Review by Robbie Fleming
Director: James Mangold
Studio: Searchlight
Since I first heard about A Complete Unknown, I knew it would be the perfect film to watch with my dad, a lifelong Bob Dylan fan. Watching it together was a special experience, and we both came away loving it. In fact, it has dethroned Back to Black as my favorite music biopic of 2024.
Directed by James Mangold (Walk the Line, Logan and Ford v Ferrari to name a few), this film chronicles Bob Dylan's rise to fame, focusing on his early days and the infamous controversy surrounding his transition from acoustic to electric. Unlike Walk the Line, which attempts to cover Johnny Cash’s entire life, Mangold wisely narrows the focus here, allowing the story to breathe and giving more depth to this pivotal chapter of Dylan’s career.
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Timothée Chalamet delivers the performance of his career as Bob Dylan, embodying the legendary folk singer with an authenticity that’s both captivating and transformative. His singing voice, astonishingly close to Dylan's, adds another layer of immersion. Supporting performances are equally strong, with Elle Fanning, Edward Norton, Dan Fogler, and Scoot McNairy all shining. Special mention goes to Boyd Holbrook, who is unrecognizable as Johnny Cash, making the country music legend’s second appearance in a Mangold film.
However, the real standout is Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez. Her portrayal is nothing short of extraordinary, stealing every scene she’s in. It’s a shame she isn’t receiving more awards recognition because her performance deserves to be in the conversation.
The film is masterfully crafted, with stunning cinematography, meticulous sound design, and a stellar soundtrack that perfectly blends Dylan’s iconic music with other era-defining tracks. Mangold’s direction feels more confident and refined than ever, a significant step up from his previous effort, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
In summary, A Complete Unknown is a beautifully crafted, refreshingly focused biopic that captures the spirit of Dylan’s groundbreaking journey. With standout performances from Chalamet and Barbaro and Mangold’s assured direction, this is a must-watch for fans of music, cinema, or simply great storytelling.
I give A Complete Unknown a rating of a 5 out of 5 stars and a 10/10.
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