A Complete Unknown review: One of the most convincing interpretations of a musician ever

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4.0 out of 5 star rating

In any film adaptation of Bob Dylan’s life, the actor chosen would face intense scrutiny approaching a forensic level. While Timothée Chalamet delivers his role with self-assuredness, finesse, and nuance, some viewers might find that the script, in its retelling of truths, may be perceived as altering Dylan’s realities too significantly.

The passionate enthusiasm of a particular group of Bob Dylan fans has turned “A Complete Unknown” into the most discussed biopic in quite some time, with its creators generating buzz by showing an unusually large number of sneak peeks before the movie’s premieres in both the U.S. and the UK.

As a result, passionate Dylan scholars’ online platforms (often referred to as the “nerdy internet”, informally) have been filled with discussions about how creative liberties can distort historical facts.

As a devoted fan, I’m intrigued by some recent discussions revolving around the mystery behind Bob’s former girlfriend’s name change, the scrutiny over the portrayal of his complex relationship with Joan Baez, and the puzzling revelation that the infamous “Judas!” heckle didn’t happen in the year or country originally thought.

In contrast to director James Mangold’s statements, it appears that the singer played a part in some instances where the film deviated from historical truth, as he also contributed to the more humorous elements found in Martin Scorsese’s partially fictional 2019 documentary Rolling Thunder. For example, the idea that Sharon Stone had an affair with Dylan during her teenage years was one of the playful aspects of the film, which many viewers likely found unrealistic.

A Complete Unknown deviates from traditional biopic structures by incorporating imaginative elements into a narrative that spans from Dylan’s arrival in New York City in 1961 to his controversial performance of electric music at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965, stirring up the old guard. This is based on Elijah Ward’s 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric! as its foundation.

[image id=”2183217″ size=”full” title=”Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown” alt=”Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown walking down the street with hands in pockets” classes=””] Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown.

The discontentment is shown through situations where he awkwardly complies with the expectations of upper-class intellectuals at a city gathering, and also swiftly moves away from the eager admirers, largely female, in the streets of Greenwich Village. These scenarios demonstrate Chalamet’s ability to express his feelings subtly in response to his environment.

In every angle I admire, the portrayal of Dylan is truly captivating, boasting a subtly hunched and lean physique that mirrors the real man perfectly. The way his lines are delivered, a blend of mumbled whispers and sharp staccato, beautifully emulates the unique speech rhythm of the singer. But let’s not forget the heart of it all – the music itself.

For the movie, Chalamet was given the challenge of mastering over 40 songs, both singing and playing them, prior to filming. Instead of creating cold or clinical replicas, he infuses each one with intent, beautifully encapsulating the core spirit of Dylan in his performance.

From the very beginning, when Bob embarks on a journey to encounter his idol Woody Guthrie in the hospital, and performs a song he composed specifically for him, it brings joy to not just Guthrie but also to Pete Seeger, who was Dylan’s initial (and possibly only genuine) mentor.

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Bob starts off by visiting his hero Woody Guthrie in the hospital and playing a song he wrote specifically for him, bringing joy not just to Guthrie but also to Pete Seeger, who was Dylan’s first (and perhaps only true) mentor.

As Dylan’s skill progresses, Timothée Chalamet grows increasingly daring and confident, immersing himself not only in the character he portrays but also in the powerful emotion behind the lyrics he sings – one of many standout scenes, his rendition of The Times They Are a-Changin’ is an emotionally stirring experience.

Edward Norton’s portrayal as folk traditionalist Pete Seeger deserves recognition. He skillfully expresses the struggle and sorrow that develops as his relationship with the central character shifts from devoted mentor to unwilling opponent.

The character contributes significantly to the depth of Chalamet’s performance, which is one of the most intricate and authentic portrayals of a real-life musician ever on screen. This Dylan figure, though possibly fictional in some aspects, exudes cool charm that should resonate with even the most reserved of his fans.

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2025-01-13 19:34