Timothée Chalamet stars as a young Bob Dylan in James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown, but the film’s success depends on whether he can separate his on-screen persona from real-life perceptions. The actor has played complex characters before, like a cannibal and a chocolatier, but this role may have raised concerns about his ability to convincingly portray the folk singer.
Chalamet’s performance is off-putting, with his character seeming to hate everyone, including fans, for putting them under pressure to play his hit songs. His scratchy accent also felt unrealistic at times, detracting from the overall realism of the film. However, it was Chalamet’s aggressive promotion campaign that ultimately saved the experience for this reviewer.
By showcasing his enthusiasm and love for music, Chalamet creates a permission structure for fans to continue admiring him despite his character’s problematic behavior in the movie. This approach has earned him praise from news outlets as “genius” and “the best press tour ever.” In contrast, his on-screen performance was less convincing, making A Complete Unknown a rough watch at times.
Despite its flaws, Chalamet’s dedication to promoting himself has proven to be the real art in this biopic. His ability to separate his public persona from his on-screen character will be crucial for future performances, and it remains to be seen whether he can deliver an Oscar-worthy performance that wins over critics and audiences alike.
Source: https://slate.com/life/2025/01/timothee-chalamet-movie-bob-dylan-complete-unknown.html