A Complete Unknown

Review

A Complete Unknown is an absolute triumph—a biographical film that takes us deep into the complex world of Bob Dylan, blending his music, his journey, and his cultural impact with striking visual storytelling. Directed with artistry and reverence, the film does more than just tell the story of one of the most influential artists of all time; it lets us feel his presence and witness the seismic changes he inspired in both music and society.

At the heart of the film is Timothée Chalamet’s mesmerising portrayal of Dylan. His performance is nothing short of amazing, capturing the essence of Dylan’s genius and the vulnerability behind his persona. Chalamet nails the contradictions of Dylan—his charm, his evasiveness, his revolutionary spirit—and makes us believe in his transformation from an uncertain, hungry artist to an icon of the 1960s. His ability to convey both Dylan’s brilliance and humanity is what makes this portrayal so special. And he's backed by an equally talented supporting cast, including Edward Norton, whose presence brings extra layers to the narrative. Every actor feels perfectly cast, breathing life into Dylan’s world of collaborators, fans, and enemies.

The music, naturally, plays a pivotal role in this film. The performances are nothing short of spectacular. The way these iconic songs—“Blowin' in the Wind” and others—are woven into the narrative is crucial. These aren't just renditions; they’re heartfelt, raw interpretations that carry emotional weight. You can't help but get lost in them. Every note feels alive, as if the music itself is a character in the story. The raw beauty of the performances makes it tempting to clap after each song performed.

The structure of A Complete Unknown is as clever as it is immersive. It doesn't merely focus on Dylan's music; it examines how his work intersected with—and reflected—historical and cultural shifts of the 1960s. The film positions Dylan not only as a musical legend but as an emblem of a larger societal transformation. There’s a careful attention to detail in every aspect: from the costumes and sets that faithfully recreate the era, to the mood of each scene, which seamlessly evokes the turbulence and excitement of the times.

Despite its runtime exceeding two hours, the film never drags. The pacing and cadence is impeccable—each scene feels necessary, adding a new layer to our understanding of Dylan, his music, and the world around him. There’s a compelling sense of movement throughout the film, keeping you hooked from beginning to end.

One of the most powerful aspects of A Complete Unknown*is its portrayal of Dylan himself. The film doesn’t shy away from his complexity—it presents him as a figure of contradictions, a man whose choices and struggles were as integral to his genius as his musical talent. It doesn’t romanticise his life; rather, it showcases both the brilliance and the flaws that made him who he was.

In fact, it was hard to ignore the moments in the film where Dylan's influence on an entire generation is so palpable, it feels like the narrative is speaking directly to us. Dylan wasn’t just a musician—he was a voice of revolution, an icon whose art reshaped culture. And in a heartwarming moment before the film’s release, Bob Dylan himself tweeted about the movie, sharing his admiration for Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal and the film’s source material, Elijah Wald’s Dylan Goes Electric. Dylan’s tweet, referring to Chalamet as “Timmy,” became a moment of connection that resonated throughout the film for me. Timothée later spoke about how honoured he was that Dylan called him “Timmy” in a podcast with comedian Theo Von—a small but beautiful detail that only deepens the bond between the actor and his subject.

In many ways, A Complete Unknown is more than just a biopic. It’s a deep dive into the music, the history, and the personality of a man who reshaped not only his own world but the world at large. It’s an emotional journey through the life of an icon—both brilliant and flawed—and a powerful tribute to the lasting impact of Dylan’s art.

Whether you're a long-time Dylan fan or new to his music, A Complete Unknown is a must-see. It’s a film that captures the essence of Bob Dylan—not just as an artist, but as a symbol of the era and a beacon of cultural change. Highly recommended. It’s awesome!