The genesis of the artists and the path from anonymity to fame usually starts as a gradual organic walk, one step at a time. In those first strides of the artist’s creation, the musicians lay the foundation of their legacy. “A Complete Unknown” film takes audiences to the core of Robert Allen Zimmerman, known by his stage name, Bob Dylan.
James Mangold directs and shares screenplay credits with Jay Cock on the biopic about the beginnings of the up-and-coming nineteen-year-old folk musician and the pivotal moment where he delves into a rock electric sound bursting into the 1960’s New York eclectic music scene. Timothee Chalamet’s “role physique” is nearly perfect, with a magnificent portrayal of the immensely talented and complex rock legend. Perhaps it is the role that he was born to play. Chalamet isn’t left to his own devices to carry the film. On the contrary, he is surrounded by a cast of seasoned award-winning performers such as Edward Norton as Pete Seeger and Boyd Holbrook, giving life to the iconic country music godfather, Johny Cash, blending with a younger accomplished Elle Fanning, a recurring partner in crime in many Chalamet’s movies over the years and last but not least Monica Barbaro who’s portrayal of Joan Baez brings chills and tears to the audience. The dirzector focuses on the cardinal time in Bob Dylan’s life when he let his gift for performing and storytelling through songwriting take him to musical avenues he had never explored before, leading him to change American music forever.
“A Complete Unknown” exhibits the musician’s bravado and risk-taking journey toward a more energetic sound by exploring electric instruments at the service of the explosive rock and roll genre. The film carries the judgment of those who want the young virtuoso to stick to his rustic folk roots. The film focuses on Bob Dylan’s connections with like-minded and future founding fathers and mothers of the American fabric of blues, country, and rock ‘n’ roll, such as John Cash and Joan Baez. Moreover, the film walks the moviegoers through the young artist’s life with organic precision, with critics singing the cast’s praises and putting them front and center to earn nominations in the upcoming award season. Superb and unassuming is the winning combination for this masterpiece.