James Mangold’s Complete Unknown is not your conventional biopic. It doesn’t attempt to “explain” Bob Dylan, nor does it provide a linear retelling of his life. Instead, it embraces the contradictions, the myths, and the shapeshifting nature of the artist himself. The result is a mesmerizing blend of fact and fiction, a cinematic fable that captures the essence of Dylan without ever pinning him down.
At the heart of this ambitious film is Timothée Chalamet’s extraordinary performance. He doesn’t merely imitate Dylan—he embodies the restless spirit, the quiet intensity, and the inexplicable charisma that made Dylan a legend. Chalamet’s portrayal shifts with the film’s tone—at times wide-eyed and innocent, at others cryptic and detached. His ability to slip between these facets so seamlessly is what makes his performance so captivating. He plays Dylan as both a young folk singer just finding his voice and a disillusioned rock icon, highlighting the duality that defined Dylan’s career.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is how it integrates reality into its dreamlike storytelling. It is not a straightforward biography but rather a meditation on Dylan’s life as an ever-changing narrative. The screenplay weaves real-life events into speculative, poetic sequences, making it hard to distinguish truth from legend—just as Dylan himself often did. This approach is refreshing, avoiding the clichés of musical biopics and instead crafting an experience that feels as elusive as its subject.
Of course, a film about Bob Dylan would be incomplete without great music, and Complete Unknown delivers in full. The soundtrack is a carefully curated mix of Dylan’s own recordings, stunning reinterpretations, and moments where Chalamet himself takes on the challenge of singing. The performances feel raw and intimate, making them all the more powerful.
Ultimately, Complete Unknown is a must-watch—not just for Dylan fans but for anyone who appreciates cinema that dares to be unconventional. It doesn’t provide answers because Dylan himself never did. Instead, it leaves the audience with a lingering sense of wonder, a reminder that some figures are not meant to be fully understood but simply experienced.
