A Complete Unknown

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I enjoyed watching A Complete Unknown on Christmas Day, a biographical musical drama that portrays Bob Dylan’s early years. Directed by James Mangold and co-written with Jay Cocks, the film takes the audience on a journey from Dylan’s humble beginnings in folk music in 1961 to the pivotal and controversial moment when he transitioned to electric instruments at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. With the theater buzzing and every seat filled, I went in knowing very little about Dylan’s story. By the time the credits finished rolling, I was fully immersed in the extraordinary story of his rise to fame.

Timothée Chalamet’s performance as Bob Dylan is nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment he appeared on screen, I no longer saw Timothée Chalamet—I saw Bob Dylan. His stunning transformation captured Dylan’s essence convincingly, from nuanced speech patterns to his iconic singing style. Chalamet’s mannerisms, presence, and magnetic energy aligned perfectly with the folk legend, and his performance pulled me into Dylan’s world. I was spellbound for over two hours and twenty minutes, and the time seemed to fly unnoticed. Chalamet delivered a career-defining portrayal that felt both authentic and profoundly moving. If there’s one thing sure, he deserves an Oscar nomination—and, indeed, a win.

Monica Barbaro also deserves recognition for her portrayal of Joan Baez. She brought Joan’s character to life with warmth, grace, and complexity, building an authentic connection with Chalamet’s Dylan. Her performance felt so genuine that she completely embodied the folk legend, adding emotional depth to the story. Barbaro’s scenes were moving and essential to the narrative, making her a standout alongside Chalamet. Without a doubt, her work should also be considered for an Oscar.

The rest of the supporting cast, including Edward Norton and Elle Fanning, added depth and dimension to the story. Mangold’s masterful direction vividly captured the spirit of the early 1960s. From the gritty, intimate coffeehouses of Greenwich Village to the tense controversy at Newport, Mangold recreated an era filled with cultural upheaval and musical evolution.

A standout aspect of the film was its music. Dylan’s songs elevated the experience, making the film a cinematic and musical history lesson. Every song felt like a pivotal moment, highlighting the emotional and cultural significance of Dylan’s work.

A Complete Unknown is an exceptional tribute to the early career of Bob Dylan and the seismic shifts of the folk music era. Timothée Chalamet’s breathtaking portrayal and Monica Barbaro’s moving performance lift the film to unforgettable heights. This is a must-watch for music lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates masterful filmmaking. Both Chalamet and Barbaro delivered performances that deserve to be celebrated by audiences—and, hopefully, recognized by the Academy.