A Complete Unknown opens in 1961, depicting a 19-year-old Bob Dylan (Timothée Chalamet) arriving in New York City with his guitar and aspirations. He seeks out his idol Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy) and quickly integrates into Greenwich Village’s burgeoning folk music scene. There, he encounters figures like Pete Seeger (Edward Norton), Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro), and his early love interest, Sylvie Russo (Elle Fanning), a character inspired by Suze Rotolo. The film provides a glimpse into Dylan’s formative years, culminating in his iconic – and notably controversial – electric performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival.
Director’s Experience
The film is directed by James Mangold, a director with prior experience in period pieces and musical biographies. Approximately 20 years prior, he directed Walk the Line (2005), a biographical film about Johnny Cash. Cash also makes an appearance in A Complete Unknown, portrayed by a different actor, which offers an interesting point of comparison. The screenplay is a collaboration between Mangold, Jay Cocks (Gangs of New York), and Elijah Wald, a Dylan biographer and music historian, lending the film considerable authenticity and depth.
Performances and Musical Rendition
Timothée Chalamet (Dune) delivers a compelling performance as Dylan, capturing his mannerisms and musical style. His rendition of the songs is particularly noteworthy, as he performs them himself. Edward Norton is charismatic as Seeger, and Monica Barbaro offers a strong portrayal of Joan Baez, especially during the musical sequences. Elle Fanning imbues Sylvie with a delicate vulnerability that provides a compelling contrast to Dylan’s restless spirit.
Focus on a Specific Era
The film benefits from its focused approach, concentrating on a specific period in Dylan’s life rather than attempting a comprehensive biography. Overly broad scopes can lead to fragmented narratives, a pitfall exemplified by Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody, which resulted in a disjointed presentation.
Even for those less familiar with Dylan’s work, the film offers significant insight. However, it could benefit from greater emotional resonance. Despite the unfolding events, the narrative lacks a certain spark. The filmmakers also avoid exploring Dylan’s more challenging aspects, preventing a deeper understanding of the individual behind the persona.
High-Quality Visuals and Audio
A Complete Unknown is available in a superb UHD edition that showcases the film effectively. It was digitally captured and presented in native 4K (2160p) with a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. HDR10 and Dolby Vision enhance the contrast between the dimly lit clubs, the stark New York streets, and the vibrant stage lighting. The color palette is restrained yet rich, featuring sepia tones and realistic skin tones that enhance the period atmosphere. The cinematography is exceptional and truly shines in this format.
The Dolby Atmos sound design is understated yet impactful. The music sequences are the film’s audio highlights, with every chord and audience reaction creating an immersive experience, evoking the atmosphere of the early concerts. The dialogue is clear and well-integrated within the soundscape, and the surround channels contribute to a sense of spaciousness rather than relying on exaggerated effects.
The UHD edition includes several short documentaries detailing the production process, the music, and the actors’ preparation. A commentary track with James Mangold is also included, which is a valuable addition.
In conclusion, A Complete Unknown is an elegant and subtly engaging film that effectively captures a human dimension of a legendary artist. The technically proficient UHD edition enhances the viewing experience, contributing to its overall merit. Had Mangold explored the subject matter with greater audacity, the film would have been an unequivocal recommendation.
SF Studios provided the review copy for this assessment. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence. Our reviews are conducted with a focus on providing unbiased information to readers and consumers.
