Bob Dylan biopic captures the essence of the grumpy singer's journey to stardom, but falls short in female character development

A COMPLETE UNKNOWN

(TBC) 140mins

★★★★☆

THERE are five words that can make an audience’s blood run cold when watching a beloved singer: "This is a new one."

Bob Dylan fans are not strangers to the unconventional nature of the guitar-playing genius, known for his reluctance to conform to popular demands for his biggest hits.

Now, the story behind this musical enigma has been brought to life in a new movie, offering a glimpse into the first four years of his career and his rise to fame.

Delving into Dylan's World

The film opens in 1961, introducing a 19-year-old Dylan portrayed by Timothee Chalamet, who captures the essence of the young musician navigating the streets of New York City after arriving from Minnesota.

As Dylan immerses himself in the folk singing community, he encounters key figures like political folk singer Woody Guthrie and fellow artist Pete Seeger, played by Scoot McNairy and Edward Norton, respectively.

The movie showcases Dylan's relationships with girlfriend Sylvie Russo (Elle Fanning) and fellow singer Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro), highlighting the complexities of his personal life and artistic pursuits.

A Complicated Portrait

Directed by Oscar-nominated James Mangold, the film offers a nuanced exploration of Dylan's inner conflict as a talented yet reluctant figure in the spotlight.

Chalamet's performance brings depth to the character, supported by exquisite musical renditions of Dylan's iconic songs and standout performances by Norton and Barbaro.

While the movie captures the vibrant music scene of 1960s New York, it falls short in developing the female characters, presenting them as somewhat one-dimensional and lacking depth.

The Verdict

As the film culminates at the Newport Folk Festival, showcasing Dylan's evolution as an artist, viewers are left with a sense of the elusive nature of the legendary musician.

While offering glimpses into Dylan's world, the movie leaves much about the enigmatic singer still shrouded in mystery.

For fans of Bob Dylan and music history enthusiasts, "A Complete Unknown" provides an intriguing look at the early career of a musical icon.

In cinemas on January 17.