‘A Complete Unknown’ Offers a Safe, Surface-Level Take on Bob Dylan’s Early Years

James Mangold’s biopic, starring Timothée Chalamet, explores Dylan’s rise but struggles to capture the depth of his enigmatic legacy.

The film focuses on Bob Dylan’s journey from his arrival in New York in 1961 to his controversial electric performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival.
Timothée Chalamet delivers a nuanced portrayal of Dylan, capturing his aloofness and genius, but the script limits deeper exploration of the artist's complexities.
Critics note the film’s reliance on biopic clichés and its failure to delve into the cultural and personal significance of Dylan’s transformation.
Monica Barbaro and Elle Fanning shine as Joan Baez and a fictionalized version of Suze Rotolo, highlighting the emotional toll of Dylan’s ambition on those around him.
While the live musical performances and period details are praised, the film is described as a conventional, entry-level introduction to Dylan’s early career.