A Complete Unknown: Mangold’s biopic shines but also keeps you in the dark

Sometimes, the best artists are the ones that remain A Complete Unknown.

Set in 1960s New York, A Complete Unknown begins with the arrival of an enigmatic 19-year-old Bob Dylan (Timothee Chalamet). Arriving with little more than his guitar and incredible talent, Dylan begins a journey that will change the face of American music. But, as his rise to fame grows more intense, Dylan struggles with the restraints of the folk music scene, causing him to make a decision that will change the scope of music around the world.

Directed and co-written by James Mangold, Unknown is another solid entry into his cinematic canon. As the director of Walk the Line, Logan and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Mangold’s repertoire is fueled by stories of broken men compelled to chart their own course. In Unknown, he portrays Dylan as the complicated yet daring man that he seemed to be. At times, he is shown to be grateful for his musical talent. In others, arrogant. He seems to acknowledge his greatness yet also seems troubled by the attention. This is a man that we’re intended to root for his success but never to feel like we truly understand. 

Of course, one of the greatest strengths of Mangold’s piece is the music. With full access to Dylan’s extensive catalog, Unknown takes full advantage of the opportunity, offering multiple performances throughout the film. However, unlike other biopics such as Rocketman and Better Man, Mangold never includes any whimsy. They aren’t meant to be musical numbers with flashy dance numbers or bending of reality. Instead, they’re designed to draw you in entirely by the authenticity of the performance.

And it works.

Each number is embedded with a soulfulness that pops off the screen and, for that, all the credit must be given to Chalamet. Although theatres have been riddled with musical biopics in recent years, Chalamet’s depiction of Dylan feels authentic. For an actor as young as he is, this sort of performance feels like a rare feat. His vocal work neither feels like an over-the-top mumble for emphasis nor does it sway into nasal parodies of Dylan’s classics. In every way, he seems to have captured the essence of an icon of music history. (In fact, Dylan himself appears to applaud his portrayal.) 

It’s also worth noting that the strength of the entire cast is noteworthy. As Pete Seeger, Edward Norton offers both a heart-warming and heart-wrenching performance. Monica Barbaro steps into the role of Joan Baez with confidence and fury. And, frankly, Elle Fanning provides some scene-stealing work as Dylan’s on-again/off-again paramour, Sylvie Russo. (Though, there is a small part of me that wishes Mangold had brought back Joaquin Phoenix to play Johnny Cash. Let’s create a James Mangold Musical Universe!)

However, if there’s something that feels missing from Mangold’s film, it’s simply the question of the film’s endgame. Despite strong direction, performances and music, one can’t help but wonder what aspect of Dylan we’re meant to take away from the film. Rather than take the opportunity to delve into Dylan’s mind, we’re left with more questions than answers. 

Arriving out of (almost) nowhere, Dylan is shown to be a man who refuses to talk about the past. Although he keeps a scrapbook of his life, all the matters to him are the present and the future. Anything else is irrelevant. We receive little backstory and little insight into his worldview.

Now, to be fair, this shouldn’t be unexpected. (The film IS called A Complete Unknown, after all.) However, by leaning into this choice, Mangold also keeps the folk hero somewhat inaccessible. Chalamet portrays him as a sympathetic genius yet the script still keeps him at arm’s length. For many, this will not be an issue (and, admittedly, it is a minor quibble). Nevertheless, despite the film’s incredible strengths, those looking to understand Dylan as an artist may come away from the piece feeling cold.

Even after the credits roll, Dylan still remains A Complete Unknown.

A Complete Unknown is available in theatres on Wednesday, December 25^th, 2024.