| Director: | James Mangold |
| Cinematography: | Phedon Papamichael |
| Distributor: | Searchlight Pictures |
| Runtime: | 141 minutes[1] |
| Country: | United States |
| Language: | English |
A Complete Unknown is an upcoming American biographical drama film directed by James Mangold, who co-wrote the screenplay with Jay Cocks. Based on the 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric! Newport, Seeger, Dylan, and the Night That Split the Sixties by Elijah Wald, the film revolves around the controversy surrounding the switch to electrically amplified instrumentation by Bob Dylan. Timothée Chalamet (who also produces) stars as Dylan, with Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro, Boyd Holbrook, and Scoot McNairy in supporting roles. The film's title is derived from lyrics in Dylan's 1965 single "Like a Rolling Stone".
A Complete Unknown is scheduled to be released in the United States by Searchlight Pictures on December 25, 2024.
It was announced in January 2020 that James Mangold would be writing and directing a biopic about Bob Dylan, specifically centered on the controversy surrounding his switch to electric guitars, with Timothée Chalamet cast as Dylan. At this time, the film was referred to as Going Electric. By October, cinematographer Phedon Papamichael stated that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic had put the project into doubt. Chalamet regardless spent time researching Dylan during the pandemic, visiting former homes of Dylan in New York City and consulting director Joel Coen during this time. Mangold had also met with Dylan about the film, and stated that he annotated the script while also providing notes to Chalamet. In an October 2023 interview, Chalamet stated he was working with the same team of vocal and movement coaches that worked with Austin Butler for his performance in Elvis (2022).
In November 2022, Chalamet stated he was still attached to the film and actively preparing for it, the project having gained momentum again after stalling. In February 2023, the film was officially titled A Complete Unknown, and it was stated that Mangold would begin work on the project following his obligations to Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Monica Barbaro would enter final negotiations to portray Joan Baez in April. In May, Elle Fanning was cast to play Sylvie Russo, a character based on Suze Rotolo,[2] with Mangold announcing Benedict Cumberbatch would be portraying Pete Seeger in the film. Barbaro would also be confirmed for her role, beginning singing and guitar lessons to prepare. Mangold would state in July that the film was not necessarily focused on being a Dylan biopic, but an ensemble drama in the vein of Robert Altman. Boyd Holbrook and Nick Offerman would also join the cast in that time. In October, P.J. Byrne was noted as being amongst the cast. In January 2024, Edward Norton was revealed to portray the role of Seeger, replacing Cumberbatch who left due to scheduling issues. Additional casting was announced in March.[3]
In April 2023, Mangold stated that principal photography would likely begin in August 2023 in New York City and Montreal, but filming was postponed in July due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. By early 2024, filming was scheduled to begin in late March 2024, and was expected to occur throughout New Jersey, with scenes set in New York City being filmed in Jersey City.[4] Filming eventually began on March 16. Production wrapped by late June 2024.[5] [2] [6] During the three months of principal photography for A Complete Unknown, Edward Norton said that Chalamet was "relentless" in staying immersed in his role as Dylan, not having contact with friends or visitors on set.[7] As part of Chalamet's method acting, he would be referred to as "Bob Dylan" on the set call sheet rather than his real name.[8]
In July 2024, a teaser trailer was released.[9] [10] The official trailer was released in October.[11] The film will premiere in the United States on December 25, 2024 and in the United Kingdom on January 17, 2025.[12] [13]
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Nominee(s) | Result | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollywood Music in Media Awards | November 20, 2024 | Song – Onscreen Performance (Film) | "Blowin' in the Wind" – Timothée Chalamet | [14] | ||
| Music Supervision – Film | Steven Gizicki | |||||
| Music Themed Film, Biopic or Musical | James Mangold, Fred Berger, Bob Bookman, Timothée Chalamet, and Alan Gasmer | |||||
| Gotham Awards | December 2, 2024 | Visionary Tribute | Timothée Chalamet and James Mangold | [15] | ||
| Astra Film Awards | December 8, 2024 | Best Actor | Timothée Chalamet | [16] | ||
| Palm Springs International Film Festival | January 3, 2025 | Chairman's Award | [17] | |||
| AARP Movies for Grownups Awards | January 11, 2025 | Best Picture | A Complete Unknown | [18] | ||
| Best Director | James Mangold | |||||
| Best Screenwriter | James Mangold and Jay Cocks | |||||
| Best Ensemble | Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro, and Boyd Holbrook | |||||
| Best Time Capsule | A Complete Unknown | |||||
| Santa Barbara International Film Festival | February 11, 2025 | Arlington Artist of the Year | Timothée Chalamet | [19] |