Director James Mangold brings us A Complete Unknown, an intimate biographical story that delves into Dylan's early years. A story woven with music, rebellion, and controversy, it takes us to a time when the American folk scene was shaking under the weight of fresh lyrics and the sound of the electric guitar.
Timothée Chalamet in the title role doesn't just portray Bob Dylan - he becomes Bob Dylan. Is this a movie set in 2025? Everything suggests it could be. With a combination of great direction, authentic music and outstanding acting, A Complete Unknown has everything it needs to win an Oscar.
From stranger to music icon
The film begins in 1961, when young Robert Zimmerman arrives in New York with the ambition of becoming a folk singer. With a guitar on his back and an accordion around his neck, he appears in a cult coffee shop. Café Wha?, where his simple presence does not yet foreshadow the revolution he will unleash. In a few years, he will transform into Bob Dylan, the voice of a generation whose lyrics attacked social norms and politics.
Director James Mangold, who has already proven himself with the Johnny Cash biography in the film Walk the Line (2005), has an extraordinary sense of time, space and the story told by the music. In the film A Complete Unknown explores a pivotal moment in Dylan's career - his transition from acoustic folk to the electric era, which angered many fans but laid the foundation for his immense legacy.
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Timothée Chalamet: a transformation that goes beyond acting
If portraying Bob Dylan required more than just acting, Chalamet did it with incredible dedication. For the role, he learned to play guitar, harmonica, and even adopted the distinctive nasal singing style that set Dylan apart from other singers of his time. His performance is not just an imitation—it is a respectful recreation of the musical icon's soul.
Chalamet is already a strong contender for the Oscar for Best Actor, with critics comparing his portrayal to top biographical roles such as Jamie Foxx's in Ray (2004) and Rami Malek in Bohemian Rhapsody (2018).
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Edward Norton like Pete Seeger, Elle Fanning like Joan Baez and Monica Barbaro As Dylan's early musical companions, they form an ensemble that blends perfectly with the film's historical setting. Norton's interpretation of Seeger, who sees Dylan as a rebel and innovator, adds a layer of complexity to the film and raises questions about artistic integrity and audience expectations.
A story of rebellion and changing music
The film doesn't shy away from a defining moment in Dylan's career: his legendary performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965, where he played electric guitar for the first time. An audience accustomed to acoustic ballads was left shocked. Was he a traitor or a pioneer? A Complete Unknown explores this very dilemma – the dilemma of the artist who dares to follow his own instinct regardless of the expectations of others.
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Mangold's direction captures the raw energy of the 1960s through beautifully shot shots, from the smoky clubs of Greenwich Village to the stuffy festival halls. The musical scenes are authentic, with songs recorded live, giving the film an extra touch of authenticity.
Expectations for rewards
The 2025 awards season will undoubtedly be marked by A Complete UnknownIn particular:
- The Golden Globes: Chalamet is a strong contender for best actor in a drama, and the film is already among the favorites for best picture.
- The Oscars: In addition to Chalamet, Edward Norton is in the running for Best Supporting Actor, and the film could also receive nominations for Best Director, Editing, and Sound.
- Critics' Choice and BAFTA: The British awards often reward authentic biographical films, so expectations are high.
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Is this a movie set in 2025?
With all the elements that make up an unforgettable film – exceptional acting, direction, an authentic story and powerful music – it has A Complete Unknown It has every chance of becoming one of the most celebrated films of the coming year. If Bob Dylan was the voice of a generation, this film is an ode to his legacy and a reminder of the power of art to change the world.
Whether the guitars are electric or acoustic – the film is sure to hit the right note.
