While some of the best movie biopics have come from actors who don’t exactly resemble their subjects, the idea of the slender, emo Timothée Chalamet channeling Bob Dylan seemed, at least on paper, a bit off. I’m sure I’m not alone in my curiosity, though it might not be entirely fair to Chalamet.
In his favor, the trailers did look promising, and let’s not forget, Dude pulled off a pretty powerful Dune Jesus—something I’m not sure fellow short actors DiCaprio or Cruise could do. On the flip side, it’s Bob Dylan we’re talking about, the ultimate troubadour hero, and the world has seen countless comic impersonations of him.
After watching A Complete Unknown, I can confidently say that Timothée Chalamet mostly pulls off the young Bob Dylan vibe—about 89.5% of the time. When he's singing or simply gazing into the camera, he nails it. It's almost uncanny how much he channels the elusive, poetic energy of Dylan. But, and this is where things get a little tricky, those moments of physicality, when the character is alone with their thoughts, like riding off into the distance on a motorcycle. In these quieter, unspoken scenes, where movement is all we have to read, you start to notice the wig a bit too much. Suddenly, it feels less like Dylan and more like Pee-wee Herman on a bicycle. It’s a little jarring, but hey, the other 88% of the time? Total magic.
After watching A Complete Unknown, I can confidently say that Timothée Chalamet mostly pulls off the young Bob Dylan vibe—about 89.5% of the time. When he's singing or simply gazing into the camera, he nails it. It's almost uncanny how much he channels the elusive, poetic energy of Dylan. But, and this is where things get a little tricky, those moments of physicality, when the character is alone with their thoughts, like riding off into the distance on a motorcycle. In these quieter, unspoken scenes, where movement is all we have to read, you start to notice the wig a bit too much. Suddenly, it feels less like Dylan and more like Pee-wee Herman on a bicycle. It’s a little jarring, but hey, the other 88% of the time? Total magic.
Chalamet didn't try to become Bob Dylan, he crafted a performance that evokes him. Sorry, I went on too much about that, but it's key to the success of this film isn't it?
So is the director, James Mangold who is gold when it comes to films like the Johnny Cash rock biopic Walk the Line, Ford V Ferrari and Logan, the best comic book film there is. Mangold certainly knows how to create chemistry onstage whether it's a duet (Dylan and Joan Baez, June and Johnny Cash) or an iconic solo performance.
And the cast gets every note right too. Elle Fanning takes on the role of Sylvie Russo, a character clearly inspired by the free-spirited Suze Rotolo—though, for reasons only the producers of Dylan himself might fully understand, she gets a new name. The film plays like a companion piece to her own biopic, My Freewheelin’ Time, offering a glimpse of the real, sometimes uncool, and decidedly human Bob Dylan—stripping away the legend to reveal the guy we rarely get to see.
Ed Norton, portraying Pete Seeger, is the emotional heart of the film. Yes, you read that right. In a surprising departure from his usual roles and own personality, Norton steps into the shoes of the earnest, deeply empathetic friend—becoming the film's soulful center. Director James Mangold doesn't attempt to explain Bob Dylan; instead, the film offers a perspective on him from the outside, seen through the eyes of those around him—particularly Seeger, Russo, and Baez.
Purists and die-hard fans may feel a bit of whiplash from the creative liberties taken with song placements at key concerts and moments in Dylan's life. Rumor has it that Dylan himself insisted on several fake additions as well, the prankster he is.
But for those of us less familiar with the specifics, the film's straightforward storytelling is a refreshing change. Regardless, everyone will appreciate the music, the glimpse into a transformative era, and the vibrant atmosphere—from the bohemian clubs of Greenwich Village in the '60s to the spirited festivals that defined the scene.
Based on the book Dylan Goes Electric!, by Elijah Wald, this film is more than just a biopic; it’s a snapshot of a moment when the world began to realize Bob Dylan was more than a musician. It's a great film to sink into and enjoy this season with your fave folks.
In a nutshell: Dylan gets the Walk the Line treatment and Chalamet is electric.
Where to watch it: In theaters, starting December 25.
Would it be better with Oliva Colman? Of course it would
Award potential: Good news for red carpet fans. Chalamet should score or win at SAG and Oscars, however, he'll always be up against the fact that he'll be there again. Time will tell if this performance is too powerful to deny him more acclaim now.
Norton is powerful here and should have similar love in the supporting actor category. Fanning, too, should be on the radar. While the film has a solid shot at a Best Picture nod, it’s the performances that are the sure bets.
The Ten Buck Review: Worth ten bucks.
The Ten Buck Review: Worth ten bucks.
