A Complete Unknown

I lived through this era personally. I loved this music as it started, and evolved from 1961 to the present day. I remember strolling through the Village feeling more alive than at any other time of my life. I went to the early shows of Bob Dylan, and thought he was a genius.

This film, A Complete Unknown, captures that genius.

The writer-director, James Mangold, does a magnificent job of capturing the atmosphere of the 1960s with great authenticity. His inclusion of the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Kennedy Assassination mirror the anxiety of the times.

The lead actor, TImothee Chalamet, does an outstanding job as Dylan. He is amply supported by a powerhouse cast led by Edward Norton, who, in my opinion, is a shoe-in for Best Supporting Actor. In addition, the intense performance of Monica Barbaro is more than enough to win the Best Supporting Actress award in 2025.

The story about Dylan's arrival in the Village in the early 60s was done with great detail and authenticity. His tempestuous relationship with Joan Baez is captured with genuine emotion. The cinematography and set designs are letter-perfect. I believe this film to be the best of 2024.