Michael Shannon is an American treasure, and I need to see more of his films in the theater, which is one reason that I was drawn to Complete Unknown. I also adore Rachel Weisz, who is an amazing actor and is one of a handful of actresses of a certain age that gets to take the lead in movies. Unfortunately some of those movies are usually independent films filled with artistic integrity and good intentions, but are not necessarily solid films such as The Whistleblower. I knew that I was taking a risk by paying to see Complete Unknown, but the trailer intrigued me and sealed the deal.
Complete Unknown is about a woman, played by Weisz, who abandons every one, takes on successive different identities for long periods of time then decides to reinsert herself in the life of a man from her allegedly original past using a new identity. This man, played by Shannon, is at a turning point in his marriage and career and is completely shaken by her appearance and her latest deception.
Complete Unknown was a complete disappointment. First, I could not suspend disbelief regarding the logistics of taking on a completely new identity with new identification and enough money to create a brand new life complete with a new apartment, furniture, clothes, etc. and travel when she does not exhibit any computer expertise or independent wealth. She abandons everything while transitioning identities. If you ever watched The Pretender, a TV show that aired on NBC starring Michael T. Weiss, you would realize how difficult it is to do especially when people are looking for you, and she can barely do it convincingly for one night. The Talented Mr. Ripley works because of the time period. Frank Abagnale only does short cons in both the book and film versions of Catch Me If You Can. She is supposed to have incredibly different careers with different skills. I didn’t buy it.
Second, Complete Unknown does not work because I was not sufficiently convinced of her character’s motivation to change identities other than possible mental illness. She loves her parents and every one who is or becomes a part of her life. She simply likes to be free of expectations. Complete Unknown introduces the concept of her discovery a new species of frog. Is she supposed to be a new species of person? This metaphor or her motivation is under developed. In the end, she seems less a complete, authentic character and a more sober version of the manic pixie dream girl that exists solely to help Shannon’s character to embrace change in his life while allegedly pursuing her own happiness. Sure.
Third, Complete Unknown did not develop a real past connection between Weisz and Shannon’s characters to explain why she would be drawn to return to him instead of her parents, whom she loves. They were not lovers, significant others or childhood friends. They met briefly when they were young adults. The details of their relationship are lackluster.
Complete Unknown’s writers completely failed their cast who do their best to fill in the holes left by the script. Shannon’s complete exasperation over the worst birthday party ever and his guests’ adoration of Weiss is terrific. The lesser-known actors seemed like people that I would want to know in real life, and Condola Rashad played a character that echoed my sentiments throughout her early appearance in Complete Unknown. The brief appearance by Danny Glover and Katy Bates was utterly engaging though awfully awkward to watch unfold like a horror movie. Weisz always does a terrific job. Even the actual setting of his home and the city was rapturous.
Ultimately you cannot judge a book by its cover, and even the best actors and the most beautiful scenes cannot hide the defects of a flimsy script. The director was over indulgent towards the end as audience members streamed out of the theater for a bathroom break or left altogether, which is damning considering that Complete Unknown is only 91 minutes. Complete Unknown was completely underwhelming and failed to give me as interesting a female protagonist as promised.