Another musician biopic. This one about beginnings and endings.
A young man arrives in New York City in the 1960s to meet his musical heroes. His journey is influenced and moulded by them, but this prodigy cannot be contained for long.
A quick recovery from director James Mangold (Ford Vs Ferrari, Logan) since the disastrous Indiana Jones 5. Featuring Timothée Chalamet (Dune), Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro (Top Gun: Maverick) and Edward Norton (Asteroid City). The film released in 2024 in the United States, but only just this January in 2025 for the UK. The film follows the appearance and rise in popularity of singer songwriter Bob Dylan.
Personally, I know very little about the personality or the music. So does the film make good on deaf ears? Oh, sort of.
We open with a drifter, a young man arriving in New York City in 1961. In his possessions is a guitar and tired clothes. He makes his way to a hospital where one of his musical inspirations lies sick. Here he meets Pete Seeger (Edward Norton) a much loved but controversial country folk singer. With Pete’s guidance, the young man gains fame, and the attention of two women. But those around him are unaware of the storm of successes he is about to unleash.
The film is described as a “comedy drama” (at least, my local cinema chain did) I wouldn’t say there’s much comedic about it. This is more a straight drama. It is certainly what is described as “Oscar Bait”, netting itself eight nominations already.
The performances are solid, certainly. Chalamet learned guitar and harmonica, as well as sings for the role. Norton also gives an impassioned performance as well, as a man watching his world slip away. The musical interludes are excellent, and drive home the movie’s own message; that times are changing.
The film is based on a biography, Dylan Goes Electric written by Elijah Wald. As such, the film’s strength seems to be in telling the story of the man’s transition from country music to blues and jazz. Along with all the broken hearts and spurned egos left in his wake.
It is a compelling watch, but not without its flaws.
Perhaps it is in direct comparison with Better Man; a musical biopic that is completely irreverent. A Complete Unknown wears its intention on its sleeve. The film depicts the man with enigmatic reverence. A young prodigy who popped into existence without a past. Someone who is effortlessly capable and and excels at everything.
The counterpoint is that he is a hopeless human being. With friends and colleagues being left behind or treaded like momentary distractions. While the performances from Elle Fanning and Monica Barbaro are good, their material is a bit tiring. Dylan has on-again-off-again relationship with them both, and seems to get away with it constantly. When the film is well over two hours, these three characters’ interactions get a little repetitive.
It is also champion’s the musician’s choices. While he does sow discord constantly throughout the third act, the story acquits itself as a job well done.
It does have good performances, and it does use the music to wonderful effect. The story feels more targeted for a time period than a personality. A time of sonic shifting and public perception of music. An air of controversy lies at its heart.
Those interested in the music and the time period should check it out.
