Yet Another Predictable Cookie-Cutter Biopic – Daily Emerald

On Christmas Day, “A Complete Unknown” was released in theaters to narrate the beginnings and ascent of Bob Dylan, one of the most significant musicians of the twentieth century. Directed by James Mangold, the film shares numerous similarities with his previous works, including “Logan” (2017), “Ford v Ferrari” (2019), and “Walk the Line” (2005). The biopic features Timothée Chalamet, Monica Barbaro, Edward Norton, and Elle Fanning, who all deliver captivating performances that bring this narrative to life.

Amidst a year dubbed the year of excessive sequels—2024—when nine of the top ten highest-grossing films in the U.S. were sequels, “A Complete Unknown” served as a breath of fresh air at the box office, presenting a story that has yet to be depicted on the silver screen. The only flaw preventing it from achieving greatness is that by the time the credits start rolling, it appears that this kind of biopic has already been narrated.

In recent years, Hollywood has churned out biopics depicting the journey of notable artists towards stardom using a similar template. The artist embarks on their musical path with only a musical instrument and aspirations, eventually catching a break by being in the right place at the right time. As they gain recognition or score a major record deal, they achieve fame. This journey frequently involves conflicts with a mentor and a potential romantic interest and leads the artist to make significant career choices. Each biopic typically adheres to this formula, and “A Complete Unknown” is no exception.

Mangold effectively balances the screen time devoted to Dylan’s personal life and his career pursuits, allowing viewers to see who Dylan was both on and off stage. The film maintains a smooth storytelling pace, featuring memorable musical sequences that immerse us in the folk music milieu of the 1960s. Mangold captures the vibrant music scene of New York during the folk genre’s zenith while intertwining the turmoil and strife of the 1960s, providing audiences with context regarding the political and social environment of the U.S.

What distinguishes this biopic from many others is Chalamet’s portrayal of his significant role of evolving into a folk icon. From his singing to playing the guitar and harmonica, he embodies Dylan magnificently—right down to his mannerisms and speech patterns. Chalamet invested considerable time into channeling Dylan, focusing on his appearance, his sound, and his distinctive nasal rasp. He even commenced guitar lessons in November 2019 to prepare for this role, practicing on the sets of films he worked on for the subsequent four years.

Chalamet embodies Dylan not only through his appearance and style but also by capturing the essence of who Dylan represented during that time. Throughout the film, Dylan’s character remains elusive and somewhat enigmatic, never fully dissected or understood. No one at that era, and indeed no one presently, comprehends the legendary folk musician, and Chalamet’s portrayal emphasizes the notion that he is “a complete unknown,” lending the film its title.

“A Complete Unknown” as a title may also be interpreted as what Dylan transforms into when he shifts from a folk musician to a rock artist. During that period, rock was beginning to gain traction as a genre, and his transition from the style that initially made him famous to an emerging genre embodied a total enigma, not only for him but for society at large.

“A Complete Unknown” is an enjoyable biopic narrating the saga of the legendary Bob Dylan. It comes alive with a compelling leading and supporting cast. The film features wonderful musical segments illustrating the impact of his art; nonetheless, it adheres once more to the typical template that most artist biopics follow. For admirers of Bob Dylan, this film guarantees a delightful viewing; however, for those who may not be his greatest fans, prepare to navigate into a complete unknown.