In 1961, an unknown 19-year-old Bob Dylan arrives in New York City with his guitar and forges relationships with music icons on his meteoric rise, culminating in a groundbreaking performance that reverberates worldwide.
Set in the influential New York City music scene of the early 1960s, "A Complete Unknown" follows 19-year-old Minnesota musician Bob Dylan's meteoric rise as a folk singer to concert halls and the top of the charts as his songs and his mystique become a worldwide sensation that culminates in his groundbreaking electric rock-and-roll performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965.
In 1961, Bob Dylan moves to New York City, determined to meet his ailing idol, Woody Guthrie, who has been hospitalized. During his visit, Dylan encounters Guthrie's close friend, Pete Seeger. Dylan performs a heartfelt song he wrote for Guthrie, impressing both Guthrie and Seeger. Seeger offers Dylan a place to stay, gradually introducing him to the city's vibrant folk scene.
At a concert, Dylan meets Sylvie Russo, captivating her with his sharp wit, contrarian views, and tales of working at a carnival. The two quickly become romantically involved and move in together.
Dylan's talent soon catches Seeger's attention, and he introduces him at an open mic night attended by industry professionals, including manager Albert Grossman. Dylan charms the audience and impresses Grossman, who immediately offers to represent him. Dylan begins recording his debut album but is pressured by the label to include mostly covers. The album's poor sales frustrate him, leaving him yearning to showcase his original work.
Before leaving on an extended work trip to Europe, Russo confronts Dylan about his distant demeanor and his refusal to share details about his past. Despite their argument, she encourages him to fight for creative control. While Russo is away, Dylan seizes the growing political and social unrest as inspiration for his music, crafting songs that resonate deeply with audiences. His socially-conscious lyrics catch the attention of Joan Baez, leading to a professional and romantic relationship.
As Dylan's fame grows, so do the strains on his relationship with Russo. Financial success brings additional stress, and Russo becomes increasingly suspicious of Dylan and Baez's connection. By 1965, Dylan and Russo part ways, their relationship unable to withstand the pressures of his rising stardom.
Dylan, now a cultural icon, begins to feel constrained by the expectations of both the music industry and the folk community. A disastrous tour with Baez highlights these tensions. During an argument, Baez criticizes Dylan's ego and urges him to perform his popular hits instead of his newer material. The tension boils over during a concert, with Dylan publicly lashing out.
Frustrated with his lack of creative freedom, Dylan decides to explore a bold new direction, incorporating electric instruments and rock influences. This shift alarms the folk music community, which prizes acoustic simplicity. Dylan assembles a band and begins recording Highway 61 Revisited.
As the Newport Folk Festival approaches, Dylan, the headliner, plans to unveil his new sound. The festival committee, fearing backlash, tries to dissuade him. Even Seeger makes a heartfelt appeal, reminding Dylan of the potential damage to his legacy and their shared values. Meanwhile, Dylan invites Russo to the festival in an attempt to rekindle their relationship. She agrees but, after witnessing a duet between Dylan and Baez, realizes she cannot continue the relationship and leaves.
Ignoring the committee's pleas, Dylan takes the stage with his electric band, encouraged by an intoxicated Johnny Cash. The performance provokes outrage from the audience, who boo and throw objects at the stage. Chaos ensues as the committee, led by Seeger, attempts to cut the sound, but Grossman and Toshi Seeger thwart their efforts. At Cash's insistence, Dylan reluctantly performs an acoustic encore.
Dylan's controversial performance secures his artistic independence but alienates him from the folk community, including Seeger and Baez. In the aftermath, Dylan visits Guthrie one final time before leaving New York, setting off on his motorcycle to an uncertain future.
