The highly anticipated film A Complete Unknown, directed by James Mangold, was released December 25, 2024. The biopic stars Timothée Chalamet who plays Bob Dylan and his co-star Monica Barbaro who plays Joan Baez. Inspired by the book Dylan goes Electric. by Elijah Ward, it would be an understatement to label this film a cinematic masterpiece. Mangold does an amazing job of showing Dylan’s evolution and different eras he progressed through to reach his stage of electric guitar. The film demonstrates the different influences and relationships that evolved his music, it is truly outstanding to watch as he progresses to his fame. The essence of music evokes a sense of personal connection making the movie intensely emotional connecting the reader through the screen into the scenes.
The film begins with Bob Dylan meeting his said hero, Woody Guthrie, played by Scoot McNairy. Guthrie is hospitalized and accompanied by the other famed folk singer Pete Seeger, played by Edward Norton. Dylan explains to them he has hitch-hiked his way there from Minneapolis, then performs “Song to Woody.” This scene is such a beautiful opening scene, the rawness of his performance and emotions hooks the audience through the screen. Chalamet spent over 6 years of musical lessons for this film, his extraordinary dedication becomes incredibly prevalent in this scene as he is an echo of Dylan and his music. This is one of my favorite scenes in the film as it so beautifully shows how his relations with other folk artists influenced his music.
Over time Pete Seeger becomes a very prevalent character in the film and we can see his relationship with Dylan grow as he continues to rise the charts of the folk genre. Mangold does an amazing job at using Dylan’s music to tell the story, the breathtaking musical performances from all actors immerse the audience into the film producing an emotional reaction.
In summary, this film is nothing short of a masterpiece, to find any significant flaws I would have to dive into a much deeper analysis. The film ends with Dylan visiting Guthrie one last time, the song “So Long, it’s Been Good to Know you.” By Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger playing on a record player Dylan gifted Guthrie. The same song plays during the opening credits, symbolising Dylan’s connection to his beginning in folk, but also his relations with Guthrie and Seeger. The thought and dedication put into the film shows as this is the best film I have ever seen.
