This past Christmas, “A Complete Unknown” began to play in theaters nationwide. The biopic focuses on Bob Dylan’s transition into fame during the early- to mid-1960s, with Timothée Chalamet starring as the young Dylan. Like others, I was not sure that Chalamet would be able to pull off the elusive and eccentric singer, but I was pleasantly surprised by his performance. Anyone who watched the movie could tell how much work and dedication Chalamet put into his portrayal of Dylan along with his deep admiration for the artist. Chalamet even learned how to play the guitar for this role and has gone on a widely successful press tour to promote the film ahead of the Academy Awards. When he appeared on Saturday Night Live this past Saturday as the host and musical guest, he played several of Dylan’s songs. Chalamet’s press tour has also curated several viral moments, such as him screaming “Bob Dylan!” or talking about how he “rips Milk Duds.” Moments such as these have gained popularity online and helped promote the film to younger audiences.

While I believe Chalamet has earned the accolades that “A Complete Unknown” has brought him, I also feel that the other actors in the movie have been overshadowed by his performance. There were so many other characters who appeared in the film that at some points it felt like I was watching a Pete Seeger (Edward Norton) and Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro) biopic, featuring Dylan as the primary antagonist. Dylan’s early girlfriend “Sylvie” (Elle Fanning) delivered an emotional performance that I think should have earned her more praise from the public. Fanning expertly captured the pain of falling in love with someone whose career and fame is developing too quickly for their relationship. Other actors such as Norton and Barbaro delivered performances that I thought should have been praised more. I feel that this is a symptom of Chalamet’s successful press tour and generally higher level of fame in comparison to his co-stars.

It was certainly wise of the producers to choose to focus only on a small period of Dylan’s career. It would be nearly impossible to successfully portray Dylan’s entire life, as his career has literally spanned over half a century. Focusing on Dylan’s early career allows the viewer to understand the plot of the movie without being an expert on the artist. Additionally, it’s much easier to root for a young Dylan struggling to succeed in the bustling climate of New York City than an older Dylan who has largely already achieved the goals of his career.  

The film also explores how many different individuals were integral to the success of Dylan’s early career. Toward the beginning of the film we see the young Dylan meet Seeger—an influential folk singer from the 1950s and ’60s—at a hospital while visiting Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy), another famous folk singer. Seeger houses the young Dylan, introduces him to the right people and helps him book gigs to further advance his career. Baez, another famous singer, plays with him several times, spreading his name through the folk scene. These interactions are true to the actual happenings in the early career of Dylan. Even Johnny Cash (Boyd Holbrook) has a role. Later in the film, Dylan appears and acts somewhat ungrateful toward these individuals, such as when he declines to perform with Baez onstage and refuses to play folk music at Seeger’s folk music festival. “A Complete Unknown” illustrates the effect that newfound fame had on young Dylan, making him turn his back on the people he would never have achieved anything without.   

It’s through this lens that “A Complete Unknown” gives a complicated and fractured view of the young Dylan, which I appreciate. This is not a movie only meant to make Dylan look good. It’s the sheer honesty of the film and its (general) adherence to the truth that make it work. I would recommend seeing this movie, especially with your grandma. Mine happens to be a huge Bob Dylan fan, so we had a great time.