A Complete Unknown

Timothée Chalamet excels as Bob Dylan in an absorbing biopic that charts the iconic singer/songwriter's early career, with a dash of dramatic licence. The narrative follows the aspiring musician's arrival in New York in 1961, continues through his burgeoning success and popularity, and culminates four years later when Dylan incurred the wrath of folk purists by "going electric". Director James Mangold and co-screenwriter Jay Cocks take a few liberties with events, times and names, but nonetheless paint an evocative portrait of a superstar in the making and his growing disenchantment with fame, thanks to a compelling, layered portrayal by Chalamet. The actor projects his subject's physicality and speech patterns perfectly, and especially impresses in his performances of the generation-defining songs, eloquently capturing the essence of Dylan. In a strong supporting cast, Edward Norton stands out as Pete Seeger, the folk music traditionalist and civil rights activist who became Dylan's most important mentor. He superbly conveys conflict and heartbreak as his role in the singer's ascent to the A-list shifts from proud father figure to reluctant adversary.