There’s nothing I dislike about biopics in A Complete Unknown. That’s exactly why I loved it! In biographical films, nothing bores me more than cramming a person’s life into a rigid chronology, listing events back to back like an encyclopedia. How can you possibly tell the story of a musician as vast as Bob Dylan in just a few hours?
You can’t. What you can do is convey the feeling of why this man is such a legendary musician. And if you manage that, you’re a great director. As someone obsessed with music, I can’t help but love films that truly reflect on it—how it can both consume and heal like a lovesick obsession. A Complete Unknown plays like a serenade to the overwhelming power of music and the way talent and passion can become the greatest gift in someone’s life.
Since music itself is the film’s biggest strength, a lot rests on the shoulders of its lead actor. And hats off—Timothée Chalamet absolutely delivers! This is the best performance I’ve seen from him so far. I think we can finally say, the boy has become a man. I applaud him for not letting his questionable personal life choices seep into his career.
The film is directed by James Mangold, the man who masterfully brought Johnny Cash’s story to life in Walk the Line, and thankfully, he does justice to A Complete Unknown as well. Bravo, dear Mangold. In this regard, I also adored Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis—different styles, but both directors have a mesmerizing grip on musical biopics.
On another note, I would watch Edward Norton breathe life into a Persian rug and still not get bored. Can we please get him out of supporting roles and back into leading ones, Mr. Norton?
Watching how Bob Dylan’s poetic, almost mythic lyrics came from a true genius, how his devotion to music led him to chase after his favorite artist through hospital corridors, and how even his relationships with women were shaped by his music—this was an experience that struck a deep chord in me. There are few better ways to spend a few hours in life.