Timothee Chalemet is Bob Dylan in the latest drama biopic about the late folk singer. The film follows a young Dylan as he goes to New York for just a chance at singing on the stage. He meets his idols including Pete Seeger, Woody Gutherie and Johnny Cash and instantly is pulled into the world of Folk where he performs with Joan Baez but it’s not enough as he is drawn to more. Now it’s a battle of finding his own sound specifically with electric as he faces controversy from the ones who gave him a chance.
Additionally, Dylan is also in the center of the civic rights movement which he too must make a choice which side to be on. All in all, A Complete Unknown is a very powerful, well done film, though it brings some sad points out as to who Bob Dylan really is and just what he is willing to give up for fame. It’s a story unlike other great musicians of the time and Chalemet does an exceptional job portraying that on the big screen. Additionally, Edward Norton plays Pete Seeger who also excels especially on the musical side of things. Who would have thought that Norton could sing and he really can.
Top Gun: Maverick‘s Monica Barbero also plays Joan Baez who also has an exceptional vocal range. She truly does Baez’ work justice next to Chalemet who nails the lyrics of Dylan. Finally, the cast rounds out with Elle Fanning as half of Dylan’s love life. Fanning does an exceptional job of portraying Sylvie, the woman ultimately in love with Dylan though knows of his other relationships. She does a great job of portraying that kind of selfless emotion as each time she comes back to the cheating Dylan.
Scoot Mcnairy and Dan Fogler round out the musical influences for Dylan and each have their own way of supporting such a “complete unknown”. McNairy as Woody Gutherie, toward the end of his life, he uses a lot of non-verbal communication with Dylan and Seeger that causes the audience to sit up and take notice. And Fogler as one of the band manager’s uses the same assistant charm as he has in his Fantastic Beasts days. He knows how to step in only when necessary and otherwise make Dylan shine.
Based on a true story and book by Elijah Wald, A Complete Unknown is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest folk singers. It came out in theaters Christmas day and is currently playing in one near you. Additionally, it’s already won several awards and is currently nominated for best picture, best actor and best supporting actor at the Golden Globes. The awards ceremony is set for 5 pm pst on January 5, 2025, as we anticipate if it will take this top prize. Only time will tell. Watch it live on CBS or streaming on Paramount plus.