A Complete Unknown is a 2024 American biographical musical drama film about the life of singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, directed by James Mangold. The film is based on the book *Dylan Goes Electric!* by Elijah Wald and spans Dylan's early folk music success through the controversy surrounding his use of electric instruments at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. Timothée Chalamet stars as Dylan, alongside a supporting cast including Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, and others. The film draws its title from Dylan's 1965 single "Like a Rolling Stone" and depicts the pivotal moment in Dylan's career when he transitioned from acoustic folk music to electric rock, causing a stir among his fans and critics.
1961: Dylan's Arrival in New York
In 1961, Bob Dylan moved to New York City, where he met Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, and began his rise in the folk music scene. He also met and began a relationship with Sylvie Russo.
1965: Dylan's Transition to Electric Music
In 1965, Bob Dylan began experimenting with electric instruments, causing concern among folk music purists, particularly the Newport Folk Festival organizers.
1965: Dylan's Controversial Electric Performance
In 1965, Bob Dylan sparked controversy by using electric instruments at the Newport Folk Festival, a key event depicted in "A Complete Unknown."
2005: Release of Walk the Line
James Mangold's previous music biopic, "Walk the Line," was released in 2005.
2015: Publication of Dylan Goes Electric!
The book "Dylan Goes Electric!" by Elijah Wald, which served as a basis for the film "A Complete Unknown," was published in 2015.
January 2020: Mangold to Direct Dylan Biopic
In January 2020, James Mangold was announced as the director of a Bob Dylan biopic, with Timothée Chalamet cast as Dylan.
November 2022: Chalamet Reaffirms Involvement
In November 2022, Timothée Chalamet confirmed his continued attachment to the Dylan biopic.
2022: Release of Elvis
The film "Elvis," which influenced Chalamet's preparation for his role as Dylan, was released in 2022.
February 2023: Film Title Announced
The film's title, "A Complete Unknown," was officially announced in February 2023.
April 2023: Initial Filming Plans
In April 2023, filming for "A Complete Unknown" was initially planned to begin in August 2023.
August 2023: Filming Postponed
The filming of "A Complete Unknown" was postponed in August 2023 due to the SAG-AFTRA strike.
October 2023: Chalamet's Preparation for Dylan Role
In October 2023, Timothée Chalamet was reported to be working with vocal and movement coaches in preparation for his role as Bob Dylan.
January 2024: Edward Norton Cast as Pete Seeger
In January 2024, Edward Norton was revealed to be playing Pete Seeger in the film, replacing Benedict Cumberbatch.
March 2024: Filming Begins
Filming for "A Complete Unknown" commenced in March 2024.
June 2024: Production Wraps
Production for "A Complete Unknown" concluded in June 2024.
December 4, 2024: Soundtrack Singles Released
Two songs from the "A Complete Unknown" soundtrack, "Like a Rolling Stone" and "Girl from the North Country," were released on December 4, 2024.
December 10, 2024: Premiere of A Complete Unknown
On December 10, 2024, "A Complete Unknown" premiered at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
December 20, 2024: Soundtrack Release
The soundtrack album for "A Complete Unknown" was released on December 20, 2024.
December 25, 2024: Release of A Complete Unknown
"A Complete Unknown" was released in the United States on December 25, 2024.
2024: A Complete Unknown: Release and Reception
In 2024, the film "A Complete Unknown," a biographical musical drama about Bob Dylan, was released. It received positive reviews and several award nominations.
2025: Physical Soundtrack Release
The physical versions of the "A Complete Unknown" soundtrack are scheduled for release in 2025.