Christmastime is known for many things: Presents, Santa Claus, Christmas trees, ornaments and of course — new movies.
While new film releases may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the holidays, for cinephiles — that’s all we can think about.
On Dec. 25, 2024, four highly-awaited films premiered in theaters: “Nosferatu”, “Babygirl”, “The Fire Inside” and “A Complete Unknown”. Each film has its own reason for immense hype, but “A Complete Unknown” owes its praises to its leading man, Timothée Chalamet.
Based on the 2015 book, “Dylan Goes Electric!” written by Elijah Wald, “A Complete Unknown” follows the incredible musical journey of cultural icon Bob Dylan. From his early days as a 20-year-old nobody, to his switch from acoustic solo performances and then singing with a band and an electric guitar which shocked the nation. This biopic dives into all things Dylan.
In 1961, Dylan moved to New York City at just 19-years-old to pursue music and make his way into the industry. He journeyed to a hospital to meet Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy), who had been admitted after suffering from Huntington’s disease.
It was there he met Pete Seeger (Edward Norton), the man who helped Dylan enter the music scene and stayed by his side well into his career.
Dylan’s entrance into the folk music scene forever changed the genre and helped to expose new listeners to the underappreciated and underrecognized genre. He sang with, toured with and even dated famous folk singer Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro).
His lyrics were full of substance and connected to important events at the time. Songs such as “Blowin’ In The Wind”, “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall” and “The Times They Are a-Changin’” are some of Dylan’s most influential songs with themes of war, justice and the polarizing political climate.
Dylan was heavily involved in the Civil Rights Movement and helped fight alongside Martin Luther King Jr. to end racial segregation in America. Dylan even took part in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, taking the stage alongside King Jr. and performing several songs — which we see briefly in “A Complete Unknown”.
The biopic takes us through Dylan’s start in the folk scene, all the way to his shift to electric in 1965 that caused uproar and revolt from the folk community and his fans.
Chalamet graces the big screen and stars as Bob Dylan — and he is already receiving high praise for his performance.
Before the film’s wide-theater release, Chalamet had already received a Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award nomination for Best Actor, as well as other nominations amongst smaller critics circles.
While the winners are yet to be announced, after seeing his performance, it’ll come as a surprise if Chalamet doesn’t secure his first Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award win for this performance.
For those seasoned Bob Dylan fans, you’re sure to marvel at Chalamet’s uncanny ability to embody every aspect of Dylan, from his singing and speaking voice, mannerisms and persona.
And for those being introduced to Dylan for the first time through “A Complete Unknown”, you’re sure to fall in love with the way Chalamet portrays the musician.
Chalamet isn’t the only impressive performer in “A Complete Unknown”, Norton and Barbaro have also earned a few award nominations for their performances.
Although Elle Fanning’s portrayal of Sylvie Russo — based on Dylan’s off-and-on girlfriend Suze Rotolo — is not receiving as much recognition as her counterparts, she helped bring Dylan’s character to life.
“A Complete Unknown” was perfectly cast and each performer brough their characters to life, making this biopic one to remember.
It’s undoubtedly difficult to portray a musician, especially one with a sound as unique as Dylan — but Chalamet was more than up for the challenge. His renditions of each Dylan song were exceptional.
Even more impressive, Chalamet sang live during each take while filming “A Complete Unknown”, meaning his vocals weren’t recorded in a studio and altered — you’re hearing his raw vocals.
If that wasn’t enough, Chalamet went a step further and played both the guitar and the harmonica for each song as well. Chalamet has proven his dedication to this role by taking the musical elements to the next level, playing around 40 of Dylan’s songs throughout the film.
The screenplay for “A Complete Unknown” feels effortless and tells Dylan’s story seamlessly. Although we experience a time jump, the transition is well done and flows well through the story. We don’t feel as if we’re left with any gaps and instead feel as if we’re being guided onto the next stage of Dylan’s career.
Co-written by Jay Cocks and film’s director Jay Mangold, the screenplay is a perfect homage to the musical icon. From his humble beginnings to the mayhem at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, we get a glimpse into who Bob Dylan truly was.
Even though its release day fell on Christmas day, “A Complete Unknown” still had an impressive opening day at the domestic box office, earning $7.2 million dollars — the biggest opening day for any Searchlight Pictures film.
If you’re from the generation that remembers Dylan’s entrance into the folk scene and his impact on society, then “A Complete Unknown” is a nostalgic callback to both the good and bad times.
If you’re a newcomer and are learning about Dylan for the first time, then this biopic will have you walking away with a new appreciation for his undeniable cultural impact.
Regardless of when you come from, “A Complete Unknown” is a film that will help the legacy of Bob Dylan, and Timothée Chalamet, live on for decades to come.
See “A Complete Unknown”, playing in theaters now.
