Timothée Chalamet’s captivating portrayal of Bob Dylan in James Mangold’s biopic is a must-see for music lovers and cinema enthusiasts alike. The film, co-scripted by Mangold and Jay Cocks, tells the story of Dylan’s musical and personal adventures in the 1960s as he electrified the folk scene and defied tradition.
Chalamet brings to life the enigmatic singer-songwriter with remarkable depth and nuance, capturing his rebellious spirit and introspective nature. His performance is both captivating and humbling, conveying the complexity of Dylan’s character as he navigates love, fame, and artistic identity.
The supporting cast delivers impressive performances, including Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, who plays a pivotal role in launching Dylan’s career, and Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, whose presence accelerates his success. Elle Fanning shines as Dylan’s first girlfriend, Sylvie Russo, while Boyd Holbrook brings gravitas to his portrayal of Johnny Cash.
Chalamet’s performance is particularly noteworthy for its bravado and vulnerability, conveying the burden of celebrity and artistic ownership that comes with being a musical icon. The film’s thoughtful approach eschews classic music-biopic tropes in favor of a more nuanced exploration of Dylan’s journey, one that balances rise and fall, learning and growth.
While some may find it challenging to buy Chalamet as the real Bob Dylan at first glance, his performance ultimately wins over with its authenticity and conviction. As the film builds towards its climax, Chalamet delivers an unforgettable performance that cements his status as a leading actor of our time.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/dec/10/a-complete-unknown-review-timothee-chalamets-bob-dylan-is-an-electric-revelation