Set in New York, 1961, A Complete Unknown sees 19-year-old singer-songwriter Bob Dylan arrive with his revolutionary talent, forging relationships with music icons on his meteoric rise. Source: Australian Catholics.
For audiences with long memories, singer-songwriter Bob Dylan has been a constant presence since he first went to New York City in 1961. He made contact with Pete Seeger, and was given opportunities to sing in clubs, at festivals and to record – and, he has done so ever since.
Still at work in his 80s, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2016 for having created new poetic expressions.
This 140-minute film covers Dylan’s earliest years, from a complete unknown in 1961 to a star in 1965, who shocked audiences at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965 by ditching the folk sound and plugging in his electric guitar.
Chalamet’s performance is impressive. A physically slight figure, with characteristic wavy hair, intent on singing and always with a cigarette in his mouth, Chalamet brings Dylan to life.
In 12 months Chalamet has been Wonka, Paul Atreides in Dune 2 and now Bob Dylan, indicating that in his talent, Chalamet is a screen chameleon. It is worth seeing him in interviews as his ordinary self to appreciate his versatility.
Not that Dylan in his early years was always an attractive character to meet. He was self-obsessed, ambitious, intent on writing and composing at all times and all places, fickle, often casual and offhand in relationships, especially with singer Joan Baez.
But career-wise and creatively, he knows what he wants for himself.
One of the great values of director Mangold’s film is situating the early songs, including some songs from Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger as well as Blowing in the Wind, The Times They Are a-Changin’ and quite a catalogue of other songs.
Chalamet sings all the songs himself, plays the guitar and harmonica. In fact, all the supporting cast do their own singing, Monica Barbaro impressive with aa beautiful voice as Joan Baez, Ed Norton in an impressive performance as a sympathetic Pete Seeger, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash.
Review by Fr Peter Malone MSC, Jesuit Media.
A Complete Unknown: Starring Timothee Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro, Eriko Hatsune, Scoot McNairy, Boyd Holbrook. Directed by James Mangold. 141 minutes. Rated M (Coarse language).
FULL STORY
A complete unknown (Australian Catholics)
