Critics praise Chalamet's portrayal of Bob Dylan

Timothée Chalamet has received significant acclaim for his portrayal of the legendary musician Bob Dylan in the new biopic titled A Complete Unknown. In this film, Chalamet performs all the songs himself, showcasing his vocal abilities rather than simply lip-syncing to Dylan's original recordings. The film premiered in Los Angeles on December 10, 2024, and is anticipated to be a strong contender in the upcoming Oscars. Critics have shared their thoughts on Chalamet's performance, with The Guardian praising him for displaying 'amazing bravado' and Empire describing him as 'superb' with 'unimpeachable' musical talent. However, not all reviews have been glowing; The Independent criticized the biopic for being 'too safe,' while Screen Rant referred to it as a 'fascinating yet frustrating' portrayal of Dylan's life. A Complete Unknown is set to be released in the United States on Christmas Day and in the United Kingdom on January 17. Bob Dylan himself commented on Chalamet's performance, stating, 'Timmy's a brilliant actor so I'm sure he's going to be completely believable as me. ' This endorsement from the iconic musician adds weight to the praise Chalamet has received. The film is based on Elijah Wald's 2015 book, Dylan Goes Electric! and is set in the early 1960s, chronicling Dylan's rise to fame. It explores the tension between his folk music roots and his desire to embrace rock 'n' roll. This internal conflict is symbolized by his choice between using an acoustic guitar and an electric guitar. As the narrative unfolds, Dylan's lyrics evolve, becoming bolder and more reflective of the changing world around him. The film culminates in a chaotic performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965, where Dylan faced backlash from some audience members for his decision to perform with an electric band. Critics have lauded the film's production design, costumes, and cinematography, as well as Chalamet's remarkable performance. One critic noted that Chalamet's singing voice, while not perfect, is 'undoubtedly impressive,' and the film is shot with a sensitivity that captures the emotional depth of each song. A Complete Unknown also delves into Dylan's romantic relationships with two significant women: civil rights activist Sylvie Russo, portrayed by Elle Fanning, and folk musician Joan Baez, played by Monica Barbaro. Chalamet attended the film's premiere alongside his co-stars, and the event was a notable occasion. Some critics have expressed that while the film effectively showcases Dylan's artistry, it also creates an emotional distance. One reviewer remarked that they found it challenging to connect with Chalamet's portrayal of Dylan, stating, 'Behind his sunglasses and tight body language, Dylan remains elusive. ' This observation suggests that while the film provides insight into Dylan's life, it may not fully allow the audience to engage with his character on a deeper level. Another critic awarded the film five stars, praising Chalamet's 'hilarious and seductive portrayal. ' They noted that the narrative does not adhere to the conventional structure of a music biopic, which typically includes a rise, fall, learning experience, and eventual comeback. Instead, A Complete Unknown focuses solely on Dylan's ascent to fame, filled with complexities and uncertainties. Overall, A Complete Unknown has garnered mixed reviews. Some viewers believe it successfully captures the essence of Bob Dylan, while others feel it falls short. The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Edward Norton, and is directed by James Mangold, known for his work on other acclaimed biopics. Critics have pointed out that the film does not shy away from depicting Dylan's abrasive personality, highlighting the contrast between his insensitivity towards those close to him and the humanity expressed in his songs. This duality creates a multifaceted portrayal of an artist who remains enigmatic. The film does not claim to have all the answers about Bob Dylan, suggesting that even Dylan himself may not fully comprehend his own identity. This adds an intriguing layer of mystery to the film, making it a compelling watch for fans of music and storytelling alike.