Summary:
- A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, scores 79% on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Critics praise Chalamet’s performance as “Oscar-worthy,” though some find the biopic lacking in depth.
- Audience response is stronger, with a 95% Popcornmeter score from over 250 reviews.
- The film is a contender for major awards, with Golden Globe and Critics Choice nominations for Best Picture and Best Actor.
A Complete Unknown brings Bob Dylan’s early career to life, with Timothée Chalamet leading a stellar cast. Directed by James Mangold, the biopic explores Dylan’s rise from obscurity to stardom in 1960s New York. As the film generates Oscar buzz, critics and audiences offer varied responses, reflecting its layered approach to the iconic singer-songwriter’s story.
Timothée Chalamet Shines in A Complete Unknown
Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown has captivated critics and audiences alike. The film, directed by James Mangold and written alongside Jay Cocks, is based on Elijah Wald’s book Dylan Goes Electric!. It focuses on Dylan’s journey from Greenwich Village’s folk scene to his groundbreaking electric performance at the Newport Folk Festival. Here is an overview of all major critic ratings:
| Source | Rating | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| IMDb | 7.8/10 | Early audience reviews are positive, praising Timothée Chalamet’s performance. |
| Rotten Tomatoes (Critics) | 79% Fresh | Based on 163 reviews; indicates a generally favorable reception but some critics find it superficial. |
| Rotten Tomatoes (Audience) | 95% Popcornmeter | High audience score, reflecting strong viewer appreciation for the film. |
| RogerEbert.com | 3.5 out of 4 stars | Praises the film’s fresh narrative approach and strong performances, especially Chalamet’s portrayal. |
| PureWow | 3.5 out of 5 stars | Highlights performances and music but notes a lack of deep understanding of Dylan’s character. |
| CinemaBlend | Positive | Describes the film as captivating and engaging, though acknowledges some historical inaccuracies. |
| AP News | 3.5 out of 4 stars | Captures a pivotal moment in music history but critiques its lack of depth in exploring Dylan’s soul. |
| Digital Trends | Mixed | Calls it a crowd-pleasing biopic with impressive performances but a thin screenplay and anticlimactic conclusion. |
Critical Reception
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes awarded the film a 79% “fresh” rating. The consensus reads: “Charged by Timothée Chalamet’s electric performance, this ballad of Bob Dylan might not get under the enigmatic artist’s skin but will make you feel like you’ve spent time in his company.”
Los Angeles Times critic Joshua Rothkopf praises the film, noting, “Superfans aren’t necessarily going to love this. It’s a movie made with affection, but also with the wisdom that visionaries can sometimes be jerks.” Meanwhile, Leonard Maltin describes the biopic as his favorite film of the year, lauding its “beautifully crafted period piece” quality.
On the other hand, detractors like Candice Frederick of HuffPost argue that the movie feels like “subpar, reality-adjacent fan fiction.” Richard Brody of The New Yorker criticizes Chalamet’s performance, calling it “stunt work” that lacks emotional depth.
READ MORE: How A Complete Unknown Rewrites Bob Dylan’s Life
Audience Reaction
While critics are divided, audiences have embraced the film, reflected in its 95% Popcornmeter score. Viewers praise Chalamet’s performance and the nostalgic recreation of 1960s New York, elevating the film’s appeal among Dylan enthusiasts and younger fans drawn by the actor.
Cast and Awards Buzz for A Complete Unknown
All-Star Cast
The film boasts an impressive supporting cast, including:
- Edward Norton as Pete Seeger
- Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez
- Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash
- Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, inspired by Dylan’s real-life girlfriend, Suze Rotolo
Director James Mangold ensures the characters feel authentic, though some critics argue their development lacks depth.
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Awards Prospects
A Complete Unknown has already earned Golden Globe and Critics Choice nominations for Best Picture, with Chalamet securing nods for Best Actor. The biopic is positioned as a strong contender in the upcoming awards season, despite the disparity between its critical and audience reception.
Source: Forbes
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