Why Would Bob Dylan Ever Approve ‘A Complete Unknown?’
That said, among these developments up for discussion is Timothée Chalamet’s performance in A Complete Unknown, which is so lifelike as to be uncanny.
Chalamet gets the reclusive singer’s look, voice, and gait down pat, and perfectly captures Dylan’s movie-long transition from shy asshole to confident asshole. It’s a brilliant portrayal of a brilliant artist and delivers satisfying entertainment at every turn. On the other hand, the movie around him is a surprisingly conventional way to depict a famously unconventional person.
That’s not to say I’m knocking the movie. A Complete Unknown is a rousing, moving film, heightened by poetic dialogue and, of course, Dylan’s music. But back in 2007, when director Todd Haynes directed that other Hollywood Bob Dylan biopic – the experimental, controversial I’m Not There – Dylan said that he wouldn’t have approved any other screenplay. And yet, here we are. In terms of its format and conflict (standard three act drama; Man vs. Society) A Complete Unknown is far more conventional and far less revolutionary than either I’m Not There or Dylan himself. However, the singer supposedly gave A Complete Unknown his stamp of approval after doing a readthrough with director James Mangold. What gives? Has Dylan lost his edge?
Posted from: https://thoughtcatalog.com/evan-lambert/2025/08/why-would-bob-dylan-ever-approve-a-complete-unknown/