The movie A Complete Unknown is a biography of Bob Dylan who is portrayed by Timothée Chalamet and takes the viewer through Dylan’s life of music and in my opinion it does an outstanding job of changing the view of how many might see him. Bob Dylan is known as one of music’s greatest legends, but he’s also seen as a mystery. In A Complete Unknown, director James Mangold tries to show what made Dylan so unique during his rise to fame in the 1960s. Throughout the duration of the film it shows the confusion, creativity, and constant change that defined Dylan’s unpredictable career.
The plot of A Complete Unknown takes us through Bob Dylan’s life in the 1960s, focusing on his dramatic shift from folk music to electric rock. The movie shows how his change in style led to a mix of praise and harsh criticism from fans and the media, especially after his controversial performance at the Newport Folk Festival. The film doesn’t follow a simple, chronological story but instead jumps between different times in Dylan’s career, capturing key moments like his rise to fame and his struggle with being labeled by others. It talks about the confusion and pressure Dylan felt while trying to stay true to his music and himself. The movie doesn’t just focus on the events, but also on the feeling of being misunderstood, which was a big part of Dylan’s experience during this time.
Timothée Chalamet does a great job playing Bob Dylan. He shows Dylan’s charm and stubbornness as he goes against what people expect from him. Chalamet makes it easy to feel Dylan’s inner struggle without saying much. Monica Barbaro, who plays Joan Baez, also stands out. She shows the ups and downs of their relationship, helping their scenes together become emotional and makes the film feel real, showing that Dylan’s personal life was just as complicated as his music.
In conclusion, A Complete Unknown offers a different way to look at Bob Dylan’s life as it focuses more on his feelings and struggles rather than just events. The film gives you a sense of what it was like for Dylan during a time of change. With great performances and a unique style, it’s truly a movie that makes you think about the man behind the music.