Robert Zimmerman, better known as Bob Dylan, has been singing and songwriting for over 60 years. He’s released 55 albums, over 600 songs and been awarded an Oscar, multiple Grammys, the Presidential Medal of Freedom as well as a Noble Prize for Literature . Love him or hate him , you cannot deny that he is one of the most influential individuals of pop culture.  So, when I heard that James Mangold was directing a biopic on Mr. Dylan I thought, ” Wow, THAT’s  ambitious – about as ambitious as a remake of ‘Dune’ …”. Both ambitious works star the exquisitely gifted and broad ranged  Timothée Chalamet . This young actor  keeps getting better and better. 

My maternal and cinematic leanings have led me to relish observing Timothée mature and self develop within the art form of film . Starting with a minor role in ” Interstellar ” followed by ” Call Me by My Name “, then” Dune ”   and ” Wonka”  and now channeling Dylan so flawlessly he is sure to garner an Oscar .” A Complete Unknown ” focuses on the 1961-1964 Dylan years , culminating in the concert ( and Dylan’s choice) that divided 60’s music and its audiences into oppositional philosophies . That night,  Dylan became the counter to counterculture . At 2 hours and 20 min , the film doesn’t feel overlong, although the story does occasionally sputter in the dramatic sequences . Described as a biopic , not all details are factual , nor is this an origin story . Mangold blends the timeline of events – both in Dylan’s life and sociopolitically  – but this does not detract from the spirit of the script , and this film is all about that – the spirit , the essence that was Dylan. Chalamet’s   portrayal of this counterculture icon is astounding but it is Ed Norton as Pete Seeger that will really blow you away . If you truly want to appreciate how good Ed Norton is , watch a couple Pete Seeger YouTube videos before you see the movie ; I had forgotten was Seeger was like . As good as Chalamet is –  Ed Norton portrays Pete Seeger’s lofty goals , patronly love and gentle character in a perfect and effortless manner . Monica Barbaro’s dulcet soprano impeccably channels Joan Baez ; Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash is all grit and swagger and the icing on the cake . 

If , over time this film eventually fades into oblivion, I hope that for the present moment  it awakens the curiosity of Gen Z ‘s and maybe even the Alphas’ hearts and minds to Google on their ever present cell phones ” who is Bob Dylan ???”  and discover the impact and magic of this  enigmatic icon – this leader of 60 ‘s counterculture, this musical and lyrical genius . I doubt they’ll find the answer – none of us have – but then at least to them , like to us boomers,  he will not remain a complete unknown . 

4.5/5.   Mostly diamonds , little rust 😉