By Sophia Madeb, Staff Writer
There was a moment in time when silence was not an option. The world was painted with bold strokes of peace and protest. Highlighted by revolution and rebellion. Defined and identified with movement and music. Every song, every lyric and every voice framed a perfect difference. A counterculture. Within this whirlwind of change, one voice stood out. With a harmonica and a dream, he used music as both a weapon and a shield, giving hope to a restless generation.
Released in December 2024, A Complete Unknown stars Timothee Chalamet as the sharp-witted Bob Dylan, skillfully capturing the singer’s profound influence on music and American culture.
The film takes the audience through the enigmatic life of American singer-songwriter Robert Zimmerman, better known as Bob Dylan. While Dylan achieved multiple milestones throughout his career, the film focuses only on his rise to success and his transition from folk to rock music, demonstrating how both genres contributed to the cultural transformation of 1960s America.
Set in the dynamic heart of 1960s New York City, the film immerses viewers in a world awakening with creativity, from dimly lit underground clubs to ambient coffeehouses where folk singers like Joan Baez and Dylan found their start to fame. Through remarkable cinematography and intricate set design, the film frames a clear portrait of the cosmopolitan city that intertwines with the beautiful era of transition into counterculture.
One of the elements that truly brought this era to life on-screen was the costume design, particularly with Dylan’s love interest, Sylvie Russo. Women like Russo, who were deeply involved in activism, whether political, social or cultural, expressed their defiance and beliefs through fashion. The film’s choice to dress her in Bohemian-style long wool coats, thick decorative scarves and earthy-toned fabrics was not just a rejection of mainstream fashion but a whole new statement of individuality. It highlighted how clothing can be an extension of one’s value, a form of self-expression or a gateway to originality and creativity.
Despite the New York setting, some of the most compelling scenes take place at the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island, a gathering that sought to unite people through music. At Newport, it did not matter who stood in front of you, behind you, or even beside you. Everyone was there for a common reason: the music and the musician. The festival embodied pure, unfiltered appreciation for art. While nowadays music festivals and concerts often feel centered around flashy outfits, overpriced merchandise and tickets to show off on social media, the film serves as a reminder of a time when people simply lived in the moment, fully present in the gift of music.
The film brilliantly conveys that the 1960s was a period of immense change in every aspect, socially, politically and musically. Folk music, one of the pillars of American culture, relied on poetic storytelling to uplift and comfort people in times of hardship. Its lyrics spoke of resilience and the beauty of nature, offering hope. In contrast, rock music symbolizes rebellion, its raw energy and charged lyrics, resonating deeply with a generation frustrated by social, political and economic injustices. Dylan recognized that folk music was the past, and the beautiful thing about the past is that it has passed; it has become nostalgia. The future, like Dylan’s ambiguous character, is totally unknown. There is so much to discover; an eternal door of opportunity wide open for revolution, leading the way to change and innovation toward a better tomorrow.
A Complete Unknown beautifully captures Bob Dylan’s life and the profound impact his music had on American culture. It explores the power of music itself and how it serves as a catalyst for change. If you enjoy American history or films about legendary musicians, this is one to add to your watchlist.
Photo Caption: Bob Dylan
Photo Credit: The White House