“Enigmatic Brilliance: ‘A Complete Unknown’ Captivates Audiences and Sparks Desire for More”

“A Complete Unknown” stands out as superior to its contemporaries in the music biopic genre, notably “Elvis” and “Bohemian Rhapsody,” yet it still succumbs to numerous conventional shortcomings common within the genre.

Helmed by James Mangold, recognized for his works “Ford v Ferrari” and “Logan” and featuring Timothée Chalamet in the role of Bob Dylan, the movie portrays Dylan’s journey to New York armed only with a guitar, rapidly ascending to stardom within a mere four years.

On a favorable note, every song in “A Complete Unknown” was performed live. Mangold’s choice to eschew the typical lip-syncing seen in most music biopics lends a sense of authenticity to the film — viewers become witnesses to a moment in the history of folk music, experiencing it firsthand.

Chalamet’s dedication to embodying Dylan is commendable, as he immersed himself in the icon’s unique style and cadence for over five years. Despite the challenge of stepping into Dylan’s shoes, Chalamet excels, at times becoming indistinguishable from the artist himself. 

Shortly after his arrival in New York, the main character encounters Sylvie Russo, portrayed by Elle Fanning, who is inspired by Dylan’s previous romantic partner, Suze Rotolo. Fanning may deliver my favorite performance in the film, perpetually balancing between the verge of tears and verbally admonishing the disconnected Dylan.

Nevertheless, her presence in the film is limited, as much of her screen time involves responding to Dylan’s live performances, positioning her more as a reflection of audience reactions than a character with her own narrative. 

The film also falters with another romantic interest of Dylan’s, Joan Baez, portrayed by Monica Barbaro. Baez was a powerhouse of the early ’60s folk movement in her own right, a fact that is inadequately represented in the film. In truth, Baez played a pivotal role in Dylan’s ascent rather than merely being a star-crossed lover who toured alongside him.

These limitations culminate in a film that prioritizes the experience of being around Bob Dylan during his rise to fame, rather than providing an authentic portrayal of him. A film genuinely interested in understanding what makes him a legendary figure would not sideline Baez as it does and would delve into Dylan’s political influences and contributions.

Mangold crafts a largely apolitical narrative about one of the most politically engaged artists of his era. Within the film, Dylan inquires about what CORE is, and his iconic protest performance in Washington, D.C. is depicted in a brief three-second clip. Mangold seems hesitant to make a definitive statement about Dylan’s overtly politically driven music, instead opting to focus on his transition from traditional folk to rock ‘n’ roll during the Newport Folk Festival.