In the realm of cinema, James Mangold's "A Complete Unknown" emerges as a captivating exploration of the myriad variables that mold and distort creativity. This film takes a departure from the commonly shallow trajectory of cradle-to-grave biopics, instead delving into a formative chapter in music and world history. With its fluid storytelling, solid performances, unshowy direction, and organic editing, it masterfully captures the intersection of art and fame.

Mangold's Masterpiece: Unveiling Dylan's Creative Journey

Introduction: The Influences on Bob Dylan

The film commences with a recording by Woody Guthrie, a significant influence on the young Bob Dylan (portrayed by Timothée Chalamet). Dylan is on his way to meet Guthrie, whose work had a profound impact on him. Guthrie, played by Scoot McNairy, is in a hospital in Jersey when the legendary Pete Seeger (Edward Norton in a wonderfully understated role) pays him a visit on the day Dylan, a 20-year-old, stops by in 1961. Seeger convinces Dylan to sing for his hero, and this moment is charged with creative energy. It sets the tone for the film, as Mangold showcases Dylan's ingenuity and songwriting brilliance with minimal interruption. The film's reliance on actual performance to tell its story is one of its greatest strengths. It features more full songs than many Hollywood musicals and avoids the medley route of non-stop snippets, allowing the music to speak for itself. 2: In the early 1960s, Dylan's music held great significance. Several scenes subtly place his art within a broader context. For instance, as news clips of the Cuban Missile Crisis echo, Dylan plays "Masters of War" in a club. The juxtaposition of this unapologetic song against the backdrop of potential global disaster creates a powerful impact. It shows why Mangold's film works - its effort to seamlessly integrate Dylan's music into the fabric of the storytelling rather than using it merely as a soundtrack. The use of news clips to mark the passage of time is a common device, but it enhances the theme that even an uncompromising artist like Dylan was a product of his world, on both a macro and micro level.

The Women in Dylan's Life

Dylan's early career was shaped by more than just Guthrie. Seeger, who takes Dylan home after their chance encounter, is introduced in a courtroom defending his freedom of speech. He becomes caught between the traditions of folk music and the rebel who may be leading it into an uncertain future. Dylan also meets two women who play crucial roles. Sylvie Russo (Elle Fanning), a variation on Suze Rotolo, realizes she knows little about her lover as he becomes one of the most famous people in the world. Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro), equally aggravated and enraptured by Dylan, becomes a superstar with a different kind of folk music. 2: These women add depth to Dylan's story and highlight the different aspects of his life. Their interactions with Dylan showcase the complexity of his personality and the influence they had on his artistic development.

Dylan's Creative Evolution

Mangold and Jay Cocks's excellent script allows viewers to connect the dots on their own regarding Dylan's transformation into a poet of his generation. Questions arise such as whether Dylan's raw poetry was a response to Baez's fame or if his "man in black" image was influenced by his friendship with Johnny Cash. Why did he push back against his own fans and refuse to play some of his biggest hits on a tour with Baez? And why did he choose to go electric at Newport in 1965, a moment that marked a turning point in folk music history? These questions add layers to Dylan's story and make the film a thought-provoking exploration of his creative journey. 2: Chalamet's performance as Dylan is remarkable. He not only sounds like Dylan when singing but also captures the freshness of these moments. When he plays "The Times They Are A-Changin'" for the first time, it has a powerful impact on the audience. The film's use of music and Chalamet's performance give it an electricity that biopics often lack, making it feel urgent and real.

The Ensemble and Supporting Cast

Chalamet is ably supported by a great ensemble. Norton and Fanning have already received early attention and have won critics awards. However, the standout performances for me are Monica Barbaro as Baez and Boyd Holbrook as Cash. Barbaro subtly portrays how people could be both enraged and enraptured by Dylan, while Holbrook plays Cash as someone who saw Dylan's raw genius beneath the layers of fame and expectation. They add depth and complexity to the story, serving as the angel and the devil on Bob's shoulders.

The Closing and Connecting Thread

"A Complete Unknown" opens and closes with a recording by Woody Guthrie, "So Long, It's Been Good to Know Yuh." This not only connects Dylan to the folk music tradition he would forever transform but also shares the same dark sense of humor and topicality that defined his music. The line "We talked of the end of the world, and then we'd sing a song and then sing it again" reflects the protest music Dylan sang against the backdrop of the end of the world. And the last line channels the freewheelin' spirit of Dylan and the easygoing charm of the film about him. Dylan drifted into New York in 1961 and changed music forever, and we are still drifting along with him.Opens on Christmas Day.