Timothée Chalamet Shines as Bob Dylan in “A Perfect Stranger” – First Reviews Are In!

First announced over four years ago, before the pandemic, the Bob Dylan biopic titled “A Complete Unknown” is finally coming to life. The initial reviews are in, and once again, Timothée Chalamet impresses! Just months after the releases of “Dune” and “Wonka,” here he is in a film about the iconic singer Bob Dylan. Beyond bearing a physical resemblance, Timothée Chalamet has also honed his voice and singing to perform the songs himself. Apparently, the actor’s performance has wowed everyone. The supporting roles have also caught the attention of some online critics, which we list below.

Chalamet is joined by Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, and Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez. The screenplay is penned by Jay Cocks. This film marks director James Mangold’s return to the musical biopic genre, nearly 20 years after “Walk the Line.” That drama, which starred Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon (who won an Oscar for her role), revisited the early years of Johnny Cash.

A quick overview of the first reviews:

Clayton Davis (Variety): “Timothée Chalamet embodies Bob Dylan with an effortless yet focused determination. There are some mesmerizing moments. For me, it’s Monica Barbaro and Elle Fanning who anchor this story of an elusive, mysterious man who remains within that sphere. James Mangold directs with confidence, showcasing plenty of beautiful sets and costumes (…)“.

Scott Menzel (We Live Entertainment): “Timothée Chalamet delivers the performance of the year in ‘A Complete Unknown.’ A true ‘tour de force’ in which Chalamet completely disappears. His portrayal isn’t just about his voice or appearance but is filled with subtle nuances and gestures that bring this portrayal of Bob Dylan to life. Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez and Edward Norton as Pete Seeger are excellent in their supporting roles.”

David Poland (DP/30): “‘A Complete Unknown’ manages to tell us everything about Bob Dylan while revealing almost nothing about him. Some might say that’s the goal. The film speaks to the power of the individual and talent and how what we all want can change in an instant. Chalamet brings tremendous power to this portrait of a man who keeps leaving but also holds many surprises. Edward Norton is spot-on as Seeger. Monica Barbaro shows us a multifaceted Baez, from fire to ice. And Elle Fanning may be underestimated as being reduced to ‘the first girlfriend from New York.’ I really need to see it again to fully capture (…)“

Jeff Conway (Forbes Senior): “I continue to be very impressed by Timothée Chalamet. I was wonderfully lost in his portrayal of Bob Dylan. Not only does Timothée sound like Bob, but his posture, the haze in his eyes, and even his hands on the guitar are impeccable.”

Atom: “Definitely the drama of the year! Phenomenal. Timothée Chalamet is excellent. This will be one of the upcoming Oscar masterclasses from James Mangold. A very rewarding experience. This isn’t just another biopic; it’s one of the best films of all time.“

Hal Schwartz: “We were the first audience to see the film. The room received it very well. I loved everything about the film. The performances, the look, and of course, the music. It’s a must-see for any music fan.”

With such excellent feedback, “A Complete Unknown” seems well poised to join the Oscar race. As a reminder, in this role, Timothée Chalamet follows in the footsteps of Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Richard Gere, Heath Ledger, Ben Whishaw, and Marcus Carl Franklin, who all played a variant of Bob Dylan in Todd Haynes’ “I’m Not There” in 2007.

The plot of “A Complete Unknown” is set in early 1960s New York. Amid the bustling musical and cultural scene of the era, a mysterious 19-year-old man arrives in the West Village from his native Minnesota, armed with his guitar and extraordinary talent that will forever change the course of American music. As he forms close relationships during his rise to fame, he eventually feels suffocated by the folk movement and, refusing to be pigeonholed, makes a controversial choice that will have global repercussions…

The film by James Mangold will release in France on January 29, 2025.