First ‘A Complete Unknown’ reactions praise Timothée Chalamet and Monica Barbaro
James Mangold’s “A Complete Unknown,” starring Timothée Chalamet as young Bob Dylan in early 1960s New York City, has formally entered the Oscar race after its first screening for critics. Initial reactions from members of the press who saw the film have been positive, with particular praise going to Chalamet’s performance as well as Monica Barbaro’s as Joan Baez. Its positive reception helps clear the path for Chalamet’s expected Best Actor nomination.
“Timothée Chalamet slides into Bob Dylan with an effortless yet focused determination in A COMPLETE UNKNOWN. Fearless in some hypnotic moments,” Variety’s Clayton Davis wrote on X. “For me, it’s Monica Barbaro and Elle Fanning that anchor the story of an illusive, mysterious man that remains in that sphere. James Mangold helms with confidence, with gorgeous sets and costumes. Much respect to one of the best to do it.”
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“Not a fan of folk music and A Complete Unknown is superb and shockingly moving,” The Playlist’s Gregory Ellwood wrote on X. “Timothee is fantastic. Monica Barbaro is incredible. We need a Joan Baez spin-off movie.”
“A Complete Unknown manages to tell us everything about Bob Dylan while telling us almost nothing about Bob Dylan,” journalist David Poland wrote. “Some would say that was the target. The movie is ultimately about the power of the individual and talent and how what we all want can turn on a dime, repeatedly. Chalamet brings enormous power to this portrait of a man who just keeps leaving but then also keeps delivering surprises. Edward Norton’s turn is perfectly true to Seeger. Monica Barbero delivers a Baez of many facets, from fire to ice. And Elle Fanning is destined to be underrated in a complex turn as ‘the first NY girlfriend.’ I really need to see it again to fully negotiate all that is there and all that is not there by design.”
“Wow, #ACompleteUnknown,” Variety’s Jazz Tangcay wrote. “Timothée Chalamet’s performance in this is superior. James Mangold and his entire team pull off a technical feat from sound, editing, costume, cinematography to production design, down to the subtleties of makeup and hair. Loved it.”
The official review embargo for “A Complete Unknown” lifts on Dec. 10. The film opens in theaters on Dec. 25.
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