“He who’s not busy livin’ is busy dyin’.” — Bob Dylan, “It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)”
Director James Mangold’s “A Complete Unknown,” which debuted in theaters on Christmas Day 2024, attempts to chronicle Bob Dylan’s early life.
The film stars Timothée Chalamet as one of America’s most influential singer-songwriters, focusing on Dylan’s journey from Hibbing, Minnesota, to New York City’s folk revival scene. It interacts with figures like Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Suze Rotolo, Joan Baez, Albert Grossman, Dave Van Ronk, and Johnny Cash.
The screenplay, co-written by Mangold and Jay Cocks, is based on Elijah Wald’s book “Dylan Goes Electric!” In the past two decades, several attempts have been made to capture Dylan’s enigmatic persona, including Martin Scorsese’s documentaries “No Direction Home” (2005) and “Rolling Thunder Revue: A Bob Dylan Story” (2019), as well as Todd Haynes’ “I’m Not There” (2007), which used multiple actors to portray different facets of Dylan.
“A Complete Unknown” introduces Dylan as he arrives in New York City and visits Guthrie, hospitalized due to Huntington’s disease at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital in New Jersey. In a creative twist, Dylan meets Pete Seeger, played by Edward Norton, in Guthrie’s hospital room and performs “Song to Woody,” which appeared on his 1962 debut album.
Chalamet performs 40 Dylan songs, playing acoustic and electric guitar and harmonica. His portrayal captures Dylan’s essence, with some suggesting his performances rival the original.
Monica Barbaro delivers a compelling portrayal of Joan Baez, highlighting their tumultuous relationship and her role in advocating for Dylan’s early work. Elle Fanning embodies Sylvie Russo, a character inspired by Suze Rotolo, reflecting the complexities of Dylan’s personal relationships.
The film centers on Dylan’s controversial shift to electric rock ‘n’ roll, culminating in his 1965 Newport Folk Festival performance. It includes nods for Dylan enthusiasts, such as Al Kooper’s role in the “Like a Rolling Stone” recording session and Seeger’s distinctive Martin 12-string guitar. The infamous “Judas” incident, though occurring in 1966, is referenced, underscoring its significance in Dylan’s career.
The on-screen chemistry between Dylan and Johnny Cash, portrayed by Boyd Holbrook, is noteworthy, alluding to their collaborative history, including their duet on “Girl from the North Country” from 1969’s “Nashville Skyline.”
Local audiences in South Jersey may find the film’s regional connections intriguing, particularly in the Atlantic City area. Scenes depicting Newport, Rhode Island, were filmed at Congress Hall and Cape May, New Jersey, with the Victorian Motel transformed into the “Viking Motel.” Additionally, when Dylan enlisted them for his electric tour, Levon and the Hawks, who later became The Band, were performing at Tony Mart’s in Somers Point, New Jersey.
“A Complete Unknown” offers an accessible portrayal of Dylan, introducing the prolific songwriter to new audiences. The film’s conclusion hints at potential sequels, potentially sparking renewed interest in Dylan’s enduring legacy as he enters his seventh decade of performing.
