Timothée Chalamet’s transformation into Bob Dylan forA Complete Unknownis already earning rave reviews ahead of its December 25 release date. Directed by James Mangold (Logan,Ford v Ferrari), the upcoming biopic chronicles Dylan’s pivotal rise to fame in the 1960s folk scene, capturing his transition into an electric icon at the Newport Folk Festival. Chalamet stars alongside an impressive cast, including Elle Fanning, Edward Norton, and Monica Barbaro, asA Complete Unknownpromisesto be a stirring exploration of Dylan’s artistry and personal struggles.
Chalamet is receiving praise from critics and members of the press who have now seenA Complete Unknown. As one of the most anticipated biopics of the year,the film is already generating significant awards buzz, with Chalamet’s performance potentially emerging as a frontrunner for the 2025 Oscars. Check out the reviews below.
Screen Rantinterviewer and criticTessa SmithlaudedA Complete Unknownas an"absolutely incredible"film with"unforgettable performances"from Chalamet and the supporting cast. The film left her “in awe.”
We Live in EntertainmentEditor-in-ChiefScott Menzelsaid thatChalamet is"a true tour-de-force"inA Complete Unknown,perfectly encapsulating the singer’s “little nuances and mannerisms.”
VarietyeditorClayton Davisrefers toChalamet’s performance as Dylan as “effortless yet focused determination,“emphasizing the talent of supporting characters Fanning and Barbaro, set design, and costuming, with director Mangold as"one of the best to do it.”
Reporter and hostScott Mantzsaid thatChalamet was"terrific"inA Complete Unknownwith “great music & great performances” from supporting actors Fanning and Barbaro, insisting hat audiences"SEE IT!”
Film writerTim GerberpraisedA Complete Unknownas a “solid biopic” with excellent performances from Chalamet and Barbaro, contending that"Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Cinematography, Sound, Costumes are possible."
VarietyeditorJazz TangcaylovedA Complete Unknownand Chalamet’s"superior"performance, particularly praising Mangold’s production team forpulling off a"technical feat from sound, editing, costume, cinematography to production design."
What The First Reviews Mean For The Bob Dylan Biopic
A Complete Unknown Could Join Some Of The Biopic Greats
Early responses toA Complete Unknownsuggestit could be a major awards contender,particularly forChalamet’s meticulous embodimentof the iconoclastic singer-songwriter, as the leading actor sings all the songs himself. Critics have praised his uncanny ability to reflect Dylan’s vocal tone and distinctive mannerisms. With the help of a strong supporting cast and crew,A Complete Unknownis posed to be another example ofMangold’s ability to elevate biopics into cinematic masterpieces, such as hisaward-winning Johnny Cash filmWalk the Line.
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A Complete Unknownreportedly delves into Dylan’s early years in Minnesota, his rise in Greenwich Village, and the iconic yet controversial decision to “go electric” at Newport in 1965. Mangold is being credited for crafting a biopic that shows exactly why the young Dylan was seen as the voice of a generation during the mid-20th century revival of American folk music.
Our Take On A Complete Unknown’s Initial Reactions
Chalamet Could Finally Get An Oscar
With its Christmas Day release,A Complete Unknownis positioning itself perfectly for awards contention. If the initial reactions are any indication, Chalamet may be on track to tie the record of the youngest person to win Best Actor with his first Academy Award yet. Fans of Dylan and Chalamet alike have plenty to look forward to, as it sounds likeA Complete Unknownsuccessfully blends its sound, drama, and stellar performances into a hypotonic cinematic experience, potentially solidifying its place in biopic history.
Source: Various (see above)
A Complete Unknown
Cast
A Complete Unknown is a biographical movie that follows a young Bob Dylan as he integrates with New York and catches the eye of the folk singers in the area, eventually propelling him into stardom.
