Star Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Monica Barbaro, Edward Norton
Director: James Mangold
A Complete Unknown Movie Review Synopsis:
A COMPLETE UNKNOWN is the story of a man who changed the face of music. The year is 1961. Bob Dylan (Timothée Chalamet) arrives in a New York hospital to meet his music idol, Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy), who’s suffering from a terminal illness. At the hospital, Bob also bumps into fellow musician, Pete Seeger (Edward Norton). Pete is charmed by Bob’s music and offers to accommodate him for the night. Both get close and Pete introduces him to New York City’s folk scene. Albert Grossman (Dan Fogler) loves his performance and becomes his manager. As a result, his career takes off. He begins dating a girl named Sylvie Russo (Elle Fanning) and also simultaneously has an affair with a musician, Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro). Soon, his ego, aloof nature and his quest to hide his origins cause cracks in his inter-personal relationships. What happens next forms the rest of the film.
A Complete Unknown Movie Story Review:
A COMPLETE UNKNOWN is based on the book ‘Dylan Goes Electric!’ by Elijah Wald. The story is interesting as not many would know about the life of Bob Dylan. James Mangold and Jay Cocks’ screenplay is a mixed bag. It’s captivating for most parts but it’s also stretched at several places. The dialogues are fine.
James Mangold’s direction is decent. The protagonist is well fleshed out and to see his life journey is fascinating. The best part of the enterprise is the songs and the compelled performances add to the impact. A few scenes that stand out are Bob’s first meeting with Woody and Pete, Pete’s court hearing, Sylvie’s argument with Bob before her Europe trip, Bob performing ‘Blowin’ In The Wind’ in his house, Bob meeting Bob Neuwirth (Will Harrison) in the elevator etc. The last 20-25 minutes are arresting.
On the flipside, the film is too long and a few scenes are repetitive. The periphery characters don’t get their due and their equation with Bob doesn’t get established neatly. Moreover, it follows a predictable pattern of other musical biopics like BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY [2018], ELVIS [2022] etc.
A Complete Unknown Movie Review Performances:
Timothée Chalamet delivers a true-blue Oscar-worthy performance. He works hard on his accent and body language and yet, manages to make it look natural. He has also sung the songs and it elevates the impact. Monica Barbaro too does well with her act and singing. Edward Norton is dependable as always and all three of them deserve the Oscar nominations. Elle Fanning leaves a mark. Scoot McNairy plays a difficult part with conviction. Dan Fogler, Will Harrison, Boyd Holbrook and Eriko Hatsune (Toshi; Pete’s wife) lend able support.
A Complete Unknown movie music and other technical aspects:
The songs are one of the USPs of the film. A few tracks that are memorable are ‘It Ain’t Me Babe’, ‘Blowin’ In The Wind’, ‘Song To Woody’, ‘The Times They Are a-Changin’ etc. The background score is appropriate.
Phedon Papamichael’s cinematography is praiseworthy. François Audouy’s production design brings alive the bygone era. Arianne Phillips’ costumes are authentic. Andrew Buckland and Scott Morris’ editing is weak.
A Complete Unknown Movie Review Conclusion:
On the whole, A COMPLETE UNKNOWN is an overlong and sluggish affair that struggles to maintain momentum. However, Timothée Chalamet’s powerful performance holds the narrative together to a great extent. Releasing during Oscar week, the film might see a slight boost in footfalls from Monday, if it manages to clinch a couple of awards.