‘A Complete Unknown’ Explores Bob Dylan’s Transformative Early Years

James Mangold’s biopic, starring Timothée Chalamet, captures Dylan’s journey from folk icon to rock innovator, blending fact and fiction.

The film focuses on Bob Dylan’s pivotal years from 1961 to 1965, including his controversial electric performance at the Newport Folk Festival.
Timothée Chalamet delivers a praised portrayal of Dylan, with particular acclaim for his vocal mimicry and performances of Dylan’s iconic songs.
Critics are divided on the film’s historical liberties, with some praising its mythic storytelling and others criticizing its factual inaccuracies.
The movie highlights Dylan’s relationships with key figures like Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and Woody Guthrie while dramatizing his artistic evolution.
Based on Elijah Wald’s book, the film emphasizes Dylan’s impact on music and culture, though some characters and events are fictionalized for dramatic effect.