Shadows on the Wall | A Complete Unknown

A Complete Unknown

Review by Rich Cline | MUST SEE

dir James Mangold
scr James Mangold, Jay Cocks
prd Fred Berger, James Mangold, Alex Heineman, Bob Bookman, Peter Jaysen, Timothee Chalamet
with Timothee Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro, Scoot McNairy, Dan Fogler, Boyd Holbrook, Eriko Hatsune, Will Harrison, Norbert Leo Butz, Charlie Tahan, Michael Chernus
release US 25.Dec.24,
UK 17.Jan.25
24/US Searchlight 2h21

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Covering the emergence of Bob Dylan and the youth movement in the first half of the 1960s, this multi-layered biopic carries an enormous emotional kick in both its pointed personal narrative and the wider observations about American society. Filmmaker James Mangold balances these elements beautifully, and the actors play real people in a way that's hugely involving and also powerfully resonant. They even do their own singing.

Hitchhiking to New York in 1961, Bob (Chalamet) pays a hospital visit to his hero Woody Guthrie (McNairy) and also meets folk legend Pete Seeger (Norton), who is impressed with Bob's music and introduces him onto the scene. But Bob bristles against constraints of the traditional music crowd, restlessly innovates musically and gets involved in political causes. His on-off girlfriend Sylvie (Fanning) struggles with his fame, while his connection with fellow musician Joan Baez (Barbaro) complicates their relationship. And then there's Bob's friendship with Johnny Cash (Holbrook), who encourages him to go with his heart.

Assembled in what could be called an acoustic filmmaking style, the actors sing and play instruments live, impressively recreating both iconic sounds and the earthy period vibe. Costume, makeup and set designs are exceptional, evoking the mood of the subculture in surprising ways. The narrative continues until Bob's notorious appearance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, where he defied both organisers and the crowd to electrically amplify his music, igniting a social movement that swept through the next decade.

Each performance bristles with complex thoughts and feelings. Chalamet finds astonishing textures in Bob's offbeat persona, channelling his intellect and artistry while maintaining an intriguing aloofness as a genius grappling with his own mental storms. Among the excellent supporting cast, Norton gives his most engaging performance yet as the deeply caring Pete, a traditional artist who sometimes forgets that the world is still spinning. The other standout is Barbaro, who capture's Joan's piercing voice and sharp personality.

While recounting four pivotal years in Dylan's life, Mangold also explores a key period in American history. This adds meaningful counterpoints to the film's driving theme about the importance of taking a stand based on integrity. The world only moves forward if we refuse to only do what's expected of us. We must listen to the inner voice that tells us to use the gifts we have to speak out for those who don't have a voice. And Dylan's words are so distinct that they can't help but inspire us.

themes, language, violence 20.Nov.24

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