Rather, in that classic Hollywood biopic style, he cries out his essence with a pained lamentation.
They only want to know why they didnt cometo them!
If you want that film, Todd Haynes made it; its calledIm Not There.
This new one even has Johnny Cash appear in a handful of scenes and sing Folsom Prison.
It seems unlikely after the first scene where Mangold telegraphs the hagiographic reverence with which hes painting.
Theres also the great loves of Dylans… well, week or month, if not life.
Standing at the center of it all is Chalamets turn as Dylan.
This is also one of the films bigger issue.
Admittedly, casting the 28-year-old actor seems like a no-brainer.
This isnt a problem though.
He sings em well, just as he plays a mean harmonica on-camera.
The rest of his performance is what leaves something to be desired.
But with Dylan, we never truly get behind those sunglasses.
Chalamet mimics the speaking pattern and matches the walk, not to mention the too-cool-for-school wardrobe.
But rarely does a choice not feel deliberate or self-conscious.
In straining to affect Dylans style, Chalamet comes across mannered while playing a guy who was effortless.
Strangely, hisDunefather mightve gotten closer even if he only portrayed a Dylan wannabe inInside Llewlyn Davis.
If there is a standout performance inA Complete Unknown, its Barbaro as Baez.
They practically murdered him.
In the end, this is just another gospel about how cool its chosen messiah is.
Alas, preaching to the choir has never been Dylans bag.
Rating:
2 out of 5
