A complete unknown– with Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan – is new in cinemas. How do critics react to the biopic about the film icon?

A complete unknown– a track inspired by the lyrics of Dylan’s classic hit Like a rolling stone– hits theaters nationwide on Christmas Day.

The film’s logline reads: “In 1961, unknown 19-year-old Bob Dylan arrives in New York City with his guitar. During his meteoric rise, he forges relationships with Greenwich Village music icons, culminating in a groundbreaking performance that resonates worldwide.”

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Directed by James Mangold, the screenplay for A complete unknown was written by Mangold and Jay Cocks and based on Elijah Wald’s book Dylan goes electric! Newport, Seeger, Dylan and the night that divided the sixties.

A complete unknown Also starring are Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash, Scoot McNairy as Woody Guthrie, and Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo – a portrayal of Dylan’s former real-life girlfriend, Suze Rotolo.

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Rotten tomatoes Critics have so far given common ground A complete unknown a 79% “fresh” rating based on 163 reviews.

The RT Critics consensus for A complete unknown reads: “Charged by Timothée Chalamet’s electrifying performance, this ballad from Bob Dylan may not get under the enigmatic artist’s skin, but it will leave you feeling like you’ve spent time in his company.”

A complete unknown also received a “fresh” rating of 95% RTs Popcorn meter based on over 250 reviews.

How do individual critics react to “a completely unknown”?

Leonard Maltin is one of the top critics Rotten tomatoes who gives A complete unknown a “fresh” review. On his official website, Maltin writes: “Will younger people identify with this picture or even be interested in its main characters?” I can’t predict this, but I know when I’ve seen a beautifully crafted period piece. This is my favorite film of the year.”

Richard Roeper from the Chicago Sun Times also exists A complete unknown a “fresh” review too RTwrites: “Timothée Chalamet delivers an Oscar-worthy performance in one of the best films of 2024.”

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In his “fresh” review on RT: Los Angeles Times Critic Joshua Rothkopf makes some pointed comments about Bob Dylan, writing: “Superfans won’t necessarily love this. It’s a film made with love, but also with the wisdom that visionaries can sometimes be idiots.”

Candice Frederick is one of the film’s critics RTwrites in her “lazy” review for the HuffPost“A complete unknown It never feels like a big movie and certainly not a biopic. Rather, it seems like a subpar, realistic fan fiction.”

Odie Henderson from the Boston Globe also exists A complete unknown a “bad” review that says, “When it comes to fleshing out these characters, we get nonsense.” Baez gives Dylan a word that starts with “a” and ends with “hole,” and that’s it the only personality trait that characterizes Chalamet’s portrayal.”

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The New Yorker Critic Richard Brody is not a fan A complete unknown Either he writes in his “bad” review on RT: “This type of performance is essentially stunt work, and this also applies to the non-musical mimicry that goes with it.” However, since the film emphasizes the public faces of the characters also in the private sphere , it does not require real emotional depth and variety of expression.”

A complete unknown is already an awards season contender, earning Best Picture nominations at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, as well as Best Actress nominations from both organizations for Timothée Chalamet.

Rated R, A complete unknown hits theaters nationwide on Christmas Day.

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