Rating: 4/5

James Mangold’s “A Complete Unknown” is a vibrant, immersive dive into the early years of musical legend Bob Dylan’s rise to fame, chronicling his transformation from a scrappy folk singer in Greenwich Village to a generational icon. With Timothée Chalamet in the lead role, the film captures Dylan’s enigmatic presence, rebellious spirit and ever-evolving artistry with a sense of authenticity that’s rare in musical biopics.

Timothée Chalamet’s performance goes beyond impersonation—he embodies Dylan’s spirit. His voice, mannerisms and mysterious charm feel natural rather than forced, making his portrayal both convincing and engaging. The film’s decision to have Chalamet sing live on set adds a raw, unpolished texture that mirrors the grit of Dylan’s early sound. Whether he’s strumming an acoustic guitar in a smoky Village club or boldly playing at the Newport Folk Festival, Chalamet’s Dylan is captivating.

Mangold’s direction brings 1960s Greenwich Village to life with impressive detail. The cinematography bathes the city in warm, nostalgic hues, capturing the creative chaos of the folk scene. The film’s supporting cast—Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Elle Fanning as a fictional love interest and Edward Norton as Pete Seeger—add depth to Dylan’s story, showing how his relationships shaped and complicated his rise to fame.

Unlike traditional musical biopics, “A Complete Unknown” avoids a by-the-numbers retelling of Dylan’s greatest hits. Instead, it moves like a Dylan song—unpredictable, poetic and sometimes incomprehensible. The film lingers on moments of inspiration and defiance rather than major life events, which may frustrate viewers looking for a more structured narrative. Yet, for those willing to embrace its freewheeling style, it feels truer to Dylan’s essence than a conventional biopic ever could.

At its core, “A Complete Unknown” is a film about artistic reinvention. It captures the tension between staying true to oneself and evolving with the times—a struggle Dylan faced when he traded acoustic folk for electric rock. The climactic Newport Folk Festival scene, where Dylan electrifies (and alienates) his folk audience, reflects the film’s central theme: great artists never stand still.

“A Complete Unknown” isn’t a conventional biopic by any means—it’s an atmospheric, evocative portrait of an artist who transcended tradition. While it may not answer every question about Dylan, it captures his spirit, making it a must-watch for fans and a fascinating introduction for newcomers. With a career-defining performance from Chalamet and Mangold’s steady direction, the film stands as a fitting tribute to one of music’s greatest legends.