The Big Picture: 'A Complete Unknown' Is a Bob Dylan Movie. How Does It Feel?

Hosts: Sean Fennessy, Chris Vernon, and Mallory Rubin
Episode Release Date: December 24, 2024
Podcast: The Big Picture by The Ringer

1. Introduction to 'A Complete Unknown'

Timestamp: [02:04]

Sean Fennessy opens the discussion by introducing 'A Complete Unknown', a new docudrama directed by James Mangold. The film explores a pivotal period in Bob Dylan's life from 1961 to 1965, culminating in his electric transformation in New York. Timothee Chalamet stars as Bob Dylan, bringing a fresh interpretation to the iconic musician.

2. Anticipation and Concerns About the Movie

Timestamp: [02:34]

Sean expresses his apprehensions about the film, highlighting his deep fandom for Bob Dylan:

Sean Fennessy [02:34]: "Listeners of this show know that I have been deeply concerned about this movie for some time. And I'm a huge Bob Dylan fan."

Mallory Rubin echoes these sentiments, describing Dylan as a central figure in her life and admitting her initial nervousness about the portrayal.

3. Timothee Chalamet's Portrayal of Bob Dylan

Timestamp: [05:14]

Chris Vernon praises Chalamet's performance, noting his dedication to embodying Dylan without falling into the pitfalls seen in other biopics like 'Walk the Line' and 'Bohemian Rhapsody':

Chris Vernon [05:16]: "I never had a doubt. First of all, for a complete unknown... Timothee Chalamet was uncanny and unbelievable as Bob Dylan in a way."

Sean adds that Chalamet's performance is so compelling that it moved him emotionally:

Sean Fennessy [15:23]: "There were a couple of times where I just, like, burst into tears while they were singing, where I was just like, this is incredible."

4. Film’s Focus on Music Over Character Depth

Timestamp: [15:00]

Sean critiques the movie's emphasis on musical performances at the expense of deeper character exploration:

Sean Fennessy [15:00]: "Does it even try to interrogate the interiority of Bob Dylan at all."

Mallory agrees, stating that while the performances are mesmerizing, the film lacks substantial development of Dylan's relationships and personal struggles.

5. Key Scenes and Musical Performances

Timestamp: [25:09]

The hosts delve into standout moments from the film, particularly highlighting performances like 'It Ain't Me Babe' and 'The Times They Are A-Changing':

Mallory Rubin [27:39]: "And the piece of paper, the scrap of paper that she found with a verse from that song... those parts were very emotionally impactful."

Chris appreciates the film's ability to showcase Dylan's creative process:

Chris Vernon [10:13]: "I found himself basically, like, unmoved the entire film. Never itching, never being like, when is this over?"

6. Comparison to Other Dylan Documentaries and Films

Timestamp: [10:13]

The discussion compares 'A Complete Unknown' to Martin Scorsese’s 'No Direction Home' and Todd Haynes's 'I'm Not There'. While 'No Direction Home' offers an in-depth documentary perspective, 'A Complete Unknown' opts for a more straightforward narrative focusing on music rather than personal introspection.

7. Director James Mangold’s Approach

Timestamp: [18:11]

Mallory shares insights from a panel with Director James Mangold, who emphasized that the film isn't about dissecting Dylan's enigmatic persona but rather celebrating his music:

Mallory Rubin [18:11]: "He really pushed back against the idea that the film is about the fact that Bob Dylan is an enigma."

Sean appreciates Mangold’s commitment to showcasing Dylan’s artistry without succumbing to cliché biopic formulas.

8. Overall Impressions and Ratings

Timestamp: [76:50]

The hosts provide their final thoughts on the film. Chris Vernon enjoys the movie despite initial reservations, while Mallory describes it as hypnotic and engrossing, though not fitting the traditional definition of a "movie." Sean praises the film for honoring Dylan's legacy and anticipates its critical acclaim.

Mallory Rubin [73:06]: "I just found it like so engrossing. Really, like hypnotic."

Sean Fennessy [75:38]: "It is a complicated film with a lot of strong ideas."

9. Oscar Potential and Industry Impact

Timestamp: [57:14]

Sean speculates on the movie’s chances at the Oscars, highlighting Timothee Chalamet’s outstanding performance as a potential award-winning aspect:

Sean Fennessy [61:30]: "Like, I think he's gonna win best Actor. I think he is now just fully confirmed as the movie star of his generation."

The hosts discuss the film's resonance with both contemporary audiences and Dylan aficionados, suggesting it could perform well during awards season.

10. Closing Remarks and Additional Recommendations

Timestamp: [85:33]

As the podcast wraps up, the hosts recommend additional Bob Dylan-related films and documentaries, including 'Llewyn Davis' and documentaries like 'Masked and Anonymous'. They reflect on Dylan's enduring influence on music and culture.

Sean Fennessy [87:42]: "If you like Bob Dylan's music, you will love it."

Notable Quotes

• Sean Fennessy [02:34]: "I have been deeply concerned about this movie for some time. And I'm a huge Bob Dylan fan."

• Chris Vernon [05:16]: "Timothee Chalamet was uncanny and unbelievable as Bob Dylan in a way."

• Sean Fennessy [15:23]: "This is incredible."

• Mallory Rubin [27:39]: "Those parts were very emotionally impactful."

• Chris Vernon [10:13]: "I found myself basically, like, unmoved the entire film."

• Sean Fennessy [61:30]: "I think he's gonna win best Actor."

Conclusion

'A Complete Unknown' successfully captures the essence of Bob Dylan's transformative years, primarily through Timothee Chalamet's compelling performance and the film's rich musical tapestry. While it may lack deeper character exploration, its celebration of Dylan's music and legacy resonates strongly with fans and newcomers alike. The hosts highly recommend the film for its emotional impact and faithful homage to one of music's greatest icons.