I’m sure most of you have heard about the new biopic following Bob Dylan, A Complete Unknown, directed by James Mangold released late December 2024, starring Timothée Chalamet. If not, here’s some insight into whether it is worth a watch.
Who is Bob Dylan?
Bob Dylan, born May 24th, 1941, is one of the most well-known artists of the ‘60s and arguably of all time. He first rose to fame as an American Folk singer and songwriter in 1962 at 21, but would eventually transition into rock music in 1965 at the Newport Folk Festival. Known as the “Shakespeare of the sixties,” Dylan has sold millions of records, written over 500 songs, and recorded with over 2,000 original artists. Dylan revolutionized lyric writing and eventually won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016.
The folk scene was too limiting for me... It felt like a straitjacket. It was like I had to say certain things in a certain way, and that wasn't what I wanted to do.-- Bob Dylan
What are People’s Thoughts on The New Movie?
There are a lot of mixed thoughts on A Complete Unknown. The biggest concerns about the movie have been about the historical inaccuracies the film presents. And the incohesive and odd pacing that makes it difficult for viewers to connect to the story. Many feel as though the movie has oversimplified supporting characters like Joan Baez. Instead, emphasizing the aesthetic and vibe of Dylan’s era rather than the emotional depth of telling his story. Despite these imperfections, the movie has created a brilliant spot for itself in the Biopic category. Chalamet has impressed millions with his “hypnotic” performance. Timothee spent over 5 years preparing for this role. He knew the importance of portraying someone like Bob Dylan and didn’t hesitate to put the work in. Timothee went as far as to learn the guitar and harmonica, visit Dylan’s childhood home, and immerse himself in early 60s New York to give as authentic of a performance as possible. Chalamet’s ability to bring Dylan’s distinctive voice, mannerisms, and mysterious presence effortlessly to the big screen was undoubtedly one of his best performances yet.
Timothée Chalamet slides into Bob Dylan with an effortless yet focused determination. Fearless in some hypnotic moments, --Clayton Davis
Should I Watch it?
So the big question is, is it worth the watch? I would say yes if you are a Timothée Chalamet fan or looking for a way to get into Bob Dylan’s music. It is to mention that if you don’t have prior knowledge of Bob Dylan like I did, the film can be quite confusing and hard to follow. I believe this film, with its inaccuracies, didn’t aim for Bob Dylan enthusiasts. But I do know some ride-or-die Bob Dylan fans who loved it so I think it depends on the person more than anything. The film offers many outstanding performances from Timothée Chalamet, supporting actor Edward Norton, and supporting actress Monica Barbaro, who are all up for an Oscar this year. Overall, if you’re looking for something different and enjoy powerful performances, A Complete Unknown would be a great pickup for your next movie night.
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