A Complete Unknown Review: Timothée Chalamet Is Captivating In An Otherwise Meandering Musical Biopic

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As a long-time gamer and music enthusiast with a soft spot for biopics, I must say that “A Complete Unknown” is a film that has left me feeling rather conflicted. Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Bob Dylan is nothing short of mesmerizing; he truly embodies the enigmatic singer-songwriter in a way that makes you forget you’re watching an actor. His performances are electric, and his renditions of classic folk songs feel fresh and urgent.

Timothée Chalamet, a well-known actor, possesses a strong screen presence that makes him stand out, even when he’s playing different characters. This is evident in movies like “Call Me By Your Name” and “Dune.” However, in the film “A Complete Unknown,” he seems to have found a role where he can blend seamlessly with the character, as he did with Bob Dylan in the biopic about the musician. Despite some issues with the script development, this performance is one of Chalamet’s most intriguing yet.

Initially encountering Bob Dylan at the age of 19, he embarks on a hitchhike journey to New York City in pursuit of his idol, Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy). Upon locating him in a hospital battling advanced Huntington’s Disease, Dylan performs “Song to Woody,” a heartfelt tribute to the musician who profoundly impacted his musical journey. However, while Dylan respects his influences and the foundations of folk music, the film “A Complete Unknown” delves into the transformation of his style over time, driven partly by his own artistic evolution and partly by a thirst for innovation. This broadened perspective on folk music propels him to mainstream fame, yet it also stirs controversy when he strays too far from his fans’ familiar territory.

One of Chalamet’s best

In this film, Timothée Chalamet truly shines as Bob Dylan, showcasing both his acting skills and singing talent. His performances on stage are electrifying (pun intended), giving a modern twist to classic 1960s folk songs that makes them sound like they were written just yesterday. However, the real power of “A Complete Unknown” lies in its ensemble cast. While Chalamet is undoubtedly the main focus, he’s surrounded by a group of compelling supporting actors who breathe life into the world of 1960s New York. Edward Norton delivers a subtle yet impactful portrayal of Pete Seeger, depicting him as a gentle musician who guides Dylan in his early years but ultimately becomes protective of folk music to the point of straining their relationship.

From my perspective, as a devoted fan, it’s fascinating to witness Dylan’s rising stardom illuminating folk music yet potentially diluting its authentic charm as it crosses over into popular culture. The more he mixes it with pop tunes, the less I feel he appreciates its essence.

There are no stakes in this film

The film “A Complete Unknown” is visually stunning, the performances are engaging, and the music is enjoyable, but its main flaw lies in its overall structure. Instead of providing a compelling narrative or dramatic tension, it tries to depict the evolution of Bob Dylan’s career during the 1960s. However, it fails to capture the turmoil and controversy that surrounded his creative choices, such as going electric at the Newport Folk Festival, which could have added depth to the story. The film doesn’t convey a sense of tension or conflict between Dylan and others like Pete Seeger, and Dylan himself appears indifferent to the opinions of others, which makes the potential conflicts seem insignificant. Consequently, the climactic moments feel underwhelming because we know that Dylan’s risky decisions will ultimately be successful. The film lacks depth as it portrays Dylan merely moving from one career milestone to another without providing enough insight into his thought process or personal struggles.

In the realm of musical biopics, which can often present numerous challenges, the movie “A Complete Unknown” manages to achieve success, largely due to the captivating performance of Timothée Chalamet. This role serves as an intriguing milestone in his career, allowing him to display various aspects of his acting prowess. Director James Mangold makes many effective decisions, such as emphasizing musical performances to give us a unique perspective on the characters. However, from a storytelling perspective, “A Complete Unknown” struggles under the constraints typical of this subgenre. The plot, much like Dylan’s music, seems aimless at times, and while it offers an intriguing comparison, the film tends to feel somewhat sluggish during the quiet moments between songs.

“A Complete Unknown” hits theaters on December 25.

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2024-12-10 22:59