Directed by James Mangold, A Complete Unknown is a biographical music film about the musician Bob Dylan. It follows Dylan through his earliest folk music success in 1961 until the controversy over his use of electric instruments at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965.
Timothée Chalamet is hypnotic as Bob Dylan, he transforms into the role and at moments becomes unrecognisable as himself. Chalamet captures Dylan's physicality and distinctive voice perfectly and shapeshifts into him during the musical performances which are the soul of the film. Chalamet spent five years preparing for the role, learning to play the harmonica, and working with coaches to learn Dylan's dialect and singing. Mangold also decided after hearing Chalamet sing live that they were no longer going to use the pre-recorded songs but have Chalamet perform each song live on set. And all this preparation paid off- Chalamet is incredible and immerses you in the life and music of Bob Dylan.
Chalamet is accompanied by an incredible supporting cast. Elle Fanning portrays Sylvie Russo (based on Suze Rotolo) she is Dylan's first girlfriend in New York. She is the grounding force in this film, with her gentle nature she is there to keep Dylan company whilst his life begins to skyrocket into fame. Monica Barbaro plays Joan Baez a singer and activist who Dylan cheats on Sylvie with. Barbaro is elegant as Baez who covers some of Dylan's songs and appears with him on stage, their chemistry is beautiful to watch whilst they sing in unison. Edward Norton stars as Pete Seeger, a fellow folk singer who is a wise mentor for Dylan and helps him get his big break.
A Complete Unknown transports you back in time through the visually stunning cinematography and the immersive musicality. There is a depth to every role and Mangold doesn't just explore Dylan's shift from folk to rock'n'roll but the historical shifts that were taking place in this era. Timothée Chalamet perfectly captures the complex character of Dylan, both the vulnerability and genius of this musician. Chalamet once again gives an Oscar-worthy performance as he puts his heart and soul into becoming Bob Dylan.
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