Hollywood star Timothy Chalamet's 'Complete Unknown' is receiving positive reviews in the country.
On the 26th, the film 'Complete Unknown' (directed by James Mangold, imported and distributed by Walt Disney Company Korea) will be released.
'Complete Unknown' is a musical film that depicts the youth of artist Bob Dylan, a symbol of rebellion and resistance, who changed the history of popular music with daring challenges during a cultural upheaval that confronted the world with music. It is generating positive responses not only in North America but also in the country.
In the 1960s, the United States experienced intense racial discrimination, the imminent Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War, leading to a vigorous movement rejecting existing concepts, systems, and values. This social atmosphere, which pursued freedom and resistance, resulted in a revival of folk music, and the winds of social and cultural change began to blow around Bob Dylan and fellow figures such as Pete Seeger, Sylvia Russo (Suzie Rotolo), Joan Baez, and Johnny Cash who are real characters in 'Complete Unknown.'
Timothy Chalamet plays Bob Dylan, a symbolic figure in American popular music and one of the greatest artists in history. The young Bob Dylan, who appeared in New York's Greenwich Village in 1961 with just a guitar, quickly captured the hearts of the American public with songs of resistance filled with freedom and peace, skyrocketing to stardom. Over six decades, he has received numerous awards at the Grammy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Academy Awards. Notably, in 2016, he became the first popular music artist to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, being recognized as an outstanding artist who freely crosses the boundaries of popular music and literature.
Timothy Chalamet noted, "While practicing Bob Dylan's songs, I was faithful to the essence of time, allowing myself the necessary time without a deadline. I practiced for myself, not for someone else," showing his passion for perfectly embodying the character and raising expectations for his performance in the film.
Edward Norton portrays Pete Seeger, a pioneer of the folk revival and a legendary musician of American folk music. Throughout his life, Pete Seeger participated in social movements, singing for human rights, anti-war, and peace, and his spirit of resistance significantly influenced younger musicians, including Bob Dylan, Don McLean, and Bruce Springsteen.
Regarding this, Edward Norton remarked, "Pete Seeger's face, watching Bob Dylan perform on stage, was filled with joy. He must have felt immense happiness knowing that the folk music he and his comrades nurtured through long years of hardships, sacrifices, and oppression was now blossoming with the strength of a new generation," referring to the special relationship between Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger.
Elle Fanning plays Sylvia Russo, a character inspired by Suzie Rotolo, who was Bob Dylan's actual lover and muse. Suzie Rotolo, who was Bob Dylan's girlfriend from 1961 to 1964, actively participated in social movements while working with the Race Equality Association, significantly influencing Bob Dylan's musical world. Elle Fanning expressed, "If Bob Dylan ever sees this movie, I want to embody the emotions and essence that remind him of the times spent with her," reflecting her mindset in portraying Sylvia Russo.
Monica Barbaro plays Joan Baez, the queen of folk music and Bob Dylan's musical partner. When she first met Bob Dylan, Joan Baez was already a popular musician and helped him gain fame by performing on stage with him. Their relationship as both lovers and partners, inspiring each other and transmitting messages of resistance and anti-war through music, reflects Bob Dylan's values in pursuing freedom in life, music, and human relationships.
Boyd Holbrook portrays Johnny Cash, a master of country music. Johnny Cash, known as the 'Man in Black' for always wearing black on stage, recognized the young Bob Dylan's inherent talent and supported him in following his own path. James Mangold, director of 'Complete Unknown,' also directed the biographical film 'Walk the Line' about Johnny Cash.
The real figures who shared these historical moments in popular music are set to be reborn on screen through 'Complete Unknown,' with outstanding performances by Hollywood's representative actors, who have been nominated in 88 acting categories at numerous film festivals, including the Academy Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG), and have received 14 awards as of the 24th.
[Photo] Provided by Walt Disney Company Korea.