Bonus Review: A Complete Unknown

The Ballad Of A True Original

---

---

INTRODUCTION

This is a quick review of the newly released film A Complete Unknown. Keep in mind this is but one of the many movies I watch every year, and that whatever initial grade I come up for this film could change for better or worse with time. To better keep up to date with both my thoughts on other movies and if my feelings on this film changed, follow me on Letterboxd.

I’d also appreciate it greatly if you spread the word about the newsletter to any family or friends who would love to have film reviews, classic movie lists, and Oscars projections delivered straight to their inbox.

---

THE PLOT

Via Letterboxd: New York, early sixties. Against the backdrop of a vibrant music scene and tumultuous cultural upheaval, an enigmatic 19-year-old from Minnesota arrives in the West Village with his guitar and revolutionary talent, destined to change the course of American music.

---

QUICK REVIEW

I have to admit that while I’ve, of course, listened to Bob Dylan’s most iconic songs, I wouldn’t call myself a big fan of his extensive catalog. It’s not that I have anything against him or folk music, it’s just that I didn’t grow up listening to his work or connecting with his soundtracks. Johnny Cash? Led Zeppelin? The Rolling Stones? The Who? Absolutely. But Dylan’s songs haven’t been as pivotal in my life in music as they have for many others.

That said, I was still intrigued by James Mangold’s attempt to tell the story of the early years of Dylan’s long and illustrious career. Adding to the anticipation was the casting of Timothée Chalamet as Dylan, seemingly a recipe for cinematic sucess. And it appears many agree, as the film has already entered the Best Picture conversation, earning nominations from most major groups as of this writing - though it notably missed out with the Hollywood Creative Alliance’s Astra Awards.

Unfortunately, a last-minute situation prevented me from attending the press screening I was invited to, but thankfully, Searchlight Pictures provided me with a screener link to catch up with last week. So, here are my thoughts...