Timothée Chalamet starred as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, a biographical musical drama that chronicles Dylan’s emergence as a folk music icon in the early 1960s. Directed by James Mangold, the film captures Dylan’s arrival in New York City at the age of 19 and his rapid rise to stardom, culminating in his controversial electric rock and roll performance at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival.
Chalamet dedicated approximately five years to preparing for the role, demonstrating his commitment to embodying the enigmatic musician. His preparation included visiting Dylan’s childhood home and other significant locations in Minnesota. He also learned to play the guitar and harmonica and studied around 40 Bob Dylan songs.
To fully immerse himself in the character, Chalamet disconnected from his own life during the two-and-a-half months of filming, avoiding his cellphone and visitors on set. He also pre-recorded all of the Dylan songs he would sing in the movie. Chalamet has said that he watched Bob Dylan’s 60 Minutes interview with Ed Bradley “probably a thousand times“, taking note of Dylan’s words about self-destiny.
“Where does my heart and where does my soul fit into this? Can it fit into this, particularly with someone who was so masked,” Chalamet said.
The film also stars Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, and Monica Barbaro. Barbaro plays Joan Baez, and her singing was beyond impressive and heavenly. Fanning plays Sylvie Russo, who is based on Suze Rotolo, Dylan’s girlfriend at the time.
A Complete Unknown explores Dylan’s musical journey and the challenges he faced as he transformed from a folk singer to a rock and roll artist. The film depicts Dylan’s early days in Greenwich Village, where he got his start at the Cafe Wha?. The movie is based on Elijah Wald’s 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric!.
