This weekend I ventured from my rural seclusion to “the big city” to see A Complete Unknown, the new Bob Dylan biopic directed by James Mangold and starring Timothée Chalamet.
Having previously helmed one of the greatest musical biopics of all time (Walk the Line), Mangold continues to prove himself as one of the top directors working today. Meanwhile, Chalamet embodies Dylan in manner, voice, and picking style, displaying subtle glimpses of himself beneath the character only a handful of times.
The rest of the cast, including Edward Norton as Pete Seeger and Elle Fanning as Bob’s girlfriend Sylvie (her real name, Suze, changed for the movie at the real Dylan’s request), is equally spectacular. Top Gun: Maverick star Monica Barbaro shines as Joan Baez, while Boyd Holbrook delivers what might be the film’s best supporting performance as Johnny Cash….