REVIEW #431 A Complete Unknown (2024)

A Complete Unknown

Synopsis

In 1960’s New York, a 19 year old Bob Dylan arrives with a guitar and a generational talent, ready to change the world of music.

The Review

James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown utilises the generational talents of Timothee Chalamet, who executes a fantastic portrayal of Bob Dylan. Everything from the legendary musicians nasal tones, to his iconic singing voice, the entire performance feels incredibly authentic. At its core, it’s a heartbreaking film about the daunting nature of fame and that theme is encapsulated in one particular scene where Bob Dylan enters McCans bar to listen to a local gig incognito, just as his fame is at a high, a brief flicker of joy, extinguished in a flash as he is overwhelmed by everyone inside. That one scene perfectly captures the sadness of Dylan’s rise to fame and signifies a change in tone for the film, essentially making it a film of two halves, having a rather contrasting impact on the audience. Mangold certainly doesn’t paint Bob as a nice person but he does focus on the man’s abundance of talent and that helps amplify that sense of authenticity. I don’t necessarily think there’s much that makes the film standout in a pretty busy genre right now, especially from a technical perspective. But performances, particularly from Chalamet and Norton, make this a must watch biopic, that even those not familiar with Bob Dylan can enjoy.

My Rating: 8 out of 10

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Film Review Club