NEW YORK — The journey to embody Bob Dylan for Timothée Chalamet has certainly been a lengthy one, spanning approximately six years. His dedication to the role in “A Complete Unknown” has led him to explore Dylan’s formative years and even visit the legendary musician’s childhood home. In addition, Chalamet has picked up skills in guitar and harmonica, completely immersing himself in the vibrant music scene of early 1960s New York. He humorously recalls his visit to Cafe Wha?, where he noticed murals of Dylan and Jimi Hendrix, but was startled to see the transformation to more contemporary themes, remarking that the atmosphere has changed significantly since Dylan’s time.
Chalamet has been honing his portrayal of Dylan so thoroughly that he even played some of the music in character while acting as Willy Wonka and on the set of “Dune.” As for his co-star Oscar Isaac, who once took on a character reminiscent of Dylan in “Inside Llewyn Davis,” he expressed his initial skepticism regarding whether Chalamet was up to the challenge. However, the early feedback for Chalamet’s performance, which features his own singing and guitar, has been overwhelmingly positive, especially with the film premiering in theaters on December 25 under the direction of James Mangold.
In a recent interview, Chalamet opened up about tackling this formidable acting challenge.
“I understood that approaching a figure like Dylan was no small feat. However, with five or six years to dive deep into this role, I never felt rushed,” he said. “When representing someone from real life, it offers a unique opportunity; my study was amplified when it came to a musician since I had to explore not only his historical timeline but also the emotional connection I felt through his music.”
Reflecting on the starting point for his character research, Chalamet shared, “Surprisingly, my journey began with the press conferences. Bob Dylan was initially just a striking image in my father’s friend’s apartment. I was familiar with a few of his iconic songs, but it was a ’65 press conference I stumbled upon on YouTube that captivated me. Seeing this influential figure of the ’60s articulate his thoughts was enlightening.”
Chalamet also drew inspiration from the documentary “Don’t Look Back,” highlighting its rawness and authenticity. He emphasized the importance of approaching Dylan not merely as a figure of reverence but rather as a relatable person to ensure that his portrayal resonates beyond admiration.
Discussing his musical journey, Chalamet disclosed that he picked up a guitar during his role in “Call Me By Your Name.” His lessons, particularly with a teacher named Larry Saltzman, became a collaboration rather than just a formal educational experience—especially during the pandemic when they connected through online sessions.
On the subject of the songs that resonated with him, Chalamet revealed, “I was drawn to Dylan’s intimate tracks like ‘Girl From the North Country’ and ‘Tomorrow Is a Long Time,’ but I also appreciated the raw, gritty storytelling in songs like ‘Ballad of Hollis Brown.’ Each track echoed the roots of his upbringing in Minnesota.”
As Chalamet delves deeper into the film’s narrative, which explores Dylan’s rise to fame and the associated pressures, he expressed a personal connection to that theme. “There’s a thread of silent empowerment in rejecting societal expectations that I found very liberating to portray,” he said.
While he hasn’t yet had the chance to meet Dylan, Chalamet has pondered what he might say to him. “I think I’d just express my gratitude for his music and art, nothing more, really,” he stated.
Exploring the transformative impact of this experience, Chalamet reflected, “I do feel changed in my craft. The long process spent honoring the realities of someone’s life, their artistry, has definitely shaped my perspective as an artist. Ultimately, the interpretation of my performance will be left up to the audience, which aligns with a core philosophy of Dylan’s work: it is open to individual interpretation.”