A Complete Unknown” is a 2024 biographical musical drama directed by James Mangold, chronicling Bob Dylan’s transformative years from 1961 to 1965. The film delves into Dylan’s evolution from a burgeoning folk artist in New York’s Greenwich Village to his groundbreaking electric performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival.
Synopsis
The plot centers 19-year-old Bob Dylan (Timothée Chalamet) arriving in 1960’s New York ready to be part of its flourishing folk music scene. While establishing connections with such figures as Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy) and Pete Seeger (Edward Norton), the story gives insights into how his life and career evolved amid the rise of his stardom. The film revolves around the important event where he ‘went electric’ during the Newport Folk Festival which later seemingly changed everything about his career and the music industry norms itself.
Awards & Wins
Dec 26 2024 A Complete Unknown has earned multiple accolades and now seems to be heading for the Oscars, especially regarding Chalamet’s rendition of Dylan.
Awards the film has received recognition from various critics associations and has been nominated and winning in categories like Best Use of Music and Best Soundtrack among others.
Cast & Crew
- Director: James Mangold, known for films like “Walk the Line” and “Logan.”
- Bob Dylan: Timothée Chalamet, who performs all songs live in the film.
- Pete Seeger: Edward Norton.
- Suze Russo: Elle Fanning.
- Joan Baez: Monica Barbaro.
- Johnny Cash: Boyd Holbrook.
- Woody Guthrie: Scoot McNairy.
IMDb Ratings
As of December 26, 2024, “A Complete Unknown” holds an IMDb rating of 7.8/10, reflecting positive reception from audiences.
Personal Insights
The film “A Complete Unknown“, provides an in-depth look into Bob Dylan’s young adult life and his artistry as well as the era he was a part of in the 1960s. The depth of understanding that Timothée Chalamet has in playing the role of Dylan through singing into the clips completes the picture of the time period for the audience. The movie is directed by James Mangold who exposes various details about Bob’s life two of which were his relations and career.
Cultural Significance
The movie explores Bob Dylan’s contributions in the music domain and the 1960’s social revolutions. As he moved from folk music to electric he began to set standards for many musicians. Not only is “A Complete Unknown” a memorial to Dylan’s legacy but also it seeks to portray the epoch’s major advances, rendering it culturally relevant to people today.