Why 'A Complete Unknown' Is the Must-See Film of the Year!

It was an unexpected delight to come home last Tuesday evening and discover, over dinner and while working on my exams, that I had won a pair of tickets to see an early screening of A Complete Unknown, the Bob Dylan biopic. The screening was set for 7 p.m. the very next day at Banque Scotia Cinemas in Montreal, but unfortunately, I couldn't find anyone to join me at the last minute.

What a shame.

I haven’t had the chance to watch many films this year – my volunteer work with Montreal’s Fantasia Festival limited me to anime, horror, and some bizarre comedies – so I was looking forward to stepping away from my laptop and all those YouTube rabbit holes. And this movie was just what I needed.

Now, if you’re looking for more than just a personal account, here are the details. The film focuses on Dylan’s early years (1961 to 1965), a pivotal time when he was figuring out his unique voice, transitioning to electric music (a hotly debated shift), and becoming one of the most influential figures in American culture. The story is beautifully structured, taking us to a moment when Dylan, sitting in the back of a station wagon, writes his thoughts and sketches before arriving in New York City. There, he visits two music legends: Woody Guthrie, who was suffering from Huntington's Disease, and Pete Seeger, who used music to bring some comfort in the face of his pain. Both of these icons are deeply moved by the young man with a beat-up guitar and big dreams. When Dylan returns to visit Woody four years later, Pete is gone, but Dylan shares a touching moment with Guthrie, underscored by a harmonica and songs that span their respective careers. This heartfelt scene is one of the most emotionally charged moments I’ve seen in any musical biopic, and I’m glad the film circles back to it.

But what about the rest of the movie?

Timothée Chalamet deserves major recognition for his portrayal of Dylan. Not only does he capture Dylan’s physical transformation (from his different hairstyles to his ever-expanding wardrobe), but he nails his voice, mannerisms, and guitar skills. If there's a future biopic of Syd Barrett in the works, they should definitely look at Chalamet for that role too. He’s joined by a strong supporting cast, including Edward Norton as Seeger (a pleasant surprise), Monica Barbero as a believable Joan Baez (who knows just when to confront Dylan), and Boyd Holbrook as a youthful Johnny Cash, who becomes one of Dylan’s biggest advocates. For fans familiar with Dylan’s music, the film introduces iconic songs like Blowin’ in the Wind and Like a Rolling Stone in new and exciting ways. One unforgettable moment happens when Dylan first plays The Times They Are A-Changin’, and Joan harmonizes with him. Another powerful scene unfolds during the Cuban Missile Crisis, when Baez, walking through the eerily empty streets of New York, ends up in a club where Dylan introduces Masters of War to a captivated audience. These moments truly shine, making up for any minor pacing issues I felt the film had as it rushed toward some of Dylan’s most defining moments. On that note, I do wish Suze Rotolo, Dylan’s early muse, had been given more attention. Elle Fanning does a charming job in the role, though I couldn’t help but wonder about a character named Sylvie Russo, which seems like a strange shift from the real-life Rotolo. If you’re interested in her story, I’d recommend reading her memoir, A Freewheelin’ Time, where she shares her time with Dylan and life in Greenwich Village. After all, she was the woman featured on the cover of his second album.

The film tracks Dylan’s journey from folk and rural blues to the electrified rock and roll that would make him a key figure in the singer-songwriter movement. His rise didn’t stop there; he eventually won the Nobel Prize in Literature and an Academy Award, all while becoming one of the most influential figures in popular culture.

But let's return to Woody.

Scoot McNairy portrays Guthrie with such depth and tenderness, even though the character can barely speak due to his illness. His performance in this film is one of the most emotionally gripping I’ve seen. In the last scene between Bob and Woody, the passing of the torch between the two is so powerful that I had to fight back tears as a harmonica is passed between them. Even the last song played during this scene feels like the perfect conclusion to this part of the story.

The performances here are remarkable, and I think both Chalamet and McNairy deserve to be in the mix for awards season.

Before wrapping up, one of my friends who joined me to see the film brought up I’m Not There, the movie that portrayed Dylan’s various phases through multiple actors. Yes, I’ve seen it, and I even had the chance to watch part of it being filmed here in Montreal. I’ll always remember the scene where Dylan meets the Beatles, which was shot at City Hall – I didn’t even realize I was watching Cate Blanchett at the time! My friend wasn’t sure if this new film would match the impact of Todd Haynes' approach, but I think A Complete Unknown holds its own. Director James Mangold and the entire team deserve credit for crafting a film that brings us closer to the music, the hopes, and the struggles of the era. Even if we know the story, they still manage to captivate us with the raw energy of the times.

Is this one of the best films of the year?

Absolutely, without a doubt.