Timothée Chalamet's bizarre fingernails steal the show in A Complete Unknown

In the United States, Timothée Chalamet stars as Bob Dylan in the biopic A Complete Unknown, which explores the musician's transition to electric performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965. Critics have noted that Chalamet's substantial fame can overshadow his portrayal of an obscure artist grappling with fame, making it challenging for audiences to see him as Bob Dylan rather than just Timothée Chalamet. Despite his efforts to learn guitar and singing for the role, the film struggles to provide rich characterization or narrative depth that offers audiences an insightful glimpse into Dylan's life. Many reviews express disappointment over the film’s focus on Dylan's legend rather than his personal journey. The cinematic narrative skims over crucial moments meant to develop the character, leaving viewers wanting more substance from the storyline. Scenes intended to flesh out Dylan’s interactions with influences like Woody Guthrie lack emotional resonance and fail to capture the essence of his identity or musical intentions. Critics claim that the storytelling is hampered by poorly constructed transitions and insufficient character development, leading to an experience that feels more like a series of performances than a cohesive biographical film. While the film has received a moderate rating of 74 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, reviewers have pointed out that it primarily succeeds in delivering what feels like a superficial account of Bob Dylan's life, rather than a thorough exploration of his complex character and contributions to music. As audiences are treated to various recreated live performances that showcase Dylan's talents, they simultaneously find themselves grappling with the film’s failure to convey the deeper meanings and struggles behind those performances. In the face of criticism, Chalamet embraced a physical transformation for the role, even growing his fingernails to enhance his authenticity as a guitarist. This decision drew mixed reactions from fans, who debated the reasoning behind such lengths. Ultimately, while some praised Chalamet's commitment to the character, the overall reception of A Complete Unknown left many questioning whether it does justice to the enigmatic figure of Bob Dylan, revealing that even a solid performance may not be enough to salvage a film that seems lost in its own ambition.