Chalamet’s performance shine.
The film was released on Christmas Day and I wasted no time, heading to my local theater the next day. The seats were packed with people of all ages, from older generations to younger ones. There was no empty seat in sight as we eagerly awaited Chalamet’s transformation into Dylan. And without a doubt, he delivered his performance well.
Based on Elijah Wald’s book titled “Dylan Goes Electric!: Newport, Seeger, Dylan, and the Night That Split the Sixties,” “A Complete Unknown” narrates the rise of the iconic musician within the folk genre. Directed by James Mangold, it delves into the pivotal moments that defined Dylan’s transformation in his early career.
The film opens with a young Dylan arriving in New York, eager to meet his idol, Woody Guthrie, who is played by Scoot McNairy. After tracking down Guthrie, Dylan stumbles upon Pete Seeger, portrayed by Edward Norton, who becomes a guiding mentor to Dylan. Seeger’s mentorship not only helped Dylan find his voice, but also encouraged him to push the boundaries of folk music. The scene is beautifully crafted, with Chalamet capturing the raw humility of Dylan’s beginnings.
Throughout the movie, we understand the evolution of folk music in the industry in Dylan’s presence. Dylan was never celebrated for his exceptional voice, but for the powerful stories he told through his music. It was driven by rebellion and offered revolutionary lyricism. As Dylan once said, “I consider myself a poet first and a musician second. I live like a poet, and I’ll die like a poet.” Chalamet brings this message to life musically and dramatically, blending relatability and raw emotions into his performances. Songs like “Like a Rolling Stone” and “Girl From the North Country” stand out as examples in the film, introducing these pieces to newer generations watching.
Overall, the strong visuals captured made this film a more compelling experience for moviegoers. We were transported into the iconic spots that defined the ’60s music scene, from the Chelsea Hotel to the Newport Folk Festival. The film showcased Dylan’s smaller performances to intimate audiences in gritty underground bars and coffee shops. It made the audience and I feel like we were right there with him, experiencing the evolution of music and culture.
Chalamet’s performance carries the story of Dylan’s rise to fame in this film. Chalamet’s dedication to the role and his powerful performance are admirable, and I would be surprised if he walked away from this awards season without at least one accolade in hand.
