Movies - A complete Unknown : James Mangold’s Vision Dazzles the Grand Rex

By Mulder, Paris, Le Grand Rex, 15 january 2025

On January 15, 2025, Parisian cinema lovers were treated to an extraordinary event at the Grand Rex: the Paris premiere of A Complete Unknown, the latest film from director James Mangold. The biographical musical drama about Bob Dylan’s journey from folk prodigy to cultural revolutionary lit up the evening with its compelling story, acclaimed performances, and electrifying soundtrack. Director James Mangold, alongside stars Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, and Monica Barbaro, graced the stage to introduce the film. Before stepping into the iconic cinema, the cast made time to interact with fans, signing autographs and posing for photos in the bustling fan zone. The energy outside the theater mirrored the excitement surrounding the film, which has already gained significant critical and commercial acclaim since its U.S. release in December 2024.

Inside, the Grand Rex offered an unforgettable atmosphere, but not without its challenges. While the first-floor seats, reserved for Disney’s VIP guests, provided comfort and luxury, the public and the members of the independent press, including our media, were relegated to the second floor, where cramped seats and insufficient legroom made the €25 ticket price feel excessive. Despite these inconveniences, the spirit of the evening remained celebratory as the audience prepared to experience Mangold's ambitious take on one of music’s greatest legends.

A Complete Unknown chronicles a pivotal period in Bob Dylan’s life, drawing from Elijah Wald’s book Dylan Goes Electric! The film follows Dylan’s rise in the 1960s folk scene, culminating in his groundbreaking and controversial decision to use electric instruments at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. Known for its rich storytelling and historical depth, the film explores Dylan’s struggle for artistic freedom and the complex relationships that shaped his early career. Timothée Chalamet, who not only stars as Dylan but also serves as a producer, delivers a riveting performance that captures the artist’s charisma, vulnerability, and defiance. The cast includes an ensemble of notable actors: Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo (a character based on Suze Rotolo), and Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez. Boyd Holbrook, Dan Fogler, and Norbert Leo Butz also contribute to the film's dynamic portrayal of Dylan’s world. The film’s title, derived from Dylan’s iconic 1965 anthem "Like a Rolling Stone," underscores its focus on the artist’s quest for independence and reinvention. The script, co-written by Mangold and Jay Cocks, blends historical events with intimate character studies, presenting Dylan not just as a musical icon but as a man torn between public expectations and personal authenticity.

Since its premiere at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on December 10, 2024, A Complete Unknown has garnered widespread critical acclaim. Named one of the top ten films of 2024 by both the American Film Institute and the National Board of Review, the film has also received multiple award nominations. It boasts three Golden Globe nods, including Best Motion Picture – Drama, and four nominations at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, where its ensemble cast was recognized for Outstanding Performance. Timothée Chalamet’s dedication to the role has drawn particular praise. Not only did he sing 40 Dylan songs live on set, but he also learned to play the guitar and harmonica to ensure authenticity. The film’s soundtrack, released by Columbia Records, features Chalamet’s renditions of Dylan classics alongside performances by Monica Barbaro and Boyd Holbrook.

The Grand Rex premiere marked a major moment in the film’s international rollout, ahead of its official French release on January 29, 2025. The historic cinema, known for hosting high-profile events, proved a fitting stage for a film celebrating the legacy of a cultural icon. While the venue's seating arrangements left something to be desired for independent press members, the sheer energy of the evening more than compensated for these minor inconveniences. The film’s rich musical history, compelling performances, and thoughtful storytelling resonated deeply with the Parisian audience. With its focus on Dylan’s transformation and cultural impact, A Complete Unknown has reaffirmed Mangold’s reputation as a director capable of blending music and drama into a timeless cinematic experience. As the film continues its journey across theaters worldwide, its message of artistic freedom and courage promises to inspire audiences everywhere. Whether you're a lifelong Dylan fan or a newcomer to his music, A Complete Unknown is a poignant reminder of the power of reinvention and the enduring influence of one of music’s greatest icons.

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Synopsis:
New York, early '60s. At the heart of the era's effervescent musical and cultural scene, an enigmatic 19-year-old arrives in the West Village from his native Minnesota, with a guitar and an uncommon talent that will forever change the course of American music. As he forges intimate relationships during his rise to fame, he eventually feels stifled by the folk movement and, refusing to be pigeonholed, makes a controversial choice that will have worldwide repercussions...

A Complete Unknown
Directed by James Mangold
Written by James Mangold, Jay Cocks
Based on Dylan Goes Electric! by Elijah Wald
Produced by Fred Berger, James Mangold, Alex Heineman, Bob Bookman, Peter Jaysen, Alan Gasmer, Jeff Rosen, Timothée Chalamet
Starring Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro, Boyd Holbrook, Dan Fogler, Norbert Leo Butz, Scoot McNairy
Cinematography : Phedon Papamichael
Edited by Andrew Buckland, Scott Morris
Production companies: TSG Entertainment, Veritas Entertainment, White Water, Range Media Partners, The Picture Company, Turnpike Films
Distributed by Searchlight Pictures (United States), The Walt Disney Company France (France)
Release dates : December 10, 2024 (Dolby Theatre), December 25, 2024 (United States), January 29, 2025 (France)
Running time : 141 minutes

Photos et video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville