A Complete Unknown – A Triumph in Storytelling and Performances
In A Complete Unknown, Timothée Chalamet and an exceptional ensemble cast take audiences back to the Greenwich Village folk scene of the early 1960s, bringing to life the story of Bob Dylan’s rise to fame. While Dylan’s journey toward becoming a legend is central, the film’s strength lies not only in its lead performances but also in its portrayal of the vibrant and complex relationships that shaped his career—none more captivating than the dynamic between Dylan and Joan Baez.
The film captures Dylan’s journey from a scrappy, ambitious artist to the voice of a generation. Along the way, it shines a light on the people who influenced him, mentored him, and, at times, challenged him. The tension between artistic purity and Dylan’s relentless drive to innovate creates an emotional undercurrent throughout the movie. Dylan’s relationship with Joan Baez serves as a focal point in the narrative, giving the film its most poignant and layered moments.
Ending the story just as Dylan prepares to “go electric” at the Newport Folk Festival is both bold and maddening. It teases the audience with the pivotal moment we all know is coming but leaves it for another film, ensuring we leave the theater eager for more.
One of the film’s greatest highlights is the spellbinding performance of the actress portraying Joan Baez (Olivia Cooke, in a role that has “Oscar nomination” written all over it). Baez’s presence in Dylan’s early career was as undeniable as her own immense talent, and Cooke captures this with precision and grace.
The chemistry between Cooke and Chalamet is electric. The way Cooke embodies Baez’s poise, her razor-sharp intellect, and her passion for both music and activism is stunning. In one particularly memorable scene, Baez and Dylan perform a duet of “With God on Our Side” during a small coffeehouse set. Cooke’s hauntingly beautiful live vocal performance anchors the moment, showing Baez as both a powerhouse in her own right and a supportive collaborator to Dylan.
The film doesn’t shy away from the complexities of their relationship. Cooke’s Baez is not merely a love interest but a fully realized character—a fiercely talented artist with her own aspirations and frustrations. In a standout confrontation, Baez challenges Dylan over his increasingly insular creative process, delivering a monologue about the tension between personal ambition and collective responsibility. It’s a scene that underscores Cooke’s ability to match Chalamet’s energy and establish Baez as Dylan’s equal, both personally and professionally.
Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan
Timothée Chalamet is nothing short of transformative as Bob Dylan. From Dylan’s cryptic, sardonic humor to his nervous, almost twitchy stage presence, Chalamet fully inhabits the role. The decision to have him sing live to camera only heightens the authenticity of his performance. Watching Chalamet deliver “Blowin’ in the Wind” for the first time on-screen feels like witnessing the birth of a cultural revolution.
Chalamet’s portrayal captures Dylan’s enigmatic qualities without romanticizing them. He gives us a Dylan who is deeply ambitious, often insecure, and at times selfish, but always compelling. His interactions with Cooke’s Baez feel deeply authentic, capturing both the tenderness and tension of their complicated partnership.
Edward Norton as Pete Seeger
Edward Norton’s portrayal of Pete Seeger is another of the film’s triumphs. As a figure of almost mythic status in the folk revival movement, Seeger’s unwavering commitment to traditional music provides a stark contrast to Dylan’s growing desire to push boundaries. Norton brings a warmth to Seeger that prevents him from feeling dogmatic or out of touch. Instead, he becomes a symbol of a generation grappling with change.
The scenes between Norton and Chalamet, particularly their heated discussion about Dylan’s use of folk traditions, are riveting. Norton imbues Seeger with a moral authority that feels earned, and his performance ensures that Seeger’s perspective is given the respect it deserves.
The Power of Live Performances
Every musical performance in A Complete Unknown was recorded live to camera, and it’s one of the film’s greatest achievements. This creative choice gives the movie a raw, unpolished edge that perfectly mirrors the spirit of the 1960s folk scene. Olivia Cooke’s renditions of Baez’s iconic songs, including a heart-wrenching version of “Farewell, Angelina,” are particularly memorable. The authenticity of these live performances pulls the audience into the smoky clubs and crowded festival stages where these artists forged their legacies.
The Sequel that will Never Happen
As the credits roll, the camera lingers on Dylan preparing to take the stage with his electric guitar for the first time. The tension is palpable, but the screen cuts to black before a single note is played. It’s a brilliant way to end the story, but it leaves us desperate for a continuation. Dylan’s journey to “go electric” and the backlash he faced at Newport deserve a movie of their own, and A Complete Unknown sets the stage perfectly for a sequel that could explore these pivotal moments in even greater depth
A Complete Unknown is a triumph on every level—a deeply engaging story brought to life by a stellar cast. Timothée Chalamet delivers a career-defining performance as Bob Dylan, Edward Norton’s Pete Seeger is a perfect foil, and Olivia Cooke shines as Joan Baez, delivering a nuanced portrayal that captures Baez’s brilliance and strength.
The film’s live musical performances, its dedication to authenticity, and its willingness to explore the complexities of Dylan’s relationships make it a must-see for fans of music and cinema alike. And with the story ending just as Dylan’s most controversial transformation begins, the need for a sequel is clear. Until then, A Complete Unknown stands as a powerful tribute to one of music’s most fascinating figures and the world that shaped him. - Dave Carey
Proofread and edited using AI Tools