A Complete Unknown (2024) is a compelling musical biopic that delves into one of the most iconic and transformative periods in the life of legendary musician Bob Dylan. Directed by James Mangold, who co-wrote the screenplay with Jay Cocks, the film is based on the 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric! by Elijah Wald. This captivating narrative takes audiences back to the early 1960s, a time when Dylan, known for his folk music, made the groundbreaking and controversial shift to rock and electric music. The film not only chronicles this pivotal moment in Dylan’s career but also explores the larger cultural and societal changes that accompanied it, all while showcasing the power and complexity of music in shaping identity.

The film centers on the personal and professional struggles of Bob Dylan during the early 1960s, a time when his music was resonating deeply with the youth culture, largely through his folk anthems. However, as Dylan began to explore new musical territories, moving towards the electric guitar and rock music, his decision to “go electric” shocked fans, critics, and the public. The film captures the emotional and artistic turmoil Dylan faces as he navigates this transition, questioning his identity as an artist and the expectations placed upon him by the music industry and his devoted fanbase.