“A Complete Unknown” Review: Timothée Chalamet Electrifies As Bob Dylan In This Striking Biopic

Bob Dylan’s life and legacy are monumental in the history of music, and “A Complete Unknown” takes on the challenge of capturing the essence of this enigmatic artist. The film’s title itself seems to draw inspiration from Dylan’s iconic song “Like A Rolling Stone,” echoing the feeling of being lost, uprooted, and unrecognised – of being “A Complete Unknown.”

Set in the early 1960s, “A Complete Unknown” follows Dylan’s artistic evolution, highlighting his relationships and growing discontent with the folk movement. The film’s climax revolves around Dylan’s controversial decision to go electric at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, a moment that sent shockwaves through the music industry. With a tight, focused narrative, Director James Mangold presents Dylan as an enigmatic figure – a genius, a rebel, and at times, an antihero.

For many, Dylan is an untouchable legend, a poet who changed the course of folk and rock music. But for someone like me – who only knew his name and had never heard his songs – this film became an introduction to the man behind the music. And now, after watching it, I can confidently say I know Bob Dylan’s past.

At 2 hours and 20 minutes, “A Complete Unknown” is an immersive experience, one that made me feel a range of emotions. Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Dylan is nothing short of remarkable. He makes you root for Dylan, question his decisions, feel his pain, and, at times, even be mad at him. It’s a performance that pulls you into Dylan’s world – his struggles, his ambition, and his moments of triumph and defiance.

More impressively, Chalamet sings and plays all songs live, adding authenticity to the film. His dedication to the role paid off – he won Best Actor at the 2025 SAG Awards, positioning him as a strong Oscar contender.

One of the film’s most striking moments is Dylan’s controversial transition from folk to electric rock, which is the central theme of “Dylan Goes Electric!” by Elijah Wald, the book that inspired this biopic. The film doesn’t just depict a career shift, it captures the tension, backlash, and personal conflicts that came with it. Watching the audience’s mixed reactions as Dylan plugs in his guitar and shakes the folk scene to its core is exhilarating.

The Supporting cast delivers standout performances, with Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, and Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo. Their roles add emotional depth and tension, further enriching Dylan’s story.

Mangold crafts a visually rich narrative, balancing intimate moments with grand musical performances. The cinematography feels alive, often mirroring the energy of Dylan’s music – sometimes slow and contemplative, sometimes raw and electric. And let’s not forget the soundtrack, which breathes life into every scene.

Even if you’ve never been a Dylan fan, the film does a fantastic job of making his story compelling. It’s not just about music, it’s about an artist’s defiance, evolution, and the cost of staying true to oneself. Whether you’re a die-hard rocker or a casual music lover (like me), “A Complete Unknown” is a film that resonates. It introduces new audiences to a legend, while giving longtime fans a fresh, cinematic perspective on his story.

As part of the GSC International Screens x Searchlight Pictures Awards Showcase, “A Complete Unknown” is screening exclusively at selected GSC locations from 27th February onwards. This special showcase brings critically-acclaimed films to Malaysian audiences, giving moviegoers a chance to experience award-nominated films on the big screen. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch this poignant and humorous journey at GSC’s selected cinemas.

“A Complete Unknown” hits selected GSC cinemas on 27th February