A Complete Unknown (Movie Review) | A heartfelt Exploration of Creativity, Ambition, and Artistic Defiance.

~ Garc

James Mangold‘s A Complete Unknown offers an intimate glimpse into the life of Bob Dylan, following his rise from a 19-year-old dreamer in New York City to the groundbreaking artist who I’m told changed the music landscape forever. For those already familiar with Dylan’s legend, this is a nostalgic ode to his early days. For the uninitiated – like myself – it’s an education wrapped in stunning performances and timeless music.

Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan in 'A Complete Unknown,' walking down a dimly lit street in a 1960s setting, dressed in a dark suit, with his hands in his pockets, and illuminated by the glow of streetlights and vintage cars in the background.

I went into this film knowing next to nothing about Bob Dylan. I couldn’t name a single song, yet as the movie progressed, I realized I’d unknowingly encountered his work before in films like Forrest Gump, or even Beautiful Creatures. This movie carried me through Dylan’s world, introducing me to his art, his friendships, and his era. It felt like being welcomed into a beautifully curated concert with scenes that served as plot-driven interludes.

Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, and Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez looking into each other's eyes, smiling while both singing into a single microphone

Timothée Chalamet delivered as Dylan, embodying both an enigmatic artist and a vulnerable young man. While Chalamet’s performance is magnetic, the real standout for me was Boyd Holbrook, he completely transformed into Johnny Cash. Edward Norton and Elle Fanning also deserve applause for performances that added depth to this journey through music history.

Mangold’s direction paired with the stellar ensemble cast ensures the film resonates beyond Dylan superfans. It’s a heartfelt exploration of creativity, ambition, and artistic defiance. The 1965 Newport Folk Festival, which marked Dylan’s transition from folk to electric, serves as the perfect crescendo to this story. Even without being deeply familiar with Dylan, the significance of this moment was palpable.

The film isn’t afraid to lean into its musical heart. It’s essentially a Bob Dylan concert, with songs as the focal point and the narrative as a supporting act. This stylistic choice worked beautifully for me – I left not just entertained but inspired to explore Dylan’s music further.

Edward Norton as Pete Seeger in 'A Complete Unknown' playing the banjo in front of an audience.

Quick sidenote: This film being about an artist I don’t really know, makes me think of Better Man (2024) – by Michael Gracey about British singer Robbie Williams – and how some people, mostly in the US, are bothered about that movie being made about an artist they don’t know. No matter how famous Bob Dylan might be to some people, he wasn’t to me, and I can’t imagine myself being annoyed at A Complete Unknown‘s existence because it’s about an artist I don’t know. I don’t really understand that logic.

Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash in 'A Complete Unknown,' a cigarette hanging on the side of his mouth, his black suit jacket is opened, an undone bow tie around his neck, and the top button of his white shirt open.

Anyway, A Complete Unknown is a love letter to Dylan’s artistry, but it also celebrates discovery. Whether you’ve been a lifelong fan or, like me, are encountering Dylan’s genius for the first time, this film offers something meaningful. Mangold doesn’t just tell a story, he invites you to feel the music, to understand the man, and to appreciate the legacy.

Rating: 7 out of 10.

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