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A Complete Unknown is an American biographical drama film written, produced and directed by James Mangold. It is based on the life and career of famed singer Bob Dylan and the 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric! by Elijah Wald. Produced by Searchlight Pictures, it was released on December 25, 2024.
Synopsis[]
Set in New York City during the early 1960s, 20-year-old Robert Zimmerman, better known as Bob Dylan, arrives on the scene and enters the world of folk music, changing the musical landscape forever.
Cast[]
- Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan
- Edward Norton as Pete Seeger
- Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo
- Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez
- Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash
- Dan Fogler as Albert Grossman
- Norbert Leo Butz as Alan Lomax
- Scoot McNairy as Woody Guthrie
- P. J. Byrne as Harold Leventhal
- Will Harrison as Bob Neuwirth
- Eriko Hatsune as Toshi Seeger
- Charlie Tahan as Al Kooper
- Ryan Harris Brown as Mark Spoelstra
- Eli Brown as Mike Bloomfield
- Big Bill Morganfield as Jesse Moffette
- Laura Kariuki as Mavis Staples
- Stephen Carter Carlsen as Paul Stookey
- Kayli Carter as Maria Muldaur
- Sarah King as Barbara Dane
- Alaina Surgener as Gena Russo
- Michael Chernus as Dave Van Ronk
Production[]
On January 6, 2020, it was announced that James Mangold had been hired to develop a biopic about the famed singer Bob Dylan for Searchlight Pictures, 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.[1]
On February 1, 2023, the film had been official retitled to 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.[2]
On May 15, 2023, Deadline reported that Elle Fanning had been cast as Sylvie Russo.[3] Benedict Cumberbatch had been originally cast to portray Pete Seeger, before scheduling conflicts prevented that from happening, with Edward Norton being recast for the role in January 2024.[4][5]
On March 25, 2024, Deadline reported additional castings for the film.[6]
On August 6, 2024, it was announced that the film was scheduled to be released on December 25, 2024.[7]
Videos[]
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- The original working title, Going Electric, is a reference to Bob Dylan's transition into electric music and him straying from the typical folk sound. The actual title, A Complete Unknown, is taken from his song "Like a Rolling Stone".
- Timothée Chalamet performed his own singing for the film.
- Edward Norton got to play Pete Seeger's actual Martin 12-string acoustic guitar.
- The character of Sylvie Russo is a stand-in for Suze Rotolo, at the request of Bob Dylan who wanted her life to remain private, despite her having long passed before the film entered production. Despite this, her characterization is more or less accurate to her relationship with Dylan at the time.
References[]
- ↑ James Mangold To Direct Timothée Chalamet As Bob Dylan In Searchlight Drama About Icon’s Move From Folk To Rock Music
- ↑ James Mangold Circling ‘Swamp Thing’ Film; Bob Dylan Pic Still Focus Following ‘Indiana Jones’ Sequel
- ↑ Elle Fanning Joins Timothée Chalamet In Searchlight Pictures’ ‘A Complete Unknown’
- ↑ Inside The Party As Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Bob Iger And Others Celebrate Launch Of Final ‘Indy’ Late Into The Night At Cannes Film Festival
- ↑ Edward Norton To Play Pete Seeger In James Mangold’s Bob Dylan Pic ‘A Complete Unknown’ As Benedict Cumberbatch Departs Due To Scheduling
- ↑ Searchlight’s ‘A Complete Unknown’ Adds Boyd Holbrook, Scoot McNairy, Dan Fogler, Will Harrison & Charlie Tahan
- ↑ Timothée Chalamet’s Bob Dylan Movie ‘A Complete Unknown’ Gets Christmas Release Date
