Timothée Chalamet’s Impressive Bob Dylan Portrayal in Safe, Enjoyable Biopic

Timothée Chalamet Channels Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown: A Safe Yet Enjoyable Biopic

 

In the realm of musician biopics, there’s a legacy of failed attempts met with parodies that critique the genre. One standout example is Jake Kasdan’s 2007 film Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, which beautifully lampooned films such as Ray and Walk the Line. With biting humor, it kills two birds with one stone: it shines a light on the overly simplistic treatments of musicians’ lives while simultaneously celebrating the art of storytelling itself.

 

Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves confronted with James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown, a film dedicated to the legendary Bob Dylan. As a filmmaker who previously offered his vision of Johnny Cash’s life, it takes guts to delve back into this territory, especially given the shadow cast by Todd Haynes’ thought-provoking, nonlinear approach in I’m Not There. Dylan, with his multifaceted persona, serves as an enticing subject for any biopic, but it has its challenges.

 

Chalamet takes on the daunting task of embodying Dylan, and one cannot overlook the high stakes involved. His performance is commendable, flirting with Dylan’s unique vocal style and mannerisms, yet it teeters on the edge of impersonation at times. The film sidesteps diving deep into the complexities of Dylan’s artistic identity and instead relies on a safer, more palatable narrative.

 

Opening in 1961 as Bobby Dylan arrives in New York City, his hope to meet his idol Woody Guthrie soon collides with reality when he discovers Guthrie incapacitated in a mental hospital. This moment serves as a catalyst for Dylan’s extraordinary journey into the world of folk music, but as A Complete Unknown unfolds, so do missed opportunities.

 

While the film documents Dylan’s rise and his relationships, particularly with Joan Baez, it continuously underplays the significant roles of women in his life. Monica Barbaro’s portrayal of Baez shines, yet it feels sidelined by the focus on Dylan’s trajectory, leading us to wonder if Baez deserves her own narrative for the impact she had on his career. Similarly, Elle Fanning’s character, Sylvie Russo, is reduced to a background figure; her relationship with Dylan lacks depth and is only hinted at throughout the screenplay.

 

Amidst these shortcomings lies an exploration of Dylan’s struggle with fame and artistry. Despite the film’s adherence to biopic conventions, there’s a sincere portrayal of Dylan’s discomfort with his celebrity status—a narrative thread that could’ve added layers if explored more thoroughly. Chalamet’s performance keeps Dylan relatable, even as the character becomes increasingly indifferent and withdrawn.

 

As A Complete Unknown progresses, it draws closer to the pivotal moment of Dylan’s electric transformation, a dramatic shift that forever altered his legacy. Surprisingly, Mangold wisely confines the scope to a specific period rather than attempting an exhaustive biography, allowing for a more focused examination of Dylan’s evolution as an artist.

 

Though the film employs the familiar tropes of the genre at times, it also delivers gripping performances that resonate. The scenes depicting Chalamet’s energetic renditions of iconic Dylan songs leave a lasting impression, reinforcing the powerful connection between the music and its cultural impact.

 

Regardless of its flaws, A Complete Unknown manages to entertain. While it embraces the safety of conventional storytelling, it does so with a flair that captivates audiences, making for an enjoyable experience. The film knows how to strike a chord, showcasing the magic of Dylan’s music and reminding us of the artist’s profound influence on music as a whole.

 

A Complete Unknown hits theaters on December 25, 2024, offering a glimpse into the complicated life of one of music’s most enigmatic figures, and while it may tread familiar ground, it leaves viewers remembering why we fell in love with Dylan’s artistry in the first place.

 

Rating: 7 out of 10