“Once upon a time you dressed so fine,” sings Bob Dylan in “Like a Rolling Stone,” the opening track of his 1965 album Highway 61 Revisited. On January 15, 2025, the Grand Rex in Paris hosted the highly anticipated premiere of A Complete Unknown, the biopic directed by James Mangold that traces the early career of Bob Dylan. The event drew a crowd of music lovers, film enthusiasts, and the curious alike, all eager to see Timothée Chalamet step into the role of the legendary folk singer.
From the moment we arrived, the excitement was palpable. A sea of people had gathered in front of the Grand Rex, hoping to catch a glimpse of the film’s stars. When Timothée Chalamet appeared, the crowd erupted with enthusiasm. True to his bold style, the actor wore a carefully curated casual look: a black leather jacket adorned with silver buttons, layered over a simple white T-shirt and fitted black Isabelle Marant jeans. To top it off, he chose a pink tie-dye cap, a pink scarf with gold accents, and a diamond Cartier necklace that added a touch of sparkle to the outfit.
At his side, Monica Barbaro—who plays Joan Baez in the film—opted for a more classic look, evoking old Hollywood glamour. She wore an elegant beige tulle gown by Dior, featuring a draped shoulder that highlighted her silhouette with grace and simplicity.
Edward Norton, portraying Pete Seeger, chose a more understated and elegant outfit, in line with his discreet image. He wore a well-tailored navy suit paired with a white shirt and matching tie, radiating timeless sophistication.
A Musical Journey through the vibrant New York of the 1960s
Director James Mangold, accompanied by his lead cast, took the time to greet fans and answer questions from the press. In his opening remarks, Mangold emphasized the importance of capturing Bob Dylan’s essence without resorting to mere imitation. He expressed his gratitude to the team and actors for their commitment to this ambitious project.
Once inside the theater, we were transported to the vibrant New York of the 1960s, where a young Bob Dylan was trying to make a name for himself in the cafés of Greenwich Village. From the opening moments, the film establishes its tone: meticulous cinematography, an immersive soundtrack, and outstanding performances. Timothée Chalamet impresses with his nuanced portrayal, steering clear of pure mimicry to offer an intimate depiction of the musician on the rise. Monica Barbaro, for her part, delivers a moving and assertive Joan Baez, making us wonder whether a dedicated biopic about her wouldn’t be more relevant than having her as a secondary character in Dylan’s story. The Chalamet-Barbaro duo exudes passion and talent in their performance of “It Ain’t Me, Babe,” originally sung by Dylan and Baez at the Newport Folk Festival in 1964.
“The clothes are incredible”
Reactions after the screening were mixed. Some were completely won over, like Sam, 22, a graphic design student:
“I loved it. The vibe was amazing—I got chills several times. Chalamet captured Dylan’s essence without overdoing it, and the music scenes were incredible. Huge bonus points for the costumes—everything felt so true to the era. Honestly, I feel inspired!”
Others, like Léa, 20, a film student, were more reserved:
“Honestly, I’m torn. Timothée Chalamet acts well, sure, but I had trouble getting into it. It’s super stylish, the costumes are cool, the vibe is there, but I found the film a bit slow. There were moments where I wasn’t sure where it was going. That said, the premiere itself was amazing—seeing Chalamet in person made it worth the trip!”
“Style-wise, it was SPOT-ON. The clothes were incredible—I was in awe of every outfit. The corduroy jackets, tinted glasses, patterned shirts… it was peak Dylan! As for the film, I liked it, but it dragged in places. Luckily, the direction was beautiful—otherwise, I might’ve zoned out,” shared Manon, 23, a business student.
One thing everyone agreed on, however, was the exceptional performance of Timothée Chalamet and Monica Barbaro in their respective roles. The quality of the musical covers and costumes, the subtlety of the acting, and the director’s attention to detail all won over the audience.
Ultimately, this premiere was a true celebration of the Dylan myth. Between Chalamet’s performance, the historical re-creation, and the electrifying atmosphere at the Grand Rex, A Complete Unknown is already shaping up to be a must-see biopic for music and film fans alike. Now it remains to be seen whether it will have the same impact in theaters…
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