A Complete Unknown - Film Review

Sometimes it really does take years to make a great work of art. Four years? To make a film?

In 2020, before the corona virus, we were told that Timothy Chalamet was going to play Bob Dylan in a film about the period 1961-65. But first, there was Covid, and then Timothy was busy in the desert with Dune.. The four years delay gave him time to learn to play guitar, and sing like the young Bob Dylan. Time well spent.

Now in Sapporo cinemas (Frontier, Factory, Toho), we can see Chalamet's miraculous performance in

A Complete Unknown. It really is a remarkable film. We are taken back to New York in the early 1960s: Folk music clubs, Civil Rights struggles, a more simple time. The pace of life was slower; song lyrics had a meaning, some depth, audiences wanted to listen (not just hold their phones);  there was hope that society could be changed for the good of everyone. Absolutely no sign of cynicism anywhere. Americans had a President (Kennedy) that they could believe in.

And then there was Dylan, touched by a divine presence, creating the most original song lyrics, changing pop and rock music forever. Chalamet is so convincing that you almost forget we are watching a performance. Wait a minute! Is he Bob Dylan? Is this some kind of surreal documentary?

There are many things to admire in the film: the photography, the four leading actors, the scenario writing, the sets and the design, all wonderful.. But above all, we are reminded of the songwriting of Dylan. Chalamet sings 26 songs in the film, almost every one is moving and powerful. (We suggest you bring a packet of tissues to the cinema;  the Brisco tissue box was almost empty at the end of the film). Who said Dylan does not have a gift for melody?

The film can be enjoyed on many levels: history, romance, drama, musical.. But at its centre is Timothy Chalamet, bringing home to us something of the genius of Bob Dylan.