Words by Zak Wheelan

A Complete Unknown is based on real life and tells the story of a legendary artist named Bob Dylan. The film focuses on the early part of Dylan’s life, specifically after his move to New York. This choice reflects the nature of the story: Dylan reinventing himself and arriving as a completely unknown individual.

The film follows his journey from his arrival in New York to his controversial performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. Dylan hitchhikes his way to New York in hopes of meeting his musical idol, Woody Guthrie. However, he finds that Guthrie is in a hospital. When Dylan visits him there, Woody’s close friend Pete is also present. Dylan performs a song dedicated to Woody, impressing them both. Pete then invites Dylan to stay with his family for a while, which marks the beginning of his journey in the city.

The main theme of the film seems to be the thin line between fame and artistic freedom. Throughout the movie, we see Dylan trapped in a metaphorical cage—one that prevents him from changing or experimenting creatively. The expectations placed on him by fans and the music industry weigh heavily on his shoulders. Eventually, the pressure to remain the same clashes with his growing desire for artistic evolution. This culminates in his decision to go electric, a move that causes an uproar, especially within the folk scene. Many fans, particularly those at the Newport Folk Festival, were furious. But in that moment—free from the burden of pleasing the industry or the audience—Dylan finds true creative freedom.

The film also explores Dylan’s love life, particularly his relationships with Sylvie and Joan Baez. He first develops a romance with Sylvie. As their relationship blossoms, it highlights Dylan’s charm but also his emotional detachment and resistance to commitment.

SPOILER ALERT:
Dylan ends up cheating on Sylvie with fellow musician Joan Baez. Though Sylvie doesn’t know at first, her suspicions grow quickly, sensing there’s more to Dylan and Baez’s relationship than just music.

I personally think this movie is excellent. While it’s a fictionalized of Bob Dylan’s life, it touches on many realistic and relatable themes—particularly the constraints of fame and the struggle for authenticity. It serves as a reminder that the road to greatness is often paved with hardship, pressure, and expectations—and it’s rarely all sunshine and rainbows.

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