Timothée Chalamet Channels Bob Dylan’s Genius in A Complete Unknown

Bob Dylan’s life and career are once again being brought to the big screen in the highly anticipated film A Complete Unknown. Directed by James Mangold, the movie has generated significant buzz, especially with its first trailer prompting discussions about historical accuracy and the portrayal of the musician. 

The film, named after Dylan’s song “Like a Rolling Stone,” is adapted from Elijah Wald’s Dylan Goes Electric! and focuses on the early 1960s, when Dylan’s music reflected the sweeping changes in culture and politics. It starts with Dylan, played by Timothée Chalamet, arriving in New York at the age of 19, and follows his journey from a folk singer in Greenwich Village to a groundbreaking artist who introduced the world to electrified folk. Mangold’s script wisely avoids a traditional backstory, choosing instead to focus on Dylan’s rapid transformation and the pivotal moments that defined his career.

While some fans were impressed with the film’s attention to detail, others criticized it for not being entirely factual. However, as Cate Blanchett, who famously portrayed Dylan in Todd Haynes’ I’m Not There (2007), noted, the real aim isn’t a precise historical retelling, but rather capturing the essence and impact of Dylan’s legacy.

Chalamet’s portrayal of Dylan has been widely praised, said to capture both the intensity and mystery of the iconic musician. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman describes Chalamet’s performance as “a poetic genius and a self-absorbed jerk,” noting how he effortlessly brings Dylan’s nasal voice and enigmatic charm to life. Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian calls it a “career peak,” highlighting Chalamet’s ability to balance humor and seduction in the role.

The film’s musical numbers are not just background pieces—they are the emotional heartbeat, with each song serving as a critical narrative turning point. Mangold uses tracks like “It Ain’t Me Babe” and “Blowin’ in the Wind” to dramatize Dylan’s evolution from a young folk musician to an electric pioneer, culminating in his controversial Newport Folk Festival set in 1965.

A Complete Unknown will hit theaters on Christmas Day, inviting audiences to experience the magic and turbulence of Dylan’s early years for themselves.