The title of the highly anticipated Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, is not merely a nod to a renowned line from Dylan’s iconic song “Like a Rolling Stone.” It encapsulates the essence of director James Mangold’s film in just three impactful words. In A Complete Unknown, we follow Dylan’s arrival in the bustling streets of New York City in early 1961, armed only with the clothes on his back, an acoustic guitar, and a self-chosen name. He navigates the vibrant neighborhoods of Greenwich Village, slipping through the shadows of clubs and coffee shops, where no one pays attention to this scruffy newcomer—until they hear his powerful music resonate.

Before long, Dylan garners a loyal following in the Village. In a matter of years, he ascends to international stardom, becoming so influential that when he dares to diverge from the socially conscious folk music trend he helped establish, he is branded a Judas by some of his own fans. Yet, the motivations fueling his decisions, including this bold pivot, remain shrouded in mystery throughout A Complete Unknown. While it is evident that Dylan possesses unparalleled musical genius, his personal life continues to be an enigma, leaving audiences questioning who he truly is beyond the superficial.

A film that deepens its subject’s complexities rather than clarifying them can be a legitimate choice for a biopic, and one that Dylan himself might appreciate if he ever watches A Complete Unknown. However, I find myself questioning whether this artistic approach truly rewards the audience members who purchase tickets to experience it. While the film is undoubtedly well-crafted, one must ponder its contributions to our understanding of Dylan and, more broadly, to the biographies of great artists. Are we left with anything more than the realization that Dylan followed his creative instincts, composed extraordinary music, and allowed others to interpret him as they wish? These are the lingering questions I grapple with as I compose this review.

READ MORE: This Is Our Least Favorite Biopic Cliche

One undeniable highlight of the film is Timothée Chalamet’s impressive performance as the young Bob Dylan, where he not only portrays but also sings the legendary artist’s music with authenticity. Unlike Bradley Cooper’s Maestro, which primarily explored Leonard Bernstein’s intricate personal life and marriage, A Complete Unknown immerses viewers in the rich soundscape of Dylan’s music. From heartfelt renditions of “Song For Woody,” played by Chalamet’s character in a hospital room dedicated to Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy), to the electrifying performance of “Like a Rolling Stone” at the Newport Film Festival in 1965, the film is packed with musical moments that define Dylan’s journey.

All performances are delivered by Chalamet, who captures Dylan’s unique vocal style while also embodying his persona offstage. His portrayal includes Dylan’s characteristic mannerisms—his tics, stammers, evasive glances, and penchant for ambiguity. Although Chalamet’s look diverges significantly from Dylan’s, especially with his wild mop of brown hair, he showcases an impressive ability to transform into the legendary musician. This adaptability is noteworthy, especially given Chalamet’s previous roles as diverse as the authoritative Paul Atreides in Dune and the charming chocolatier in Wonka. His chameleonic talent consistently impresses.

Mangold has assembled a remarkable supporting cast around Chalamet. Edward Norton delivers a compelling performance as the inspired yet frustrated Pete Seeger, who sees the immense potential in Dylan and perhaps feels a tinge of envy. Seeger strives to guide the young folk artist’s burgeoning career, hoping to influence it in a manner consistent with his own artistic journey in the early 1960s. Elle Fanning portrays Sylvie, a fictionalized version of Dylan’s girlfriend during this era, possibly the last person outside the entertainment industry to maintain a close relationship with him. Additionally, Monica Barbaro plays Joan Baez, who shared a fiery connection with Dylan, both personally and professionally.

The screenplay for A Complete Unknown, co-written by Mangold and frequent Martin Scorsese collaborator Jay Cocks, draws inspiration from journalist Elijah Wald’s book titled Dylan Goes Electric!. It chronicles Dylan’s rise to fame, highlighting his growing fascination with rock and pop music, which stirred discontent among traditional folk artists like Seeger and his contemporaries at the Newport Folk Festival. Whether viewers become emotionally invested in this conflict over Dylan’s musical direction may hinge on their prior knowledge of and interest in the artist himself, as well as their understanding of how these real-life events unfolded.

However, beyond the characters and their interactions, the film lacks a substantial amount of dramatic tension or suspense. A Complete Unknown deviates from the conventional narrative structure of “The Bob Dylan Story.” Instead, it serves as a tender homage to the vibrant culture of 1960s New York City, with its smoky bars and cozy dives, while also reflecting the broader social and political upheaval that shaped this extraordinary talent—who ultimately sought to explore themes beyond mere protest songs and civil rights advocacy. For Dylan, the times were indeed a’changing.

Does this artistic choice justify a film that offers minimal insight into Dylan’s character? A Complete Unknown is visually stunning, imbued with an authentic texture, and features a soundtrack overflowing with remarkable songs. (The music will undoubtedly shine, especially for those eager to hear Timothée Chalamet’s rendition of “Girl From the North Country.”) Yet, as the credits rolled and I exited the theater, I found myself reflecting on the question, “What was the takeaway from this experience?”

It seems that Mangold directed the Dylan movie he envisioned, and in many respects, A Complete Unknown is intriguing precisely because it offers a deliberately elusive portrayal of an enigmatic icon. Nevertheless, creating a completely satisfying film about a subject that the director appears to believe is ultimately unknowable presents its own challenges.

Additional Insights on the Biopic:

-Another significant figure in this biopic is Johnny Cash, a fellow artist who admired Dylan’s work. Cash was also the central character in a previous James Mangold biopic, Walk the Line, which starred Joaquin Phoenix as the legendary country singer. In this latest film, Boyd Holbrook takes on the role of Cash, depicting him more as a loveable rogue than a troubled gunslinger. It’s refreshing to see Mangold showcase a different facet of Cash, even if only in a few brief scenes.

RATING: 7/10