So, A Complete Unknown is enjoyable but has unnecessary moments that need a chop so they could focus on building the characters’ stories and giving audiences more than shallow entertainment playing at depth.
A Complete Unknown explores the beginning of Bob Dylan’s career. The movie seeks to capture the elusive man himself, an iconic musical legend with a distinct voice and twang that spoke to a generation. While the runtime could benefit from some trim, the direction and casting help lift the film and the outstanding music. Fans of Bob Dylan or the lead cast to play him will enjoy the movie. However, although A Complete Unknown possesses an appealing appearance with unforgettable songs that spring up naturally, the film lacks anything beyond entertainment, feeling like a shell in tribute to a legend.
Written and directed by James Mangold (Walk the Line, Logan), with additional writers Jay Cocks (Strange Days, Gangs of New York), and Elijah Wald, the movie starts with Bob Dylan, played by Timothée Chalamet (Dune: Part Two, Wonka), before he makes a name for himself. Vagabonding cross country to meet a hospitalized Woodie Guthrie, performed by Scott McNairy (Nightbitch, Speak No Evil), he encounters Pete Seeger, acted by Edward Norton (Fight Club, Glass Onion), as well—both are famous folk artists. There, the two get their first taste of Bob Dylan’s talent. So begins Dylan’s journey in the folk music scene.
A Complete Unknown Shows the Double-Edged Sword of Artistry
Artists often find themselves locked in a catch-22 regarding their work. Many of their fans will rejoice if they stay in the same lane. However, many artists are looking to grow. And to achieve that, they must keep pushing to explore new paths. But when they deviate, it creates resentment. Whether it’s shifting genres or fans lamenting and hating how their favorites became mainstream, there is no escaping criticism.
Along with that is bitterness and resentment because of how talented or how naturally words, art, etc., come to some and not others. One of the most (arguably, only) profound moments—the only real glimpse into Bob Dylan’s character in A Complete Unknown—is when he points out that when people ask how you create your art, they mean, why can’t they do it? Talent is good and well when it’s within the rules of a category, but unbridled talent, where innovation thrives, means pushing boundaries. The tension between Dylan and fellow folk artists relies on the audience to build it because it barely shows up onscreen. It’s a 0 to 180 situation on film.
A Complete Unknown Lacks Depth
Entertainment-wise, A Complete Unknown has the music and cast to build a compelling story. Yet, it lacks anything deeper than a snapshot. There is no exploration of Dylan as a person, using a conversation between him and his girlfriend, Sylvie, played by Elle Fanning (Maleficent, The Great), to excuse the film. Most of the film consists of his relationship with Sylvie and Joan Baez, played by Monica Barbaro (Top Gun: Maverick, At Midnight). Anything more meaningful feels like a glancing scene. So, audiences never really know Bob Dylan. What little gleaned from the movie paints an unflattering and superficial character.
Performances Are Good, Especially Chalamet
Cast-wise, it’s a solid film. No one is lacking; however, many characters get little to work with, making them one-dimensional. Chalamet, despite the hollowness of Dylan’s character in A Complete Unknown, is compelling. His portrayal is charismatic and impossible to disregard. But again, there’s not enough about Dylan in the movie. Barbaro’s portrayal of Baez looks pained, like the world hurts her, and Fanning’s Sylvie feels chipper like the sun. They present a fascinating contrast, given Bob Dylan’s relationship with both.
Light, Shallow Fun But Too Hollow for Some
A Complete Unknown feels less like a movie and more like an appetizer before the main course of cinema. While the cast is good, and the music is naturally outstanding, it lacks any build, and the characters receive little depth. If you’re a fan of Bob Dylan or some of the cast, you’ll enjoy it for what it is. I do not regret watching it because I love Dylan’s music. But it needed something more to bring the film home.
The conflict at the end feels rushed, with people unseen onscreen for a while doing a 180 from earlier. So, A Complete Unknown is enjoyable but has unnecessary moments that need a chop so they could focus on building the characters’ stories and giving audiences more than shallow entertainment playing at depth. The acting chops were present but underutilized.
