A Complete Unknown
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5 stars)
After seeing Wonka, audiences could only sit back and marvel at the musical and acting talents of Timothée Chalamet, who was instrumental in this film becoming a resounding hit. He takes these skills to the next level for his next project with the biographical/musical drama, A Complete Unknown. Director James Mangold (Logan, Ford vs Ferrari) takes on this enigmatic musical icon’s story uniquely and poignantly with this exceptional talent as his lead.
When Bob Dylan (Chalamet) arrived in New York in 1961, he was a complete unknown in the folk music community. Yet, he connected with legendary musicians, Pete Seeger (Ed Norton) and Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy), at a New Jersey hospital where Guthrie was hospitalised for Huntington’s disease. From that brief encounter, Bob would build a long-standing relationship with the industry's elder statesmen and get a step up onto the world stage of music. Throughout his unconventional journey to stardom, he manages to build relationships with Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro), Johnny Cash (Boyd Holbrook) and music promoter (Dan Fogler). In those formative years of his decades-long career, he would be seen as a trailblazer and unparalleled songwriter who set new standards for the industry.
Even if you are not a Bob Dylan fan or even familiar with his music, James Mangold’s biographical journey into the artist’s life is one that anyone can enjoy and may even become an admirer of the poet/musician. One thing that stands out about this film is how this production only takes on the first few years of Dylan’s career. An aspect that opens the door to an in-depth character study without attempting to display the majority of his career. Giving Timothée Chalamet the ability to depict his alter-ego without forcing him to age over the length of the film. The actor was allowed to settle into the skin of his role and showcase his ability to perform the music loved by generations through his vocals, guitar playing and stage presence. This is one of the best performances by a lead actor in recent memory as one will forget that he is acting and believe he has transformed into the Nobel prize-winning musician.
Still, James Mangold didn’t merely invest in his lead actor as he built a strong supporting cast around the main storyline. Ed Norton puts in one of his best performances in years as Pete Seeger and Dan Fogler's character manages to steal every scene he is allowed to be in. While the men are front and centre throughout the film, the two female leads hold their own and put in some of their career-best work. As Dylan’s primary love interest, Elle Fanning, Sylvie Russo, and Monica Barbaro were captivating and commanding as the folk legend Joan Baez. As James Mangold travels through the highs and lows of this initial years of Dylan's life, we can see his musical prowess, despite being a flawed man. Yet, what made all of this come together was how the writer/director wove together the history and music amongst these impressive dramatic displays that culminated at the infamous Newport Folk Festival of 1965.
Sitting here with Bob Dylan playing in the background, this reviewer will admit to being drawn to the fanbase not only of A Complete Unknown but also of the artist himself. Yet, even if this folk legend’s music is not to your taste, this experience will entertain on multiple levels and prove that music biopics have something to offer to all who come along for the ride.
REEL DIALOGUE: Do you need to be a Bob Dylan fan to appreciate A Complete Unknown?
No, but be warned that you may come out on the other end as a fan or at least appreciate the artistic process of making music.
Appreciating the artistry of James Mangold’s film is accessible to any mature adult. It is no different than attending a concert by one of your favourite musicians, closing your eyes, allowing the music to wash over you, and escaping into the world they create. Art and music come in various forms, and appreciation manifests in different ways. It is why some love folk music, some adore jazz, or the multitude of options on offer on Spotify.
The deeper question is, why do humans create music? It is a complex idea, but the simple and profound answer is that a creative God has woven music into all aspects of our lives. The true master musician inspires the best of this artistic expression of this world of structured sound. Humanity yearns for music and how it transports souls into every emotion known to mankind. It arouses the artist in us because it is part of our DNA. The created are creative because we are the artistry of the master creator.
