A Complete Unknown

"🌟7/10🌟 A Complete Unknown captures Bob Dylan’s dramatic transformation from a Woody Guthrie-inspired folk singer in 1961 to a rebellious rock star by 1965, while also delving into his complex relationship with Joan Baez. The movie also paints a vivid picture of Dylan’s genius and flaws, as well as the toll his brilliance took on those around him. #music #biopic #rockandroll #folkmusic #History #BobDylan #JoanBaez #60sMusic #Culturalicons #Musicicons ▪️MY TAKE: Embarrassingly, I didn’t even realize Bob Dylan was still alive! (I had to “Google”)…. He’s famously introverted, a bit of an enigma, and avoids the limelight, which the film captures perfectly— Anyhoo, I wasn’t much of a Dylan fan until he joined The Traveling Wilburys during my coming-of-age years in the late ’80s/early ’90s. That band was stacked with icons: George Harrison (The Beatles), Jeff Lynne (ELO), Roy Orbison (rock ’n’ roll legend), Tom Petty (my fave🫶), and, of course, Dylan. I actually preferred the “sound” of his son Jakob Dylan’s band, The Wallflowers, but after watching this movie, I’ve gained a new appreciation for Bob Dylan’s music and his monumental contributions to #musichistory. His songs—and #folkmusic in general—always sounded more poetic than rock or pop, often reflecting on social and political themes. It’s no surprise he was awarded the #NobelPrize in Literature in 2016! (something else I didn’t know). ▪️ BOTTOM LINE: It’s not as #epic or nearly as thrilling as the Freddie Mercury #biopic, BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY, but it’s definitely informative, and I still enjoyed it."

"This was actually a very good movie overall. This is a very interesting look into the early years of Bob Dylan’s life with particular focus on his early career start. What really stands out is that it does not shy away from showing his negative side either. Phenomenally well acted by the entire cast who do a really good job of inhabiting the characters, with Timothee Chalamet in particular standing out in an Oscar nomination-worthy performance as Bob Dylan (he did a remarkable job of modulating his speaking and singing voice to match Dylan). Special shout out to Edward Norton (really good makeup job to make him look like Pete Seeger), Elle Fanning, and Monica Barbaro as well. A very solid effort from director James Mangold. Worth a watch for sure. Side Note: The fact that this film contains scenes with Johnny Cash was surreal considering the same director also made a Cash biopic (WALK THE LINE) with Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon (it is on my watchlist now)."

"7 out of 10"

"At the end of this movie everyone in the theater clapped it was that good. Bob is who he is ,loves to write music and sing. He isn’t in it for fame and fortune. He definitely stands up for injustices. He co wrote the song Hurricane for Ruben Hurricane Carter for his wrongful imprisonment. (In the movie Hurricane) Loved that it was about the beginning of his career. Worth checking out ✌️"

"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 stars Timothée Chalamet as Dylan, capturing his evolution from a burgeoning folk artist in New York City's Greenwich Village to his groundbreaking and controversial electric performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. The narrative delves into Dylan's relationships with key figures of the era, including folk legend Woody Guthrie (portrayed by Scoot McNairy), mentor Pete Seeger (Edward Norton), fellow musician Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro), and muse Sylvie Russo (Elle Fanning). Chalamet's portrayal is noted for its depth, with live performances of over 40 Dylan songs, showcasing his commitment to embodying the iconic musician. For those interested in a pivotal chapter of music history and a nuanced portrayal of Bob Dylan's early career, A Complete Unknown offers an engaging cinematic experience."

"Theater"

"Interesting story about Bob Dylan. Would’ve liked to learn more about his life but he is a prolific writer! "

"A Complete Unknown: A Dylan-esque Journey That Even Converted My Wife A Complete Unknown wasn't just a movie for me, it was an experience. As a lifelong Dylan fan, I approached this film with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Could any actor truly capture the essence of that enigmatic figure? The answer, thankfully, is a resounding yes. Timothée Chalamet's portrayal of Bob Dylan is nothing short of astonishing. He doesn't just imitate; he channels Dylan's spirit, the youthful arrogance, the vulnerability, and that signature sneer. Watching him bring those iconic songs to life was like watching a young Dylan reincarnate before my very eyes. I almost expected him to jump off the screen and demand royalties. But honestly, the real revelation for me was Anya Taylor-Joy as Joan Baez. She wasn't just playing a role, she embodied Baez's spirit, the ethereal beauty, the gentle strength, the unwavering support for Dylan, and that hint of underlying complexity. Her voice, when she sang, was hauntingly beautiful, perfectly capturing Baez's distinctive vocal style. Taylor-Joy's performance was so captivating that I almost forgot I was watching a movie. And let's not forget Edward Norton's portrayal of Pete Seeger. Norton brought a gravitas and wisdom to the role, capturing Seeger's unwavering belief in the power of music for social change. I could have imagined him to launch into a rousing rendition of "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" right there in the theater. The most surprising aspect? My wife, who isn't exactly a die-hard Dylan fan, absolutely loved it. She was captivated by the performances, the music, and the vibrant energy of the era. It goes to show that A Complete Unknown is more than just a biopic for Dylan enthusiasts; it's a captivating and entertaining film for any movie lover. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Recommendation: If you're a Dylan fan, or simply appreciate great music and powerful storytelling, A Complete Unknown is an absolute must-see. Ju"