A COMPLETE UNKNOWN Is a Moving and Beautiful Work of Art about Art

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As a seasoned music enthusiast who’s spent countless hours delving into the rich tapestry of American folk, I can confidently say that “A Complete Unknown” has left me with a sense of profound satisfaction. This film is more than just a biopic; it’s a love letter to a time when music was raw, honest, and unapologetic.

One way to rephrase the given text in a natural and easy-to-read manner is: “I find it hard to dispute the validity of the criticism directed at ‘A Complete Unknown.’ The film, with Timothée Chalamet portraying a young Bob Dylan, leans heavily on traditional biopic tropes, focusing on a particular phase in a renowned musician’s life. The movie adheres so closely to familiar patterns and incorporates numerous appearances by well-known personalities that it sometimes feels like a deadpan remake of ‘Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.’ At its best, critics may say the film lacks innovation; at its worst, they might label it a cliché. Regardless of their assessment, their point remains consistent – and I can’t disagree.

As a devoted viewer, I must confess that the format may echo familiar grounds, but let me tell you, “A Complete Unknown” is an exceptionally beautiful film in every aspect. It’s brimming with captivating performances and thoughtfully delved concepts, a masterful artistic piece that seamlessly blends themes of art, artists, celebrity, and self-expression. This profound exploration genuinely stirred me from the very beginning to the end.

In “A Complete Unknown,” I approached the movie with minimal baggage from history or preconceived notions. Although I’m familiar with Bob Dylan’s most iconic songs and his importance in music history, I don’t have personal knowledge about him or his career. Moreover, since I wasn’t alive during his early years, to me, he has always been a 50-year-old musical enigma rather than a young man.

As a gamer, I was merely acquainted with these iconic musicians who significantly impacted Bob Dylan’s life during that era. I recognized Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, and Woody Guthrie, but knew little more than their musical genres. To me, they were just artists lacking depth – devoid of personal stories or insights into their lives. The only exception was Johnny Cash, whom I was familiar with due to his biopic.

Typically, the specifics in a movie review aren’t crucial, but for the film “A Complete Unknown“, it’s significant to recognize potential inaccuracies or fabrications. The movie might distort historical facts, invent events and characters for storytelling purposes, which could be problematic, especially for Dylan fans and history enthusiasts. This is a valid concern I can’t refute.

I simply do not care about any of that.

I approached this film with no preconceived notions about its narrative structure since I wasn’t familiar with the story. However, upon leaving, I discovered that the storyline presented to me was remarkably impactful.

The film “A Complete Unknown” centers around a unique artist, one who embodies both prodigy and genius qualities, yet remains enigmatic and beyond comprehension. What makes this movie compelling is its acknowledgement of something seemingly contradictory – we cannot fathom such individuals nor their origin of talent. It’s a gift few could ever attempt to grasp. This elusive truth lies at the heart of the film, mirroring the dilemma faced by those close to Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown“. They yearn to comprehend him, to make sense of him, but they can’t. The more they strive, the more disconnected they feel. He remains elusive, even when he’s within reach.

Despite adhering to a commonly used narrative structure, the unique twist in “A Complete Unknown” makes it a powerful aspect of the film. Unlike traditional biopics that aim to reveal the true person behind the art, this movie explores how extraordinary genius can remain enigmatic and elusive even to its possessor. In this case, Dylan chooses not to disclose personal details as they hold little significance compared to his music. However, everyone in the film is fascinated by him, either seeking wisdom or attempting to mold him according to their own desires based on his art.

The title “A Complete Unknown” doesn’t keep us completely guessing about the character. (It even reveals why he sometimes comes off as a jerk.) What truly defines Bob Dylan is his intense passion for composing songs and sharing them with others, which fuels him. This compulsion to express himself—a rare talent that few have or ever will possess—can almost be considered an obsession. He abandons the comfort of a beautiful woman’s arms in the dead of night to strum his guitar and pen lyrics that could change the world as effortlessly as a child scribbling random lines. And when he’s criticized for being thoughtless and annoying by doing this, he acknowledges the criticism. He understands it’s true, yet he doesn’t let it deter him. He keeps writing because he simply can’t help himself.

At the conclusion of the movie, I was left feeling as though I barely knew Bob Dylan as a person, but I had a deep grasp of him. His music is who he has always been, and will continue to be – an enigma. He’s “a complete unknown,” a title that carries multiple layers of meaning, because he’s fundamentally unknowable. He’s both simple and complex in his essence. An artist so wholly committed to his craft, he surrenders his personal identity for it. Once you comprehend this dedication, you comprehend him.

