Although aiming to depict enigmatic genius, A Complete Unknown's impersonal drama clashes with its traditional plot. It has themes of artistic expression, pressures of fame, and loneliness, yet the writing feels superficial because it doesn't unpack Dylan's motivations beyond his frustrations with being misunderstood. Always knowing what he wants and never growing, he's not internally conflicted. Thus, it's more a series of events than a heartfelt story. Maximizing the material, the acting summons mannerisms, vulnerability, layers, and singing abilities despite being confined by weak development. Overall, A Complete Unknown's solid intentions have underwhelming execution.
Technically, A Complete Unknown is understated with a serious tone but gets dry. Its cinematography uses natural lighting and muted colors. Despite the recognizable structure, the editing meanders momentum. A handful of subjective manipulations buoy its naturalistic soundscape. The music offers numerous diegetic and non-diegetic Dylan songs along with other appropriate needle drops. Its production design establishes Dylan's iconic look, clear sense of time and place, plus decent scale. Led by Chalamet, the cast's fitting fame is a major selling point. Its effects add makeup, peripheral CGI, and minor stunts. Ultimately, A Complete Unknown is unexceptional Oscar bait.
Writing: 5/10
Direction: 6/10
Cinematography: 7/10
Acting: 8/10
Editing: 6/10
Sound: 7/10
Score/Soundtrack: 9/10
Production Design: 8/10
Casting: 9/10
Effects: 6/10
Overall Score: 7.1/10
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