Timothee Chalamet has likened his preparation for portraying music legend Bob Dylan to embarking on a rigorous athletic endeavor, describing what he calls “a marathon” of sorts as he fully immerses himself in the role. The culmination of Chalamet's efforts is the upcoming film A Complete Unknown, which chronicles Dylan's rise to fame during the social and political upheaval of the 1960s. After years of preparation, the film is finally set to hit Australian cinemas on January 23, 2024, released by Walt Disney's Searchlight Pictures.
Chalamet originally signed up to play Dylan back in 2019. Since then, his path to the big screen was delayed due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent labor strikes within Hollywood, resulting in lengthy periods of uncertainty. The extended wait provided the talented actor additional time to develop his character and refined his approach to delivering Dylan's distinctive persona.
The actor has taken his commitment seriously, going as far as learning to play both guitar and harmonica and even working with vocal coaches to adapt from his naturally fluid singing style to Dylan's unique, nasal voice. Reflecting on his experience, Chalamet stated, "It was the most I've ever taken on," comparing his extensive preparation to the “climbing of a steep hill.”
A Complete Unknown will outline Dylan's transformative years, beginning with his arrival to New York City at the age of 19 and his swift rise within the folk music community, highlighted by iconic songs such as "Blowin' in the Wind." It will also cover the pivotal moment when Dylan transitioned to electric rock music, shifting musical paradigms once again.
Chalamet expressed how he dedicated significant time to immersing himself in archival footage of Dylan during the early 1960s, stating, "There's a finite amount of material available, especially in this period. At some point, you can turn every page over. Not to say I have, but if I haven't, I've come damn close to it."
With preparations almost complete, the film faced yet another obstacle as Hollywood actors went on strike, leading to concerns about the project's continuity. Nonetheless, the final green light to commence filming was granted in March 2024, reinstilling Chalamet's focus on bringing this legend to life.
Chalamet's portrayal has received positive early feedback, with critics anticipating this performance could earn him his second Oscar nomination. Bob Dylan himself has been supportive of the film's production, providing input on the script, though he has not met Chalamet directly. Recently, Dylan shared his perspective online, writing, "I'm sure he's going to be completely believable as me. Or a younger me. Or some other me," offering reassurance to both Chalamet and fans alike.
The film also features notable co-stars, including Edward Norton, who plays the role of Pete Seeger, the iconic folk musician who mentored Dylan during his formative years. Norton emphasized the historical impact of Dylan and his contemporaries, saying, "I think a lot of people have lost sight of who these people actually were and what they did and what they sounded like. If we can get some people tuning in again, that's probably worth the whole enterprise."
Other stars include Elle Fanning, portraying Dylan's girlfriend Suze Rotolo, and Monica Barbaro, who takes on the role of activist and singer Joan Baez, entering the narrative just as her powerful voice became intertwined with Dylan's career progress. Barbaro noted, "Bob came in and was kind of a mess of a boy, but also an absolute poet and brilliant lyricist, and was putting words to all of these things she felt. On top of his charisma, I think she just was sort of magnetized to him."
With the convergence of such notable figures and Chalamet's heartfelt interpretation, the film not only seeks to tell Dylan’s story but also serves as a bridge for younger generations unfamiliar with the rich history of his music. Chalamet concluded, saying, "Dylan is one of these names iconic to my generation. You know the name, but because he's such an elusive figure and a reclusive figure ... A lot of people my age don't know the music. This felt like an opportunity to bring life to this amazing period." The anticipation surrounding A Complete Unknown builds, promising to provide insights and celebrate the artistry of one of music's greatest icons.
