The first set of reviews for the much-anticipated A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, has arrived, and while the actor's performance is consistently praised, the film’s storyline and its execution have generated mixed reactions from critics.
The BBC’s review praised Chalamet’s portrayal, calling him "brilliant" and "completely believable," stating that his performance outshines the film itself. The review went on to highlight Chalamet's musical prowess, noting that he sings and plays both the guitar and harmonica with ease. He successfully crafts a "thoroughly convincing avatar of Dylan," with his ability to channel the iconic musician’s distinctive style and mannerisms. The BBC also acknowledged his rendition of Dylan’s famous tracks, particularly his interpretation of “Don’t Think Twice,” where Chalamet’s voice captures the eccentricity and hesitancy that defined Dylan's style. The reviewer expressed admiration for how Chalamet’s performance embodied Dylan’s “stoner-hungover birdsong,” a unique characteristic of the legendary artist’s vocal style.
Similarly, The Guardian also celebrated Chalamet’s portrayal of Dylan, describing it as “hypnotic” and stating that the actor’s performance was a key highlight of the film. The review appreciated the authenticity with which Chalamet performed Dylan’s songs, noting how he created a believable version of the artist. His subtle, imperfect rendition of Dylan’s music, especially his uncertain and breathless delivery of the lyrics, was noted as impressively capturing the raw and unpolished energy that Dylan’s performances were known for. For many critics, Chalamet’s music and his ability to imitate Dylan’s vocal nuances were key elements that kept the film grounded in the singer’s enigmatic character.
However, while the acting and music were well received, the film’s overall narrative execution has left some critics unimpressed. Indiewire’s review compared A Complete Unknown to I’m Not There (2007), another film about Dylan, but with a vastly different approach. The reviewer remarked that I’m Not There turned Dylan’s mystique into an infinite, sprawling exploration of his identity, while A Complete Unknown opts for a more restrained approach, attempting to make Dylan “as small as possible.” According to Indiewire, this shift from a larger-than-life figure to a more contained portrayal removes much of what made Dylan’s character fascinating. The review noted that while I’m Not There saw Dylan as representing everyone, A Complete Unknown reduces him to “no one,” which, according to the critic, made the film less compelling to watch.
This critique points to a key tension in the film: its desire to celebrate Dylan’s mystery while also trying to unpack it in a way that feels incomplete or disconnected. Indiewire suggested that while the film offers some enjoyable moments, particularly for those who appreciate Dylan’s music, the lack of a deeper exploration into the artist’s personality and the decision to make him a less enigmatic figure diminished the impact of the narrative. As a result, while the soundtrack and musical performances may resonate with fans of Dylan, the film itself fails to capture the full depth of the artist's legendary presence.
Despite these criticisms, A Complete Unknown features an impressive supporting cast, including Monica Barbaro, Edward Norton, and Elle Fanning, who add layers to the film, but even their presence couldn't escape the film’s narrative shortcomings. Critics were divided on whether these performances were enough to elevate the film beyond its flaws.
With its release scheduled for December 25, A Complete Unknown remains one of the most highly anticipated films of the holiday season. The film has generated significant buzz due to Chalamet’s involvement, especially given his previous standout performances in films like Call Me by Your Name and Dune. Many will likely flock to cinemas eager to see how Chalamet takes on the role of one of the most complex figures in music history. However, the mixed critical reception suggests that while his portrayal of Dylan may be captivating, the film’s approach to telling the story of such a legendary figure might not resonate with all viewers in the same way.
As the film gears up for its release, A Complete Unknown presents a fascinating intersection of music, mystique, and performance. While some critics have been enthralled by Chalamet's mesmerizing portrayal, others feel that the film's narrative fails to reflect the same complexity as Dylan himself. Only time will tell how the film is received by general audiences, but for now, A Complete Unknown stands as a testament to Chalamet’s versatility as an actor and his ability to immerse himself in the persona of one of the most iconic figures in modern music.
