A Complete Unknown Review: Timothée Chalamet Disappears Into Bob Dylan

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As a longtime admirer of Bob Dylan and his revolutionary spirit, I must say that “A Complete Unknown” has truly captured the essence of a transformative era. Timothee Chalamet’s portrayal of Dylan is nothing short of remarkable – he embodies the rebellious, enigmatic artist with such authenticity that it feels like we are witnessing the legend himself.

As a dedicated cinephile, I must say that despite over six decades having passed since Bob Dylan graced the New York East Village Folk scene, his impact on American culture remains firm and unyielding, defying even his own attempts to shake it off. His unique approach of going against the grain when the culture demanded conformity is brilliantly captured in the film A Complete Unknown, a compelling addition to the Movies About Bob Dylan sub-genre. This thought-provoking piece is masterfully directed by James Mangold, a visionary artist who, much like Dylan himself, has consistently defied expectations and resisted being pigeonholed throughout his illustrious career.

As a movie reviewer, I found myself captivated by Timothée Chalamet’s mesmerizing portrayal of the enigmatic young Dylan, a troubadour whose overnight symbolic significance mirrors a nation in flux. Though he may not be the spitting image of the real Dylan, Chalamet delivers a performance that is strikingly close. In many aspects, the title “It’ Ain’t Me Babe” could serve as an alternate moniker for this film, encapsulating the estrangement between Dylan and the Newport Folk scene as much as it does his romantic disconnections.

A Concise and Effective Story

For those new to Bob Dylan and his historical significance, this film offers a wonderful introduction to one of America’s renowned artists, providing insights that may captivate you. Even if you’re already well-versed in Dylan’s life and career, you’ll likely find much to admire in the film’s portrayal – a level of dedication and authenticity that even Dylan himself acknowledges.

In this film, Chalamet shares the screen with several talented actors portraying prominent figures of the era: Edward Norton as folk legend Pete Seeger, Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, who had a tumultuous relationship both on stage and off with him, and Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash. Each actor skillfully embodies their respective real-life characters, even singing their iconic songs, which is truly captivating to watch.

One key element that sets this film apart is its decision to delve into a particular phase of Dylan’s life and the associated cultural era. The adaptation of the 2015 book “Dylan Goes Electric? Newport, Dylan, Seeger, and the Night That Split the 60s” is ideal because it avoids having to span large time gaps, aging issues, or complex themes. Instead, it mirrors the approach of the film “Capote (2005)”, which handled a similar task gracefully, thereby allowing its characters and subject matter to breathe and fully develop.

Already a Legend

Dylan embarked on a journey to New York with only empty pockets, yet it wasn’t long before he was hailed as “You burst on the scene/ Already a legend/ The unwashed phenomenon,” a description penned by Baez herself. Rapidly, he emerged as an unlikely figurehead for his generation and champion of numerous causes, earning acclaim for his exceptional songwriting, unique vocals, and ardent appreciation for folk music’s potency.

The movie portrays how Dylan refused to be a tool or fulfill someone else’s desires, metaphorically speaking. Instead, he was determined to shake off the constraints imposed by expectations and chart his unique path as an artist. Right from the start, James Mangold and his talented team subtly convey this idea through conversations about self-identity and label rejection in Dylan’s dialogues.

The movie subtly explores Dylan’s self-centered choice and his propensity to deceive people for personal gain, as well as his disregard for others’ expectations. One iconic quote in the film goes, “You’re an asshole Bob,” to which Dylan responds with a smirk. His nonchalant acceptance of this label, rather than denying it or changing his ways, contributes to his cool persona. Of course, factors like wearing sunglasses indoors, chain-smoking, composing legendary rock tunes, and riding motorcycles don’t hurt his image either.

Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo

In the core of the movie, running parallel to the escalating conflict with Seeger, is the portrayal of Dylan’s significant relationship with Elle Fanning’s character, Sylvie Russo (formerly known as Suze Rotolo who prefers not to be solely linked to Dylan’s early years). Despite being a less recognized figure in Dylan’s narrative, Russo plays a crucial role; she graced the cover of The Freewheelin‘ for instance. Russo played a pivotal part in introducing the young and gifted Dylan to the social and political issues that were close to her heart during the early 1960s. An ardent activist and artist, she was deeply immersed in literature. Dylan acknowledged himself how much of her world and viewpoint influenced his first albums, which had a profound impact on every level.

In the film, Sylvie shares the same screen presence. Elle Fanning delivers a remarkable performance in this role, and the trajectory of these characters reflects much of what Dylan’s connection to contemporary culture symbolizes, magnified. The movie skillfully explores the topic of Dylan’s transgression within the folk community. In his pursuit of perceived creative liberation, Dylan distances himself from the notion that he should continue performing his popular songs.

There is a pivotal early scene where Bob Dylan and Sylvie duck into a matinée of Now Voyager, a movie that was in theaters 20 years before the events of A Complete Unknown. It is used as a device to get Dylan and Russo talking about transformation (Bette Davis’ character in the film reinvents herself). But there is another fascinating and perhaps unintended layer to it which is Davis’ unique status in Hollywood history as a challenging, trailblazing talent who took on the studio system and expectations to try and carve her path. A true, OG Diva. Just like Dylan.

The movie additionally delves into Dylan’s perspective of an artist or performer as a circus sideshow oddity during this scene. He shares this belief with Sylvie prior to settling down at Now Voyager. Yet, once he realizes his ambition of becoming a musician, he no longer desires the label of the carnival oddity. Instead, he finds it repulsive and unsettling.

Is a Big-Budget Dylan Biopic Inherently Contradictory?

Over the past several decades, there’s been no lack of musical biopics in Hollywood, and it’s tough not to find a touch of irony when the movie focuses on an artist who refuses to keep performing their popular songs. Dylan likely disapproved most of all about the concept that the tried-and-true formula and the supposed well should continue being tapped into. He aimed to shatter boundaries, challenge categories, and express truth. But here he is, a high-budget biopic featuring someone mimicking him… performing the hits.

In a different way of phrasing:

Asking Questions About the Present

One question that remains unanswered, beyond the perspective of Dylan’s character, is how the filmmakers or viewers might interpret the unexplored idea presented by Norton’s portrayal of Pete Seeger. Once more, Edward Norton demonstrates his exceptional talent, seamlessly embodying Pete Seeger while never losing sight of himself as Edward Norton. This special ability is once again showcased in this role.

A notable moment in the film occurs when Seeger urges Dylan not to abandon his roots in folk music before he adopts a new style. For Seeger, this is crucial because they believe their art can bring about significant, lasting change in society. However, others in the room argue that change may not be imminent, even during times of great transformation. This scene encapsulates the film’s main question, and it skillfully portrays a deep, thought-provoking conversation between two outstanding actors. Remarkably, it leaves no clear answer for us, allowing each viewer to make their own decision.

It’s uncertain exactly what Dylan is thinking at the moment, but his actions suggest he’s opted for a new musical style rather than using music as a tool for change or political expression. However, it’s important to note that Bob Dylan never abandoned his commitment to music for change. He frequently reinvented himself and remained productive, creating songs that consistently supported causes and ideas throughout his career.

As we find ourselves reminiscing about those past events, now more than six decades removed and portrayed so vividly in this film, we ponder if advancement and transformation can truly be sparked by art or cinema. Dylan, always a maverick, a seer, a wordsmith, a rebel, was that catalyst. But, does our contemporary art provoke change? Does it resonate with meaning? Or are we merely rehashing old successes? Reflecting on his own sentiments, “I’m glad I fought… I only wish we’d won.

From Searchlight Pictures, A Complete Unknown is in theaters December 25, 2024.

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2024-12-10 20:02