If you’re curious about who Bob Dylan really is, delve into his music. That’s where he truly resides – in the profoundness of his lyrics, the intricacies of his melodies, the unique way he strums and sings them. The details about his personal life, relationships, past, and basic decency might not hold much significance, for authentic self-expression often demands some level of compromise. It’s not that every great artist has to be difficult or uncaring, there are many around Dylan who aren’t. But every remarkable artist must make sacrifices – perhaps not the same ones as others, and they don’t have to be unkind to be brilliant. The reason might not always be clear, but it’s a necessary part of the artistic journey.

In the film, A Complete Unknown, the most poignant sacrifice portrayed is the dilemma that all renowned artists encounter: fame. It’s one of the movie’s most insightful themes, depicting fame as a dual-edged sword – a means to share your art with the world, yet also a tool that can demand more from you. The more people connect with your work, the more they crave from you. They start feeling they possess a piece of you. And they believe they have the power to define you and control your artistic expression. This struggle is central to Dylan’s narrative, and it’s presented with subtlety and depth.

The movie titled “A Complete Unknown” skillfully delves into its themes concerning Dylan, artistry, stardom, genius, fervor, obligation, and self-expression, all while being masterfully crafted by Mangold. His direction demonstrates a remarkable elegance and maturity throughout the film. Scenes that might seem repetitive due to their similarity to countless others you’ve watched are actually exceptional in this case, boasting stunning cinematography and an intimacy that persists even at large venues.

With the remarkable soundtrack provided by none other than young Bob Dylan’s discography, and the film skillfully blends a tone that is both relatable yet refined. It manages to be both a period-specific production and an eternal classic, much like a beautifully crafted song perfectly in tune with its environment. Despite some dialogue or scenes appearing awkward, trite, or excessively dramatic, they still fit seamlessly due to the importance of the subject matter. After all, the music of Bob Dylan is hard to overstate.

The movie’s success can be attributed to a remarkable cast. Edward Norton delivers an outstanding performance as Pete Seeger, portraying a conscientious folk musician whose struggle against the relentless wave of change is heartbreaking. Interestingly, A Complete Unknown subtly interweaves a captivating tale about Seeger that complements its primary narrative focused on Dylan. Monica Barbaro equally shines as Joan Baez, the renowned folk artist, who finds herself swept up in the whirlwind of young Dylan’s meteoric rise, both personally and professionally.

In a compelling and predominantly physical portrayal, Scoot McNairy takes on the character of Woody Guthrie, making his limited scenes seem significantly larger through his powerful and elegant performance as a sick musician. Similarly, Boyd Holbrook transforms into Johnny Cash, the character who seems to grasp Dylan’s desire for self-expression. Despite having fewer appearances, Holbrook leaves an indelible impression, much like Mark Wahlberg in “The Departed.” Each of his scenes carries an impact that is multiplied many times over, with every appearance feeling electrifying and intense, akin to a bolt of lightning on screen.

Initially, Elle Fanning’s character, Sylvie Russo, lacks depth due to an underdeveloped role as Dylan’s girlfriend and early inspiration. However, towards the latter part of the film, Fanning delivers a powerful performance, making Sylvie stand out on her own. The movie A Complete Unknown eventually reveals why Sylvie is intriguing independently, allowing Fanning to excel in one of the film’s most impactful emotional scenes. Unfortunately, the script doesn’t do justice to Dan Fogler’s character, Dylan’s manager Albert Grossman. Despite this, Fogler manages to make Grossman captivating, performing exceptionally well in a role that could have been overshadowed by other elements of the story.

In simpler terms, Timothée Chalamet delivered an exceptional, career-defining performance in this role, as it was quite challenging for numerous reasons. Dylan is a highly renowned and enigmatic figure, unlike anyone else, with an instantly recognizable image. Even a gifted actor might struggle to avoid appearing like they’re impersonating Dylan on Saturday Night Live due to his iconic young look. However, Chalamet managed to deliver a nuanced portrayal that perfectly aligns with Mangold’s vision and ideas. Moreover, he sings convincingly and effectively captures the essence of Bob Dylan. His performance is one of the standouts of the year, and it significantly enhances the overall production.

Perhaps “A Complete Unknown” is an utter fabrication, or perhaps it’s an exceptional compilation of tunes that fundamentally misrepresents Bob Dylan and his narrative. I remain uncertain and indifferent. Even if scholars and experts confirm this, it won’t alter my feelings towards the film. Instead, I will perceive it as a stunning piece of fiction that speaks genuine truths about art and those who create exceptional works within it.

A Complete Unknown ⭐ (4.5 of 5)

Mikey Walsh, a staff writer at TopMob, is eager to discuss the moment when Dylan and Guthrie first met, as depicted in the film. You can keep up with Mikey’s insights on Bluesky under the handle @burgermike. Additionally, he also shares his thoughts on lists ranking the Targaryen kings.

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2024-12-10 20:03