- The first press screening for the Bob Dylan biopic has taken place
- Many cast members, including Chalamet, were praised for their performances
- A Complete Unknown is released Christmas Day
The first reviews for the forthcoming Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown are in, and stars including Timothee Chalamet have received widespread praise for their performances.
Coming to theaters on Christmas Day, the James Mangold-directed film looks at Dylan’s controversial switch from acoustic to electric guitar in the mid-60s. It is an adaptation of Elijah Wald’s 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric! Newport, Seeger, Dylan, And The Night That Split The Sixties.
What have critics been saying about Chalamet’s performance?
Critics have roundly praised Chalamet’s performance as Bob Dylan. Due to delays caused partly by the pandemic, he had years rather than months to prepare for the role. Notably, he also plays and sings Dylan’s songs in the film live.
“Timothée Chalamet slides into Bob Dylan with an effortless yet focused determination. Fearless in some hypnotic moments,” Variety‘s senior awards editor Clayton Davis wrote on X.
Critic Scott Menzel had similar praise. “Timothée Chalamet delivers the performance of the year in A Complete Unknown. A true tour-de-force where Chalamet is never seen. Chalamet’s performance is not just about the voice and look but rather all of the little nuances and mannerisms that he perfectly brings to his life in his portrayal of Bob Dylan. Great supporting performances too from Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez and Edward Norton as Pete Seeger.”
Film critic Tessa Smith enthused: “I am not exaggerating when I say that Timothée Chalamet delivers the performance of the year. He’s coming for all the awards…”
What has been said about the supporting cast members?
Critics haven’t been short of praise for A Complete Unknown’s supporting cast. They have been particularly enthusiastic about Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo (a fictionalised version of Dylan’s first New York girlfriend Suze Rotolo, who died in 2011) and Monica Barbaro as Joan Baetz. Edward Norton also stars as Pete Seeger.
“For me, it’s Monica Barbaro and Elle Fanning that anchor the story of an illusive, mysterious man that remains in that sphere,” Davis added. “James Mangold helms with confidence, with gorgeous sets and costumes. Much respect to one of the best to do it.”
Abe Friedtanzer, editor of Awards Buzz, said: “A Complete Unknown looks and sounds great, a standard biopic that truly comes alive when its iconic characters make passionate music together. Timothée Chalamet is well-cast but Monica Barbaro and Edward Norton steal the show as Joan Baez and Pete Seeger.”
Meanwhile, Nick Zednik added: “Gonna put this out there now: I think we need to take Monica Barbaro seriously for a nomination in Supporting Actress. Considering how slim the competition is, I wouldn’t count her out.”
