By Keith Walther | Rose Law Group Reporter
After a series of music biopics falling flat, it’s refreshing to see one get it right. Written and directed by Oscar nominee James Mangold, “A Complete Unknown” examines the musical life of Bob Dylan during the 1960s. Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet provides another electric performance that only enhances the wonderful storytelling.
Arriving in New York City in 1961 with little more than his guitar, a 19-year-old Bob Dylan (Timothée Chalamet) seeks out his hero, Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy) to pay his respects to the ailing legend. There, he encounters another musical legend, Pete Seeger (Edward Norton), who is wowed by this young talent and immediately takes him under his wing. As he becomes acquainted with the folk music scene in Greenwich Village, Bob meets Sylvie Russo (Elle Fanning) and a relationship blossoms.
As his original songs begin to gain notoriety and fame, Dylan’s meteoric rise is unprecedented, putting American folk music on the map like never before. Famous singer Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro) takes notice of this young upstart, and a tumultuous relationship ensues. His boundary pushing attitude leads Dylan on a collision course with fate as he attempts a groundbreaking performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival that could change the course of folk music forever.
Writer/director James Mangold has done it again, creating another true story music biopic that resonates with passion. In 2005, he helmed “Walk the Line,” the wonderfully powerful film about Johnny Cash. With “A Complete Unknown,” Mangold takes a more focused approach, showing only the first several years of Bob Dylan’s career. This is a smart move, allowing audiences to connect with a younger Dylan, showing how his musical mind and influence developed at a young age to produce some of the most world-renowned songs in history.
Unlike many music biopics that tend to stray from the music, Mangold keeps the focus on the music and evolving Dylan’s story through the music. This makes for a much more entertaining and interesting production that enables viewers to understand the musician more through his songs and external influences. Mangold’s commitment to quality storytelling is attention-grabbing and doesn’t let go until the very end, making for a perfectly paced film that does not experience any lulls. This is difficult to achieve with a runtime of nearly two and a half hours.
Unsurprisingly, Timothée Chalamet supplies a resounding performance that captures the essence of Bob Dylan. This young Oscar nominee (“Call Me by Your Name”) has been on fire lately with one incredible starring effort after another, whether it’s been the “Dune” films or last year’s unforgettable “Wonka.” He provides his character with that outward nonchalance and uncaring demeanor about what other people think that Bob Dylan has been known for, but with this hidden depth and crippling loneliness that conveys his true need for love. It’s another remarkable performance under his belt that allows viewers an emotional connection to his character. Not to mention, he did all his own singing for the role.
The supporting cast further exemplifies the quality of this film with Edward Norton leading the way. He personifies the late Pete Seeger as the fixture of American folk music that he was, holding on to the values of that musical genre with his whole being, excited for the new attention Dylan was bringing but also terrified of the change he represented. Norton gives that personable performance that many people can relate with, showing that embracing change is just as important as holding on to core values.
Monica Barbaro and Elle Fanning also provide notable performances as Dylan’s very different love interests. Monica supplied that seductive, dangerous kind of allure, while Fanning provided more of a wholesome, nurturing appeal. The depth that these two actresses instill in their characters is what sets them apart, allowing the audience to identify with their love for the same man while still showing their inner strength that doesn’t make them reliant on Dylan.
Even if you’re not a fan of Bob Dylan, this is a highly enjoyable, highly entertaining film, especially if you enjoy music in general. “A Complete Unknown” should certainly be considered as one of the top ten films of the year with Oscar worthy performances from the cast. Out of all of the holiday releases, put this one at the top of your list to see in theaters.
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