A Complete Unknown

Sometimes musical biopics can hit the spot and offer an entertaining interpretation of an artist while others just miss the mark. Somehow I found myself in the camp of preferring Bohemian Rhapsody over the likes of Rocketman and Elvis, but it all feels like a well-worn formula that tends to play well come the awards season. Then came alone A Complete Unknown in 2024 by director James Mangold, who had previously made Walk The Line, about Johnny Cash, and was now set on exploring Bob Dylan.

Set in the early 1960s, A Complete Unknown follows the early years of Dylan's life as gradually made a name for himself while meeting the lifes of Pete Seeger, Joan Baez and even Johnny Cash. Mercifully, Mangold and the writers keep the story locked in this time period, already avoiding one of the biopic cliches where we see the early years, finding success, struggling with success, find their roots again and later life reflection. This is all about Dylan's early years during a turbulent time in America and is much better for it.

I should add that I never really listened to Bob Dylan's music but this film hooked me in with its excellent cast, swift pacing and tight direction from Mangold. Timothée Chalamet takes full control in the leading role as Dylan and I can't imagine anyone else; he brings Dylan to the screen in an excellent and honest portrayal that isn't afraid to show that the man has some flaws. Some biopics are hamstrung by the musician's estate thereby resulting in a sanitised experience but thankfully that isn't the case here.

If I had to fault the film, the final scene between Chalamet and Elle Fanning is one instance where the writing falls flat. Also, Boyd Holbrook, a friend and regular feature in Mangold's films, just doesn't quite fit here. They are minor nit-picks but stick out on my two viewings for this in an otherwise thoroughly engrossing story.  

A Complete Unknown is a great drama that will surely play well to other newcomers, like myself, and hopefully has enough going to appeal to fans of Dylan. Following that disappointing fifth Indiana Jones film, it really is great to see Mangold firing on all cylinders again and offering a highly entertaining drama once more, and I would say is the best musical biopic I have seen so far. This is an easy one to recommend, and now has me looking into Dylan's music.