Get ready to experience the magic of music history with A Complete Unknown, the latest biopic spotlighting the legendary Bob Dylan, portrayed by the incredibly talented Timothée Chalamet. The anticipation has reached new heights following the recent release of the film's trailer, which showcases Chalamet not only stepping into Dylan's shoes but also performing some of his iconic songs.
Directed by James Mangold, known for his masterful storytelling, this film promises to delve into Dylan’s transformative early years and capture pivotal moments that shaped his career.
In this electrifying trailer, we see glimpses of Dylan's ascent from a young artist in Minnesota to a key figure in the West Village music scene, all while grappling with the cultural upheaval of the 1960s.
This is not just another music biopic; it aims to highlight the controversies surrounding Dylan's bold transition to electric instrumentation, a move that forever changed the landscape of popular music.
Curious to know more about the cast, behind-the-scenes insights, and the buzz surrounding this highly anticipated release? You’re in the right place! As we uncover more layers of this cinematic gem, keep your eyes peeled for updates—there’s so much more to discover in the world of Bob Dylan that you won’t want to miss!
Release date & Where to Watch
A Complete Unknown will have its exclusive theatrical premiere in the US on Christmas Day, ie, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024. UK audiences can catch the film a few weeks later, with a release date set for Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. Following its theatrical run, the biopic will be available for streaming on Hulu in early 2025.
Plot
Set in New York during the early 1960s, A Complete Unknown follows a 19-year-old Bob Dylan, played by Timothée Chalamet, as he arrives in the West Village with dreams of revolutionizing American music. Amid a vibrant music scene and cultural upheaval, Dylan navigates his rise to fame while developing significant relationships, including a complicated romance with Sylvie Russo (inspired by Suze Rotolo) and friendships with iconic figures like Joan Baez and Pete Seeger.
The film chronicles Dylan's pivotal moment at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, where he famously transitioned from folk to electric music, a move that sparked controversy but ultimately transformed popular culture. As he grapples with his identity and artistic choices, the narrative also touches on his interactions with other artists and the growing pains that accompany his ascent, including memorable moments like the infamous “Judas!” heckling at a Manchester concert.
The film captures Dylan's journey through legendary venues like Cafe Wha?? and Hotel Chelsea, showcasing his evolution as a musician and the impact of his groundbreaking performances.
Cast
- Timothée Chalamet (Call Me By Your Name, Dune, Wonka) as Bob Dylan
- Elle Fanning (The Great, Super 8, Somewhere, The Girl from Plainville) as Sylvie Russo
- Edward Norton (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Moonrise Kingdom, The People vs. Larry Flynt) as Pete Seeger
- Monica Barbaro (Chicago P.D., The Good Cop, Top Gun: Maverick) as folk music artist Joan Baez
- Boyd Holbrook (Logan) as Johnny Cash
- Norbert Leo Butz (Bloodline) as Alan Lomax
- Dan Fogler (Fantastic Beasts, Where to Find Them) as Albert Grossman
- Scoot McNairy (Speak No Evil) as Woody Guthrie
- P.J. Byrne (The Boys) as Harold Leventhal
- Will Harrison (Daisy Jones & the Six) as Bob Neuwirth
- Eriko Hatsune (Emperor) as Toshi Seeger
- Charlie Hold on (Ozark) as Al Kooper
- James Austin Johnson
- Michael Chernus as Dave Van Ronk
- Joe Tippett
- Kayli Carter as Maria Muldaur
- David H. Holmes as Folksinger 1
- Laura Kariuki as Mavis Staples
- Will Price as Paul Butterfield
- Eli Brown as Mike Bloomfield
Official Trailer
The trailer opens with Bob Dylan meeting Sylvie Russo, accompanied by “Girl from the North Country.” The trailer highlights Dylan's rise to fame and his romance with Joan Baez, culminating with “Like a Rolling Stone” as he transitions to electric guitar, creating waves in the music industry. Fans got a closer look at Chalamet’s transformation into Dylan as he performed several iconic songs. Watch the trailer below.
Searchlight Pictures released the first teaser trailer for A Complete Unknown on July 24, 2024. It opens with Pete Seeger introducing Dylan as he performs “A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall.” The montage showcases Dylan's relationships with Suze Rotolo (renamed Sylvie Russo) and Joan Baez, concluding with the melody of “Like a Rolling Stone.” The teaser highlights Dylan's evolution from a scruffy troubadour in Greenwich Village to a shades-wearing folk star, capturing the changing American landscape. Watch the teaser below.
Is Timothée Chalamet Recording his own Vocals for A Complete Unknown?
Yes, Timothée Chalamet is recording his own vocals for A Complete Unknown. In a December 2023 interview, he revealed that approximately 70% of the soundtrack had already been recorded at a studio in California under the supervision of music supervisor Nick Baxter.
Additionally, Chalamet shared that Bob Dylan's manager, Jeff Rosen, provided him with 12 hours of unreleased music from Dylan’s early years, specifically between 1959 and 1964. Chalamet humorously acknowledged that this might not sit well with some Bob Dylan fans, hinting at the weight of the material he is working with.
Production & Filming
Production for A Complete Unknown began in March 2024, recreating the iconic Woodstock festival across various locations in northern New Jersey.
Initially, filming was set to start in August 2023, but delays caused by the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes pushed the timeline back indefinitely. After the delays, set photos of Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan surfaced online, capturing the excitement surrounding the biopic. You can watch them below.
Director James Mangold confirmed the start of production by sharing his own images from the set. Filming wrapped up in early July 2024.
Behind the Scenes
A Complete Unknown is directed by James Mangold, who co-wrote the screenplay with Jay Cocks, based on Elijah Wald's book Dylan Goes Electric!.
In addition to directing, Mangold is producing the film alongside a talented team, including Fred Berger (La La Land), Alex Heineman (Non-Stop), and others. Timothée Chalamet also serves as a producer, marking his second production credit after Bones & All.
The film's production design is led by François Audouy, a frequent collaborator with Mangold, having worked on Logan and Ford v Ferrari, as well as recent hits like Jurassic World and Ghostbusters: Afterlife.
Written by ODD Balls
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