A Complete Unknown–Like a Rolling Stone
This biopic of the iconic singer, Bob Dylan, immerses the viewer in the musical genius, turbulence of the sixties, and the drama of personal relationships of one of the most influential artists of our time. A Complete Unknown is poetry in motion.
A spellbinding time capsule that rewinds life in the early days of Bob Dylan and the complexities of Bob Dylan’s ascent to cultural immortality, A Complete Unknown, opens with a scene of Woody Guthrie in extremis and Pete Seeger (Ed Norton) at his bedside. Both singers, immensely popular at that time, see an adoring nineteen-year old Bob Dylan (Timothy Chalamet), visiting to pay tribute to Woody Guthrie. This scene sets the stage for the mentorship and advocacy Pete Seeger provides Dylan in his rise to fame.
Dylan’s true personality remains unknown, with only glimpses or clues. In the middle of the night, Dylan obsessively writes his poetic lyrics during the sociopolitical upheaval of the civil rights movement, the assassinations of JFK and RFK Jr. –”For the Times, they are a-changing.”
An original creative mind with an unknown past, Dylan is criticized by his girlfriend, Sylvia (Elle Fanning) who complains she knows almost nothing about him except his music. Dylan dismissively responds that his childhood and family are irrelevant to who he is now. (This reviewer would have liked a hint of the past . Why was he so uninterested in communicating? “With no direction home–Like a rolling stone,”)
The Complete Unknown dives into “Don’t Think Twice. It’s all right.” The embodiment of Bob Dylan as not only a musical, poetic genius but also one who burns through girlfriends, managers, and fans to retain his independence. Narcissist and sexist, Dylan envies the famous Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro) with whom he has a tumultuous relationship. A love-hate attitude towards superstar fame prevents Dylan from generously supporting most of the essential musicians who accompany him as well as younger musicians seeking fame. There are some exceptions, revealing the angels of his better nature.
The music is both the soul of The Complete Unknown, as well as a character masterfully performed by all the major actors in this film. The actors, more than singing–never a parody–are channeling their characters in a deeply heartfelt, raw style that resonates deeply with viewers who lived through this music era. Close your eyes and try to distinguish the authentic from the interpretive renditions of Dylan, Seeger, Baez, and Johnny Cash. Emotionally jarring in the astounding similitude, blending seamlessly with the themes both political and personal, Dylan’s music stands the test of time for its political impact, more so than his fellow famous colleagues The Beatles and Rolling Stones. Only Joan Baez holds her own in the annals of 60’s music.
Over sixty years later, we can see how the masterpieces of Bob Dylan had the power to inspire and change the political and cultural landscape of the US. Timothy Chalamet (youngest SAG best actor winner for this role) is astounding, adding to his growing and phenomenal performances for “Call Me By Your Name” and “Beautiful Boy” and main roles in the “Dune” series of blockbusters. Edward Norton is mesmerizing, singing Seeger songs in such a way that he even looks like him. Sylvie (Elle Fanning) evokes sympathy for her gentle nature, prevailing after repeated insulting behavior from Dylan. And Monica Barbaro singing as Joan Baez is absolutely on point. The Johnny Cash character provided some unexpected and endearing comic relief.
A quite dramatic tribute to Dylan, his circle of musician-friends, and the 60’s was unexpected! This journey back in time of such a famous superstar is not an easy road to travel. And A Complete Unknown’s structure is equally impressive, bookending the sobering Woody Guthrie opening scene with a teenage Dylan to his comet-rising fame (“Knocking on Heaven’s Door”) in the finale.
Availability: Netflix
Note: Other excellent biopics of musicians to check out are: Rocket Man, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Elvis.