Bob Dylan goes electric!
Written by Mariane Tremblay
Based on Elijah Wald’s 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric! Newport, Seeger, Dylan, and the Night That Split the Sixties, A Complete Unknown is a biographical drama that explores the life of American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Much like the book, the film delves into the infamous controversy surrounding Dylan’s shift to electrically amplified instrumentation.
For those unfamiliar with the so-called "electric controversy," it refers to the backlash Dylan faced in the 1960s when he transitioned from acoustic folk — where he was hailed as a hero of the folk movement — to an electrified rock sound. This pivotal moment culminated at the Newport Folk Festival on July 25, 1965, when Dylan performed an electric set featuring songs like Maggie’s Farm and Like a Rolling Stone. The reaction was divisive: some fans booed, accusing him of betraying folk traditions, while others celebrated his innovative leap forward.
A Complete Unknown follows the standard formula of a biopic, briefly touching on Dylan’s early career before zooming in on this transformative chapter. However, the film struggles to provide meaningful insights into the legendary singer-songwriter. For those unfamiliar with Dylan, this film does little to serve as an introduction, and at times, its narrative may leave viewers feeling disoriented — making the title feel, perhaps unintentionally, all too apt.
Timothée Chalamet delivers a captivating performance, fully embodying Dylan’s distinct essence, and the fact that he sang the songs himself adds to the authenticity of the portrayal. However, the film struggles to leave a lasting impression on the audience. Its 140-minute runtime feels excessive at times, and the pacing often feels uneven, causing moments of disengagement. Still, I’ll admit the film achieved one thing: it sparked my curiosity about the man behind the music.
A Complete Unknown is currently playing in theaters and will be available on video-on-demand platforms throughout February. Recognized by the American Film Institute and the National Board of Review as one of the top ten films of 2024, it remains a notable, if imperfect, exploration of a music legend.
Photo credits : Searchlight Pictures
Review previoulsy posted on Reviews By Mar on January 16, 2025
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