Prepare to be mesmerized as Timothée Chalamet, the chameleon of Hollywood, takes on the legendary role of Bob Dylan in James Mangold’s highly anticipated biopic, *A Complete Unknown*. The film delves into the early years of Dylan’s life, chronicling his journey from a young, aspiring musician in Minnesota to the iconic rock and roll legend he became. Buckle up for a wild ride as we explore the making of this cinematic masterpiece.
Chalamet, known for his transformative roles in films like *Call Me By Your Name* and *Dune*, embraces the challenge of embodying Dylan’s spirit. In a recent interview with Zane Lowe, Chalamet described his commitment to the role, stating: “I am now deep in that Church of Bob. I feel like that’s my mission for the next three months, until the movie comes out. I feel like I’m in the Church of Bob, I’m a humble disciple, and I feel like I got this opportunity to kind of be a bridge to this music, or this period.”
A Glimpse into Dylan’s Early Days
*A Complete Unknown* paints a vivid picture of Dylan’s formative years, capturing his arrival in New York City with only two dollars in his pocket and his unwavering determination to make it big in the music world. As Mangold shared in an interview with Collider, “It’s such an amazing time in American culture and the story of a young 19-year-old Bob Dylan coming to New York with, like, two dollars in his pocket and becoming a worldwide sensation within three years. First being embraced into the family of folk music in New York, and kind of outrunning them at a certain point as his star rises so beyond belief.”
A Star-Studded Cast
The film boasts a star-studded cast that perfectly complements Chalamet’s portrayal of Dylan. Elle Fanning joins the cast as Sylvie Russo, a character inspired by Dylan’s real-life former girlfriend, Suze Rotolo. Edward Norton takes on the role of legendary folk musician Pete Seeger, while Monica Barbaro plays the iconic Joan Baez. Boyd Holbrook rounds out the cast as Johnny Cash, adding to the ensemble of musical legends.
The Sound of Dylan
Chalamet’s dedication to the role extends beyond acting. He’s also taken on the challenge of singing Dylan’s iconic music. In a December 2023 interview, Chalamet confirmed that 70% of the soundtrack had already been recorded. He even revealed that Dylan’s manager, Jeff Rosen, provided him with 12 hours of unreleased music from 1959 to 1964, a treasure trove of Dylan’s early work. Chalamet’s dedication to capturing the essence of Dylan’s music is evident in his emotional reaction to singing “Song to Woody” for the first time on set. “I went home and I wept that night. Not to be dramatic, but it’s a song I’d been living with for years and something I could relate to deeply. And I also felt, I come back to this word a lot, I felt like it was the most dignified work I’d ever done,” Chalamet shared.
Behind the Scenes: Recreating the Era
Mangold’s vision for *A Complete Unknown* extends to capturing the atmosphere and feel of the 1960s. The film was shot in various locations throughout New Jersey, with the team recreating iconic scenes from the era. For example, the scene for the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, where Dylan first performed with an electric guitar, was filmed in Cape May, New Jersey.
A Must-See for Music and Film Fans
*A Complete Unknown* promises to be a captivating cinematic experience that will transport audiences back to the heart of the 1960s, immersing them in Dylan’s music, life, and the cultural landscape that shaped him. Mark your calendars for December 25, 2024, the official release date for this highly anticipated film.
How to Hold Your Breath Until the Premiere
In the meantime, immerse yourself in the world of Bob Dylan. Revisit his back catalogue, watch Todd Haynes’s experimental biopic *I’m Not There*, and delve into the mesmerizing portraits of the 1960s captured by Peter Rand, including a timeless image of Bob Dylan from 1963. The wait for *A Complete Unknown* will be worth every minute.
