“A Complete Unknown” follows famous singer Bob Dylan’s rise to fame and the events leading up to the pivotal moment he changed his musical style and altered American music. The critically acclaimed cast has been recognized for their phenomenal performances portraying the confusing relationships in Dylan’s life.
Timothee Chalamet performed stellarly, replicating Dylan’s voice, mannerisms and overall energy. When hearing the movie’s soundtrack compared to the actual songs, they compare almost identically. Chalamet has been nominated for an Academy Award for this portrayal.
Although Chalamet’s performance was one to remember during the upcoming award season, Monica Barbaro’s depiction of Joan Baez was equally captivating. From her voice in her songs to the chemistry in her scenes with Chalamet, her performance glued my eyes to the screen and made the film even more captivating.
You cannot discuss stand-out performances in this film without discussing Edward Norton’s performance as Pete Seeger. He can draw the viewer to view him as the movie’s most sympathetic and caring person, even if he leads the protagonist away from the type of music he and his audience are fighting for. Norton portrays a character so set on preserving the style of classic folk but, in the end, allows the viewer not to see him as a villain.
The overall aesthetic and vibe of the film is very well portrayed. Staying true to the decade it was set in; there was no lack of long skirts and collared shirts. However, it was crafted in a manner that did not feel too much like a costume and truly did feel like you were in the 60s scouring the streets for a peek at Dylan’s new music.
While the movie is filmed almost in a concert style and portrays Dylan’s rise to fame in the 60s, it also focuses on Dylan’s fear and worries about how he was perceived. Not only did the movie show the expectations put on him as a young 20-year-old, but it also depicted the disapproval of rebranding. Dylan did not crack under societal pressure as he continued writing the same type of music and fought an internal battle. In a scene where Dylan sings a powerful protest song, Chalamet conveys his feeling of doubt. The song, which was supposed to spark emotion and revolution, has become just another sing-along at a festival with no intentions behind it. He was never satisfied with himself, his music or his life choices, and that was vividly shown throughout the film.
Overall, the film was an exciting and fulfilling watch that made the viewer think more deeply about the motives and inner thoughts of the complex and unique Bob Dylan.
