Music biopics can hit-or-miss, with a big majority coming across as overly simplistic and bloated. But as a religious Bob Dylan fan, I couldn’t help but feel enthusiastic when hearing about A Complete Unknown. Whether that was because of the film’s lengthy journey to release, or its sensational press run (Timotheé riding a Limebike), I was curious to see whether the film could live up to its hype.
The movie certainly did not disappoint. It’s clear to see just how much effort and dedication went into this project. It’s a music biopic that is as much about the music, as it is about the individuals. It is something which is exceedingly refreshing and allows for a more narrow and intimate exploration of Dylan’s artistry.
This does mean that a part of your enjoyment of the film will hinge on your familiarity of Bob Dylan and his sound. Without that added context, some subtleties and significance of his character and legacy might be lost.
Nonetheless, there is plenty to enjoy here. Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan provides an Oscar-worthy performance, one that echoes the five years he spent preparing for the role. It’s a painstaking and meticulous depiction into Dylan’s enigmatic spirit that astonishingly completely avoids veering into caricature. It feels like a love-letter to Bob Dylan, one that maintains his mystique.
It’s a music biopic that is as much about the music, as it is about the individuals.
Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez delivers a captivating and beautiful performance, especially when singing. But it is unexpectedly Boyd Holbrook’s limited scenes as Johnny Cash that left me with a profound impression.
While the visuals were nothing special, the costume details and the set design more than compensated. The film felt very alive, as if it was plucked straight from the 1960s; New York’s ‘Greenwich Village’ was particularly impressive, capturing its vibrant and cultural energy. I also couldn’t help but want every outfit that Bob Dylan wore.
As far as music biopics go, this is one of the better ones, it delivers everything for seasoned Dylan fans, but also acts as a perfect gateway into Dylan’s music.
