The first reactions to A Complete Unknown praise Timothée Chalamet for his portrayal of Bob Dylan.
Set in 1961, A Complete Unknown is the story of Dylan’s ascension from a young musician in New York City to an iconic singer-songwriter, culminating with his controversial performance with electric instruments that changed the music forever.
Besides Chalamet, A Complete Unknown stars Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro, Boyd Holbrook, Dan Fogler, Norbert Leo Butz and Scoot McNairy.
James Mangold directs A Complete Unknown from a screenplay he co-wrote with Jay Cocks. Searchlight Pictures will release the biopic in theaters on December 25, 2024.
What did the A Complete Unknown reactions say?
The first reactions for A Complete Unknown have hit social media following a screening in Los Angeles on November 20.
Critic Scott Menzel called Chalamet’s turn as Dylan the “performance of the year” and a “true tour-de-force.” Menzel also praised the “great supporting performances” from Barbaro and Norton.
Variety’s Clayton Davis said Chalamet “slides into Bob Dylan with an effortless yet focused determination.” Davis mentioned that Barbaro and Fanning are the ones who “anchor the story.”
The Playlist’s Gregory Ellwood wrote, “Not a fan of folk music and A Complete Unknown is superb and shockingly moving. Timothee is fantastic. Monica Barbaro is incredible. We need a Joan Baez spin off movie.”
Entertainment journalist Scott Mantz said Chalamet is “terrific” in the film, backed by Mangold’s “superb” direction. “Great music & great performances by Elle Fanning and Monica Barbaro,” wrote Mantz.
Producer Hal Schwartz said, “Was incredibly fortunate to see #ACompleteUnknown tonight at Fox. We were the very first audience to see the film. Fantastic response. I absolutely loved everything about it. The performances, the look, and obviously the music. It is a must see for any music fan.”
