A Complete Unknown (USA, 2024)
A bold and introspective journey through Bob Dylan’s leap to electric
Few artists have shaped modern music as profoundly as Bob Dylan. A poet, provocateur, and enigma, Dylan’s career is filled with defining moments, but none are more pivotal than his decision to “go electric” at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. The move alienated folk purists, revolutionized popular music, and cemented Dylan’s reputation as an artist who refused to be pinned down. This transformative chapter serves as the focus of A Complete Unknown, a film that wisely hones in on this key period to deliver an engaging and thoughtful portrait of one of music’s most complex figures.
Music biopics often fall into the trap of formulaic storytelling, charting a predictable path of discovery, downfall, and redemption. A Complete Unknown avoids this by narrowing its focus to a specific moment in Dylan’s career while still painting a well-rounded picture of the man behind the myth. Great biographies don’t need to cover everything—they need to get to the heart of their subject, and this is where the film succeeds. By exploring the tension, controversy, and creativity surrounding Dylan’s electric transition, the movie offers a satisfying look at a career-defining period.
Timothée Chalamet’s performance as Dylan is not only a highlight of the film but one of the best of his career. He continues to grow as an actor, bringing depth and complexity to a role that demands subtlety and restraint. Chalamet fully embodies Dylan’s enigmatic persona, capturing his contradictions: confident yet introverted, magnetic yet unapproachable. He isn’t afraid to portray Dylan as unlikable at times, making his performance feel raw, authentic, and utterly captivating. An early scene with Scoot McNairy sets the tone beautifully, showing Dylan as a man keenly aware of his talent yet motivated by an unrelenting love for music. Chalamet’s commitment to the role reaffirms why he’s quickly becoming one of the most versatile actors working today.
The focus on Dylan’s “going electric” chapter is an excellent choice. It encapsulates his ability to take risks and push boundaries, even at the cost of alienating some fans. The film effectively conveys the challenges and stakes of this transition, particularly through Edward Norton’s character, whose warmth and relatability provide a unique lens into Dylan’s world. Norton delivers one of his most likable performances, and his role helps highlight Dylan’s struggles to balance innovation with the desire for acceptance.
Elle Fanning portrays a figure who challenges Dylan emotionally in ways he wouldn’t readily admit, awakening feelings of longing and vulnerability he didn’t realize he had. In contrast, Monica Barbaro’s character, with her impressive vocal talents, represents someone Dylan forms an easier, more immediate connection with—only to discard it once he feels fulfilled. Together, they highlight Dylan’s complex relationships with the women in his life, further underscoring his internal struggle between personal attachment and artistic dedication.
James Mangold’s direction matches the introspective nature of its subject. The film’s solemn tone mirrors Dylan himself—internal and reflective, but never dour. This restraint allows the movie to delve deeper into Dylan’s psyche, capturing the weight of his decisions without tipping into melodrama. While the narrative is straightforward and engaging, there are a few moments where the pacing falters, such as a prolonged tv performance that feels more like filler than substance. Overall, though, Mangold keeps the focus sharp, crafting a cohesive and satisfying story.
The music, of course, plays a central role, and the film does it justice. The songs are performed live by the cast and woven seamlessly into the narrative, offering an authentic glimpse into the process of musical creation. The sound mixing and editing deserve special praise for their role in capturing the raw energy of live performances while maintaining the intimacy of Dylan’s creative process. Unlike other biopics where the music can feel like a wink to the audience, here it emerges naturally, enhancing the story without overshadowing it.
A Complete Unknown is a thoughtful and well-crafted film elevated by strong performances and a sharp focus on a pivotal moment in Dylan’s life. By the end, the movie lives up to its title—it unpacks the “unknown” in Bob Dylan, leaving audiences with a deeper understanding of the man, the artist, and the courage it took to go electric.