Timothée Chalamet has earned widespread praise for his portrayal of legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan in the highly anticipated biopic A Complete Unknown. The film, directed by James Mangold, captures Dylan’s early rise in the 1960s and his struggle to balance his folk roots with a burgeoning rock ‘n’ roll career.

Chalamet not only embodies Dylan’s iconic mannerisms but also performs all of Dylan’s songs himself, without lip-syncing, showcasing his musical talent alongside his acting prowess.

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Critical Reception

A Complete Unknown has already garnered three Golden Globe nominations and is expected to be a contender in the upcoming Oscars race. Critics have largely praised Chalamet’s performance, highlighting his dedication and authenticity:

• The Guardian called his portrayal “hilarious and seductive,” praising his nuanced performance.
• Empire described him as “superb” with “unimpeachable musical talent.”
• Deadline highlighted his “remarkable” performance, noting that Chalamet performs all songs authentically, adding depth to Dylan’s story.

However, reviews of the film itself were mixed. The Independent criticized the film for “playing too safe,” while Screen Rant described it as “fascinating yet frustrating,” noting an emotional distance in the narrative.

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Capturing Dylan’s Musical Journey

The film, based on Elijah Wald’s 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric!, explores Dylan’s rise to fame in the early 1960s, his experimentation with electric instruments, and the backlash he faced from folk purists. A key moment is the infamous Newport Folk Festival in 1965, where Dylan faced boos from the audience for performing with an amplified band.

Chalamet’s performance captures the conflict and charisma of Dylan during this era. He skillfully portrays Dylan’s unique vocal style, his expressive use of sunglasses, and his body language, earning praise for authenticity despite the character’s enigmatic nature.

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Dylan’s Endorsement

Bob Dylan himself endorsed the film, commenting on social media:
“Timmy’s a brilliant actor so I’m sure he’s going to be completely believable as me. Or a younger me. Or some other me.”

This approval underscores the accuracy and dedication Chalamet brought to the role, capturing not just Dylan’s public persona but the subtle complexities of his private life.

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Exploring Dylan’s Personal Life

A Complete Unknown also delves into Dylan’s romantic relationships, focusing on civil rights activist Sylvie Russo (played by Elle Fanning) and folk musician Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro). Critics have noted that while Dylan remains an elusive figure in the film, these relationships provide emotional depth and context for his artistic choices.

The screenplay by Mangold and Jay Cocks avoids oversimplifying Dylan, respecting his enigmatic and often abrasive personality, which is a central challenge for any biopic.

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Mixed Reviews of the Film

While Chalamet’s performance has been widely praised, critics remain divided on the overall impact of the film:

• The Guardian awarded five stars, highlighting the film’s unconventional biopic structure.
• The Times gave it two stars, criticizing the “blank-eyed minimalism” of Chalamet’s Dylan and the film’s emotional disconnect.
• Telegraph offered a four-star review, appreciating the film as a “juicy rise-to-power drama” rather than a conventional biography.
• Evening Standard praised Chalamet’s attention to Dylan’s physicality and vocal quirks, noting the film’s ability to inspire viewers to engage with Dylan’s music anew.

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Awards Buzz and Legacy

Chalamet’s performance is already generating awards buzz, with Golden Globe and Critics Choice nominations solidifying his place as one of Hollywood’s leading actors. The film’s careful attention to production design, costumes, and cinematography further enhances its period authenticity, making it a must-watch for both Dylan fans and film enthusiasts.

A Complete Unknown opens on Christmas Day in the US and 17 January in the UK, offering audiences a cinematic exploration of one of music history’s most iconic figures, brought to life by Timothée Chalamet’s transformative performance.