By Mr. Will Wong
James Mangold returns with A COMPLETE UNKNOWN, a companion piece in ways, to his Oscar-winning WALK THE LINE. The Bob Dylan Biopic is a worthy successor to that, if not an even greater cinematic feat.
This Biopic introduces us to a young Robert Zimmerman also known as Bob Dylan (Timothée Chalamet), arriving in New York City from the midwest with the hopes of meeting his idol Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy) in the hospital. And he does that, impressing him with his raw talent, despite suffering from Huntington’s Diesease. There, he meets Pete Seeger (Edward Norton) who takes Dylan under his wings, performing Folk music at clubs alongside the likes of Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro). Dylan meets Sylvie (Elle Fanning) and the Film explores the complicated love triangle between the three. Sylvie being a grounding force he keeps coming back to, Joan being a perfect creative companion, the sparks flying in their musical collaboration.
The Film recounts his rise from a complete unknown as its title suggests, to his rise to fame in the mid-’60s, bringing Folk music to a new generation of Americans with a younger face. He struggles with his fame, and also his creativity.
Along the way, we witness Dylan‘s transformation as a bona fide rock star, winning over famous fans like Johnny Cash (Boyd Holbrook), whom he idolizes. Dylan is looking to break through creatively from the same Music that made him who he is and that is where the heart of his struggle lies as he lacks the support of those who helped build him up i. his new direction. Even if his inner voice is unwavering. The complete unknown is how he finds himself artisitcally with his eventual masterpiece album Highway 61, which would go on to be regarded as one of the most important albums of all time.
Make no mistake, the star of the show always is Chalamet, who disappears completely into Dylan. He handles the musical dexterity required with great mastery, tapping into Dylan‘s true essence. He exudes sheer confidence, yet at once a lack of self-awareness as he always is so deeply-absorbed into his sole identity, a true musician. This is top caliber work and he will be at the forefront of discussion in the Best Actor race, doing this all so effortlessly, seemingly.
The Film’s supporting performances also are quite remarkable. Barbaro is a real revelation as Baez, charmed by Dylan but also over it and his antics. And at once convincing performing as her. Norton is stellar as Seeger, grounding the story even if it means not seeing eye to eye with the Artist he helped develop and flourish. Holbrook is scene-stealingly fantastic as Cash, beautifully tying together this Film and Walk the Line in a musical multiverse of sorts where the heroes crossover.
One doesn’t need to know much about Bob Dylan or his music coming into this as Mangold‘s masterful storytelling and this outstanding Ensemble do the job for us.
Searchlight Pictures release A COMPLETE UNKNOWN Christmas Day.
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