WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for A Complete Unknown.
The new Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet as the legendary folk singer/songwriter, has been released in theaters on Christmas Day 2024. The film follows Dylan’s rise to fame, with a focus on his early years in New York and his connection with folk music legend Pete Seeger.
Seeger, played by Edward Norton, is a key figure in the film, and his music career is also highlighted. He is famous for his anti-war songs, including “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” and “If I Had a Hammer (The Hammer Song)”. Seeger’s music career continued after 1965, and he remained a strong supporter of Dylan’s career.
The film takes creative liberties with some true story details, but its highly acclaimed performance by Chalamet and Norton has earned it an Rotten Tomatoes score of 79% and an audience score of 95%. A Complete Unknown is already in the running for several awards, including three Golden Globes for Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Actor for Chalamet, and Best Supporting Actor for Norton.
Seeger, who passed away in 2014, was known for his social and environmental activism, particularly during the Vietnam War. He led a group of musicians in performing protest songs, including “Beans in My Ears” and “Waist Deep in the Big Muddy”. Seeger’s death was widely acknowledged by musicians and public figures, with President Barack Obama referring to him as “America’s tuning fork”, highlighting his ability to use music to bring about social change.
A Complete Unknown is a must-see for fans of Bob Dylan and his music, as well as those interested in the life and legacy of Pete Seeger.
