A Complete Unknown, a much-anticipated biopic starring Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, hits theaters on December 25. The film traces Dylan's ascent within the vibrant New York City folk music scene during the early 1960s, focusing on the period from 1961 to 1965. This chronological narrative spotlights his interactions with influential figures such as Pete Seeger (Edward Norton), his romantic interests like Suze Rotolo (Elle Fanning) and Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro), culminating in Dylan's controversial performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965.

However, while the film has received praise for its performances, including Chalamet's captivating portrayal, it has also faced critique for diverging from historical accuracy. According to TIME, the movie inherently leaves viewers questioning aspects of Dylan's story. Biographer Elijah Wald elaborates, stating, "He had become the voice of a generation by age 24," emphasizing the complexities of Dylan's rise to stardom.

Many aspects showcased in A Complete Unknown have grounding in reality. For instance, Dylan's big break came about largely due to being "in the right place at the right time." In 1961, he made a pivotal move to New York City’s Greenwich Village, where a performance led to a glowing review from the New York Times, helping him secure a contract with Columbia Records despite the rocky start of his self-titled debut album. Overall, it was his second album, The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan (1963), featuring the astonishing track "Blowin’ in the Wind," that at last ushered him into the limelight.

Critics have noted that the screenplay tends to oversimplify Dylan's relationships with other musicians. For example, while the plot suggests that Dylan and Seeger spent significant time together, many experts, including Michael Gray, acknowledge that while Seeger did provide opportunities for Dylan, the personal connection depicted could be overstated. Instead, it was his engagement with the folk community, in particular his friendship with Seeger, that played a crucial role in his success.

One of the film’s standout scenes involves Dylan's visits to the legendary folk artist Woody Guthrie, who suffered from Huntington's disease—Guthrie's hospital interactions with both Dylan and Seeger are depicted, but whether they were constant visitors or not remains murky. Though the narrative weaves a rich tapestry of their interactions, it lacks clarity regarding the frequency of these meetings. Vox mentions that while Dylan admired Guthrie greatly, the extent of their shared moments has been romantically idealized.

Another notable relationship explored in the film is Dylan's friendship with Johnny Cash. The movie portrays Cash as a major supporter, which is accurate; the two artists exchanged letters, and Cash publicly defended Dylan during some of his less successful moments. According to TIME, Cash admired Dylan's groundbreaking approaches that defined the evolving music landscape, integrating more pop and electric sounds into his work.

The film also addresses the political dimensions of Dylan's music, illustrating his involvement in social issues, such as civil rights. Tracks like "Blowin’ in the Wind" resonated with a generation grappling with significant societal changes. Wald highlights how Dylan's lyrics mirrored the tumult and injustices of the time, ultimately influencing cultural perceptions and movements.

Notably, the film builds towards the infamous 1965 Newport Folk Festival, a moment etched in history due to Dylan’s decision to plug in his electric guitar. Critics are divided over whether the audience booed him for going electric, for his performance quality, or a blend of both. While TIME details that Dylan did face backlash, it also addresses how subsequently, he gained greater popularity as a rock artist, underscoring the nuanced nature of this pivotal moment.

Overall, *A Complete Unknown* seeks to portray Bob Dylan's complex legacy, balancing myth and reality. While it aims to captivate audiences—both die-hard fans and new listeners—experts urge that understanding Dylan's story necessitates nuanced knowledge of his life, relationships, and the historical context surrounding his career.

For more insights into what the film captures accurately, or misconstrues about Bob Dylan, check out the full reviews in Vox and TIME.