The deep dive into biopics continues with one based around a true music icon. This individual single handedly changed folk music and created anthems which people still play to this day. Bob Dylan was in his early 20s when he emerged onto the scene and that was in thanks to the talented folk musicians Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie. All of which is told in this heartfelt tale of his rise to the man many knew him for with A Complete Unknown. It seems unusual for someone like Dylan to not get this type of recognition on the big screen in this format with the closest film reaching this type of story for him being I’m Not There with Cate Blanchett. We all have filmmaker James Mangold to thank for A Complete Unknown.
James Mangold is a truly cinematic filmmaker. His work has always reflected this style with Logan, Le Mans ’66, 3:10 the Yuma and the final Indiana Jones film all proving he has an eye for bringing stories to life all which have that blockbuster feel to it. One of Mangold's other passions is music which one of his earlier films highlighted with the Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line. A lot of what he learnt from that film shines through with this film and we even have Johnny Cash in this film, but this time played by Boyd Holbrook, and how his relationship with Dylan helped shape him as a person. That era and time period seems to have inspired the filmmaker and the visual effects are truly immersive for transporting you to 1960s New York, but there is a lot of built sets and practical sets which feel authentic of the period and capture that essence of the folk music scene.
Bringing Bob Dylan to life on the big screen is not an easy job, he wasn’t a complicated person but he had strong morals, philosophies and his ideas often didn’t match that of his peers. Playing a youthful and inspiring version of Dylan is the amazing Timothée Chalamet. Chalamet’s career is skyrocketing with Dune and Wicked proving he has the diversity to pull of many different characters. Chalamet has the charm and twinkle in his eye to recreate those moments where Dylan’s talent shined through. When people think of Dylan the songs “Blowin’ in the Wind”, “Like a Rolling Stone” and “The Times They Are a-Changin” usually come to mind. The lyrics of these ballads is what resonates with everyone and seeing Chalamet bring this songs to life as well as seeing how the people around him react to them is a true highlight of the film.
A Complete Unknown will without doubt capture a lot of votes come awards season and you can see why. The music, sound design, cinematography, production design and everything else all feel award-worthy in a very effortless way with thanks to Mangold’s touch. Even the women of the film have moments to shine with Elle Fanning and Monica Barbaro providing a lot of the heart of the film. The mystery surrounding Dylan’s childhood is not explored as much, but the film is more about the effect he had on others and seeing the best of people come out. His controversial but game-changing electric set at Newport is excellently put together and you do get the sense that he was really changing the folk scene. A Complete Unknown completely transports you and the film is the perfect ode to a true music icon.
★★★★☆
4/5
Final Verdict:
A Complete Unknown is a riveting biopic with a myriad of terrific performances. Chalamet embodies Dylan with the charm and charisma you’d expect but he also captures the sassiness and angst you don’t particularly hear about as much. James Mangold has proven yet again that he has the cinematic eye as he brings 1960s New York to life with dazzling glee. The music and sound design are the highlights here and it all comes together in a rollicking journey into Bob Dylan’s rise to stardom.
Thanks for reading today’s blog!
Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions
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