ALEXIS POULSEN
QLD Area Manager
Limelight Cinemas
AS 2025 kicks off, anticipation builds for a blockbuster year of films.
Starting with A Complete Unknown, the forthcoming Bob Dylan biopic, releases this January and all eyes are on Timothée Chalamet, who steps into the formidable shoes of one of the most influential figures in music history.
Directed by James Mangold, the film promises to delve into Dylan’s transformation from an unknown folk singer to a cultural icon, capturing his pivotal journey during the early 1960s.
Chalamet, known for his performances in films like Call Me By Your Name, Wonka and Dune, takes on the challenge of portraying a living legend whose mystique and artistry has captivated generations.
Early glimpses of Chalamet as Dylan suggest not only a physical resemblance but also a deep commitment to embodying the artist’s mannerisms, voice and essence. His casting marks another milestone in his meteoric rise, solidifying his status as one of the most versatile actors of his generation.
Adding to the acting ensemble are Edward Norton and Elle Fanning, whose roles support the film’s exploration of Dylan’s life and relationships.
Norton, a seasoned performer known for his nuanced portrayals, is set to Pete Seeger in Dylan’s professional life, while Fanning brings her own brand of charisma to the story, portraying Dylan’s muse, girlfriend and confidante. Together, this stellar ensemble creates a dynamic backdrop for Chalamet’s performance.
Director James Mangold, no stranger to biographical storytelling (Walk the Line), has emphasised that the film is not merely a retelling of Dylan’s greatest hits but a deep dive into his psyche, motivations and the cultural turbulence of the time.
With Mangold’s keen eye for emotional resonance and historical authenticity, A Complete Unknown is poised to be both an intimate character study and a vivid portrait of a transformative era in American music.
Music lovers and cinephiles alike are already abuzz with speculation on the film’s performances.
Will Chalamet’s portrayal capture the mercurial spirit of Dylan, whose poetic lyrics and refusal to be boxed into any one genre have defined his career? How will the film balance the myth and the man?
And, perhaps most importantly, how will it resonate with audiences who know Dylan as both a voice of a generation and a fiercely private individual?
With its star-studded cast, a director well-versed in biopic storytelling, and the enduring allure of Bob Dylan’s legacy, A Complete Unknown has all the ingredients to become a landmark cinematic experience.
Whether you’re a lifelong Dylan fan or a newcomer to his work, this film is poised to remind us why he remains one of the most fascinating figures in music history.
Mark your calendars, and get ready to witness Timothée Chalamet stepping into the spotlight as one of music’s greatest icons.
A Complete Unknown releases at Limelight Cinemas from January 23 with screenings in newly refurbished Gold and XD cinemas.