Bob Dylan is one of music’s most enigmatic figures—an artist whose voice, both literal and figurative, has shape-shifted across decades, leaving behind an influence as massive as it is difficult to pin down. So, making a film about Dylan’s early years and his controversial switch from folk to electric rock? That’s a daunting task. Enter A Complete Unknown, James Mangold’s latest entry into the musical biopic genre. Starring Timothée Chalamet as Dylan, the film dives into the Greenwich Village folk scene of the early ‘60s, chronicling Dylan’s rise, his tangled relationships, and the infamous moment at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival when he plugged in and divided a generation.
The result? A movie that, much like Dylan’s own music, will hit differently depending on the audience. It’s well-acted, handsomely shot, and packed with incredible music, but it also feels strangely conventional for a story about an artist who thrived on reinvention. At its best, A Complete Unknown is a fascinating time capsule of a turning point in music history. At its weakest, it feels like a by-the-numbers rock biopic that struggles to get inside its subject’s head.
Chalamet’s Dylan – A Performance Worth Watching
Let’s address the biggest question upfront: how does Chalamet fare as Dylan? Surprisingly well. Chalamet doesn’t attempt a full-blown impersonation, which is a smart move, but he nails the attitude, the body language, and most impressively, the voice. His singing—performed live in the film—is one of the strongest aspects of his portrayal. The raspy twang, the phrasing, the detached yet deeply poetic presence—it’s all there. His Dylan is charismatic and unknowable, cocky and insecure, all at once. It’s not a transformative performance in the way that, say, Austin Butler’s Elvis was, but it’s compelling enough to carry the film.
The supporting cast is equally strong. Edward Norton, as Pete Seeger, plays the folk legend with a mix of warmth and stubbornness, embodying the generation that viewed Dylan’s transition as a betrayal. Elle Fanning, as Sylvie Russo (a stand-in for Suze Rotolo), provides the film with its emotional anchor, even though her character often feels more like a narrative device than a fully realized person. Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez is another highlight—her chemistry with Chalamet is palpable, and their duet on It Ain’t Me Babe is a standout moment.
A Safe Approach to an Unpredictable Artist
Mangold is no stranger to musical biopics (Walk the Line), and his craftsmanship is evident here. The film is gorgeous, drenched in smoky coffeehouse lighting and grainy concert footage, giving it an authentic ‘60s feel. The attention to detail is impressive—down to the period-correct guitars, microphones, and even Dylan’s signature wardrobe.
But while the film captures the look of the era, it struggles to capture Dylan’s spirit. There’s an irony in making a traditional biopic about one of music’s most unconventional figures. Dylan has always been a puzzle—a myth-maker, a poet who constantly reshaped his own identity. A Complete Unknown flirts with that idea but never fully embraces it. Instead, it follows the familiar beats of the genre: the early struggle, the meteoric rise, the personal conflicts, and the career-defining moment (in this case, Newport).
That might work for some audiences, especially those unfamiliar with Dylan’s story, but for longtime fans, it feels a bit… sanitized. Dylan’s transition to electric wasn’t just about music; it was about artistic rebellion, a refusal to be boxed in. The film acknowledges that tension but doesn’t explore it deeply enough. The Newport Folk Festival sequence, where Dylan is met with boos and outrage, is well-executed but lacks the raw energy and chaos that made it such a defining moment in music history.
Music Saves the Day
If there’s one thing A Complete Unknown gets right, it’s the music. Chalamet’s live performances bring a raw, intimate quality to Dylan’s early work. The soundtrack, featuring classics like Like a Rolling Stone, Subterranean Homesick Blues, and The Times They Are A-Changin’, is a joy to listen to. The film is at its best when it simply lets the music play, allowing Chalamet and the cast to embody the energy of the moment.
One of the film’s most interesting aspects is its portrayal of Dylan’s artistic frustration. We see him chafing against the constraints of the folk scene, eager to push boundaries while being pressured to remain “the voice of a generation.” It’s in these moments that the film offers glimpses of something deeper—of an artist wrestling with expectations, knowing that his audience might not follow where he leads. But again, the film never fully commits to exploring Dylan’s psyche, opting instead for a more surface-level retelling of events.
Final Verdict: Worth Watching, But Missing a Spark
A Complete Unknown is an enjoyable, well-crafted film, but it never quite becomes the definitive Dylan biopic it wants to be. Chalamet’s performance is strong, the supporting cast is excellent, and the music is electrifying. But the film plays it safe, opting for a straightforward, polished retelling of a story that deserved a more daring, unconventional approach.
For casual audiences or those unfamiliar with Dylan’s history, it’s a solid introduction to one of the most important moments in rock history. But for die-hard Dylan fans, it might feel a little too neat, a little too rehearsed—like a cover band playing the hits but never quite capturing the raw energy of the real thing.