A COMPLETE UNKNOWN will wow and guide Bob Dylan fans back into a time long ago. The movie is filled to the brim with almost every important Dylan song performed by the amazing Timothee Chalamet, yet the film falls during the second act. It does not recoup its momentum for the final scenes. More fine-tuning and careful editing would have helped tremendously.
When A COMPLETE UNKNOWN begins with Dylan, a mere 19 years old, in 1961, audiences will be enticed and enthralled, reliving his chutzpah days. His talent was evident to all who were in his presence. His creativity catapulted him to “overnight” success. It took him by surprise and left the answer to the question, who are you at your core, just BLOWING IN THE WIND. The writers ensured audiences knew how contrary Bob Dylan was to his fans and, most of all, to himself.
Along Dylan’s journey, viewers meet incredible legends and friends performed by a stellar cast that includes Edward Norton (Pete Seeger), Elle Fanning (Sylvie), Monica Barbaro (Joan Baez), and Boyd Holbrook (Johnny Cash). Norton literally stole every scene he was in with his “do good” philosophy. Every song was sung by those portraying their iconic musicians. It was a feast for our souls.
I was a child of the ’60s. I lived during these turbulent times of confusion, protests, violence, and war. Bob Dylan was a beacon of truth and light to many who didn’t understand what the hell was happening. His words helped define a very lost generation. He was America’s poet laureate.
A COMPLETE UNKNOWN continually mentioned that it was Dylan’s job to “track some mud on the carpet.” Perhaps the writers needed to heed their advice and go one step further… less is more. Bob Dylan deserves our best.
A COMPLETE UNKNOWN is playing in theaters everywhere.
