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Timothée Chalamet Takes Center Stage in ‘A Complete Unknown’
A sneak peek at Chalamet’s transformation into Bob Dylan
Timothée Chalamet has once again showcased his versatile talents, this time demonstrating his musical prowess in the upcoming biographical drama A Complete Unknown. Directed by James Mangold, this much-anticipated film delves into the life of the legendary Bob Dylan.
Musical journey to New York
In the newly released trailer, Chalamet is seen arriving in New York from Minnesota, strumming and singing “Girl From the North Country”. This touching moment sets the stage for his intricate relationship with fellow folk singer Joan Baez, portrayed by Monica Barbaro. Their budding romance is punctuated by witty exchanges, highlighting their unique bond.
“Your songs are like an oil painting at the dentist’s office,” Chalamet’s Dylan remarks while casually lounging with a guitar. To which Baez retorts, “You’re kind of an asshole, Bob,” creating a vivid snapshot of their dynamic.
Romance and rivalries
The trailer takes us further into the turmoil of Dylan’s life, showcasing a duet between Dylan and Baez during the 1963 Monterey Folk Festival. Here, the narrative thickens as Elle Fanning enters the scene as Sylvie Russo, a fictionalized version of Dylan’s then-girlfriend Suze Rotolo, famously pictured on the album cover of The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan. The love triangle between Dylan, Baez, and Russo adds an intense layer to the story.
Dylan’s electrifying transformation
As Dylan wrestles with being pigeonholed by his fans, the film reaches a pivotal moment. In a bold move, Dylan straps on an electric guitar and rocks out to “Like a Rolling Stone”, sparking a fierce debate among his followers. The footage shows visceral reactions, with half the crowd embracing the change and the other half feeling betrayed by the shift from folk music’s purity.
Behind the scenes insights
Earlier in the year, leaks from the set had piqued interest, and now the official trailer offers a fuller glimpse of Chalamet’s take on Dylan. One of the most significant scenes includes his rendition of “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall.” Chalamet’s dedication to capturing Dylan’s essence has drawn cautious optimism from experts who commend his ability to convey the raw passion and soul intrinsic to Dylan’s voice.
“Does he nail the voice? God, you could be picky about it. But he does it seriously well. He gets across the passion and the soul in Bob Dylan’s voice without making it sound like karaoke,” remarks a Dylan scholar.
The stellar cast and crew
A Complete Unknown boasts an impressive roster of talent with scriptwriters James Mangold and Jay Cocks adapting Elijah Wald’s 2015 book, Dylan Goes Electric! The star-studded ensemble includes Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash, P.J. Byrne as Harold Leventhal, Scoot McNairy as Woody Guthrie, Dan Fogler as Albert Grossman, and Will Harrison as Bob Neuwirth.
Produced by a powerhouse team including Fred Berger, Alex Heineman, Peter Jaysen, Bob Bookman, Alan Gasmer, Jeff Rosen, Chalamet, and Mangold, this film promises to be a dynamic and intriguing portrayal of Bob Dylan’s life and legacy.
Get ready for the experience
As anticipation builds for the release of A Complete Unknown, fans are eagerly awaiting to see Chalamet’s deep dive into the world of Bob Dylan. Check out the newly released trailer to catch a glimpse of what’s to come: Watch the trailer here.
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