Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
Released 12-25-2024
Watched 02-27-2025
Reviewed 02-27-2025
Watched in the theater Using Cinemark Movie Club (Oscar MovieWeek Festival Pass)
"More and more people have been showing up, and they're bringing their teaspoons. Teaspoons for justice, and teaspoons for peace, and teaspoons for love, and that's what we do. And, gosh, you showed up, Bobby, and damn it, if you didn't bring a shovel."
James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown is an ambitious and immersive biopic about the legendary Bob Dylan, capturing his rise to fame in the 1960s. With a runtime of 3 hours and 21 minutes, the film stretches its storytelling far beyond what is necessary, making it a test of patience at times. A tighter, more focused edit could have easily trimmed it down to under two hours, keeping the momentum stronger. Despite this, the film delivers a remarkable cinematic experience, driven by an exceptional performance from Timothée Chalamet as Dylan and an incredible sound design that makes it a must-watch in theaters.
The film has been nominated for eight Academy Awards, and while its chances of sweeping multiple categories remain uncertain, one award seems inevitable. The sound design in A Complete Unknown is nothing short of masterful, bringing Dylan’s music and the atmosphere of his early performances to life. Sitting in a theater, the audience is immersed in the energy of the crowds, the echoes of the venues, and the depth of the music itself. This aspect alone makes it worth experiencing on the big screen.
As with any dramatized biopic, A Complete Unknown takes liberties with history, choosing cinematic storytelling over strict accuracy. This is common for the genre; in this case, it works well, creating a compelling and emotionally resonant narrative. What gives the film an extra layer of credibility is Dylan’s own approval. If the subject of the biopic himself is satisfied, it is difficult to argue against its portrayal. For those looking to separate fact from fiction, Dylan’s life and career are well-documented, making it easy to explore the “real” story beyond the film.
Chalamet fully embodies Dylan, from his vocal inflections to his on-stage presence, capturing both his charisma and his contradictions. The supporting cast adds depth to the film, particularly Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, who brings warmth and complexity to the relationship between Dylan and the folk music community. The cinematography is striking, beautifully recreating the era while maintaining an almost dreamlike quality that fits Dylan’s enigmatic persona.
While A Complete Unknown is undeniably well-crafted, the length works against it. Some sequences feel stretched out, and the pacing occasionally drags, making it a challenge for those who are not die-hard Dylan fans. However, for those who appreciate his music and legacy, the film is a rewarding experience. It celebrates his influence while acknowledging his contradictions, capturing the essence of an artist who constantly reinvented himself.
With its stunning performances, immersive sound, and visually striking cinematography, A Complete Unknown stands as a strong contender this awards season. It is not without its flaws, but for fans of Dylan and music history, it is an essential watch. If nothing else, it serves as an invitation to dive deeper into Dylan’s story, explore his music, and uncover the truth behind the legend.
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