After an arguable misstep with last summer’s “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” director James Mangold returns to the biopic genre for his latest film, “A Complete Unknown,” from Searchlight Pictures. Mangold penned the film’s screenplay with Jay Cooks, which centers on a young Bob Dylan.
Mangold sets the film in the influential New York music scene of the early 1960s and centers on a 19-year-old musician from Minnesota named Bob Dylan, portrayed by Timothée Chalamet. It follows Dylan’s meteoric rise as a folk singer to concert halls and the top of the charts, as his songs and charisma become a worldwide sensation. The narrative culminates in his groundbreaking electric rock and roll performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965.
Before taking the stage for the film’s finale, Bob embarks on a journey where he encounters a diverse array of legendary musicians who have shaped the landscape of folk and rock music. Along the way, he meets the passionate and influential Pete Seeger, portrayed by Edward Norton, whose dedication to social activism through music has left an indelible mark on generations. He also crosses paths with Sylvie Russo, played by Elle Fanning, a character who embodies the spirit of youthful idealism and creativity in the music scene.
Additionally, Bob interacts with the iconic Joan Baez, portrayed by Monica Barbaro, whose powerful voice and commitment to civil rights resonate deeply with him. He also meets the legendary Johnny Cash, played by Boyd Holbrook, whose raw storytelling and emotional depth in songwriting inspire Bob to explore his artistic voice.
Finally, he encounters Woody Guthrie, portrayed by Scoot McNairy, whose pioneering contributions to American folk music serve as a beacon of inspiration throughout Bob’s journey. Together, these musicians contribute significantly to the rich legacy that fans have come to celebrate and cherish in the world of music.
As my avid readers know, I’ve always been a massive fan of musical biopics, even if unfamiliar with the film’s subject. Timothée Chalamet is having a hell of a year, so I primarily walked into the film to support his rising. In addition, I immensely enjoyed what James Mangold did with his Johnny Cash biopic, “Walk The Line.”
“A Complete Unknown” starts with a young Bob Dylan arriving in the big city, quickly establishing him as a remarkable talent. Timothée Chalamet gives a stellar performance, impressively singing his songs. He convincingly embodies Dylan’s psyche, portraying him as a complex and driven individual.
Regretfully, though, the rest of the film follows a Wikipedia template style of a particular period in his. The supporting cast is all fine, but due to Chalamet’s larger-than-life performance, some of them come across one note. Furthermore, we don’t get any real backstory on Dylan, which may have been a stipulation for the life rights. When the credits rolled on “A Complete Unknown,” I had no desire to add any of Dylan’s music to my playlist.
Nevertheless, the film is worth seeing at least once for Chalamet’s performance.
Final Grade: B-
“A Complete Unknown” opens in theaters on Christmas Day.
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