Neil Young shares review of Bob Dylan film ‘A Complete Unknown’

Neil Young has shared his views on A Complete Unknown, the James Mangold-directed biopic about Bob Dylan’s early career that was released in December 2024.

The film, which stars Timothée Chalamet as the young Dylan in the early 1960s, has been receiving glowing reviews so far and took home a total of $23million following its debut weekend in cinemas across the US. However, the film can now claim to have another positive review, courtesy of Young, who shared his views on the biopic via his website, Neil Young Archives, on January 11th. 

“I love Bob Dylan and his music,” the post begins. “Always have. He’s a great artist. Once he was on my bus and I didn’t recognize him and threw him off but that’s another story. This movie is a great tribute to his life and music. I think if you love Bob’s music you should see this great movie. I loved it.”

The duo have worked together in the past, most notably as guests of The Band on their 1978 farewell concert film The Last Waltz. However, the story of Young not recognising Dylan on his tour bus does raise questions about how close the two artists are or have been.

While Young effusively praised the film and made a strong recommendation for audiences to go and watch it, the artists depicted in A Complete Unknown have reacted to it in disparate ways.

Dylan has previously commented on the film in a positive manner, especially praising the performance of Chalamet. “Timmy’s a brilliant actor,” Dylan proclaimed in a post on social media, “So I’m sure he’s going to be completely believable as me. Or a younger me. Or some other me.”

Conversely, Monica Barbaro, who plays Joan Baez in the film, has reported that when she spoke to the folk singer in preparation for her role, stating that she was “not fussed” about the production, adding: “I’m just sitting in my back yard watching the birds. I lived it, I did it.”

A Complete Unknown is scheduled to be released in UK cinemas from January 17th.

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