A Complete Unknown: Bob Dylan and Timothée Chalamet

It may not be immediately apparent, but Bob Dylan and Timothée Chalamet may both be very well known and also a complete unknown depending on the generation. To my parents generation, the boomers, Bob Dylan is quiet relevant. In fact, my theater was filled with an audience consisting of people mostly between the ages of 50 to 75, and yet there were plenty of people in their late 20's to 40's in attendance as well. I fall into the latter demographic and was familiar with Bob Dylan, knew some of his songs, but never explored the extent of his catalogue. The boomer generation may not be familiar with Timothée, and the younger generation may not be familiar with Bob, but after this performance, both will be well known by all.

Timothée took a big risk taking on this role. A role I believe is required to solidify ones self as a superior actor, worthy of Hollywood's praise. Within the first scene with him on screen, any unease is put to rest. Timothée is able to harness Bob Dylan's energy and mystique while not mimicking or impersonating him directly. Scene after scene, Timothée the actor would dissipate and I was only seeing Bob. It is quite impressive that he learned to play the guitar and harmonica for this role and makes it appear as if he's been playing all his life.

The strong performances don't end there. Edward Norton plays Pete Seeger in an almost meta way. The parallels of his passion for Bob Dylan, yet playing Seeger, must have had similar experiences seeing the lead role go to a younger, up and coming superstar. Monica Barbaro (Joan Baez ) and Elle Fanning (Sylvie Russo) are fantastic as the two woman trying to hold on to that rolling stone. Boyd Holbrook does an incredibly convincing Johnny Cash, considering a whole feature was perviously, masterfully done by Joaquin Phoenix.

The structure of the film is both similar to standard music biopics, and yet feels quite unique in focusing only on a specific part of Dylan's career as oppose to seeing the rise and "fall" of his musical journey. After each musical performance on screen, I felt compelled to clap and cheer as if I was in the crowd where Dylan was performing. The lyrics and guitar work are inspirational. The calm, genuine nature of his music is quite refreshing compared to the fast paced, often completely electronic sound in today's popular hits. Ironic considering the themes of the film. Yet, his evolution of style and approach undoubtedly led us to the music of today, not being bound to a singular genre.

Whether you were familiar or a fan of Dylan's career, I can assure you this film will send you down a rabbit hole of discovery. If you were familiar or a fan of Chalamet's career, I can assure you this film will make you a believer, in what some might call the Lisan al Gaib (or the chosen one) to save Hollywood from mediocracy, similar to what Bob Dylan did for music. As Dylan says in the movie, "I hope you think it's good. It's gotta be good for somebody".