Timothée Chalamet recently appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” to discuss his latest movie, “A Complete Unknown.” Chalamet, an Oscar-nominated actor known for his roles in “Call Me by Your Name,” “Ladybird,” and “Dune,” now takes on the role of Bob Dylan in this remarkable film.
The talk show host, Stephen Colbert, commended Chalamet on his outstanding performance and praised the movie for its portrayal of Dylan’s life from 1961 to 1965. The film brilliantly captures the essence of those years, reminding viewers of the impact Dylan had on the United States, music, and the world. It also serves as a glimpse into the tumultuous political climate and the iconic Greenwich Village during that era.
During the interview, Colbert asked Chalamet about his familiarity with Bob Dylan before taking on the role. Chalamet admitted that he was not well-versed in Dylan’s music, although a friend of his father happened to be a “dylanologist” when he was growing up. However, Chalamet quickly immersed himself in Dylan’s world, studying not only his music but also his media appearances. He was particularly intrigued by Dylan’s confrontational and mysterious nature during press conferences in 1965. Colbert jokingly asked Chalamet if he would consider adopting a similar aloof and mysterious persona, to which Chalamet playfully responded, “I’d explode if I did!”
The process of preparing for the role was no small feat for Chalamet. He revealed that he had been involved with the project for five years, including delays due to the pandemic and actor strikes. In the meantime, Chalamet even completed two “Dune” movies. However, he expressed relief when they finally started working on “A Complete Unknown” last summer.
During the interview, Colbert surprised Chalamet by showing a behind-the-scenes video from the set of “Dune.” In the footage, Chalamet appears in character as Paul Atreides, singing a variation of Dylan’s “It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry.” Fans were delighted to see Chalamet’s dedication and skill in performing live to the camera, rather than relying on pre-recorded tracks.
Chalamet emphasized the importance of capturing the raw essence of Bob Dylan‘s music in the film. He wanted to honor Dylan’s legacy by not sanitizing or making it sound overly clean. He believed that Dylan’s voice carried the spirit of his hometown of Minneapolis and wanted to do justice to that heritage.
In conclusion, “A Complete Unknown” is not just a biopic but also a gateway for both Dylan fans and those unfamiliar with his music to appreciate his artistry. Timothée Chalamet‘s powerful performance has garnered tremendous praise, and the film serves as a tribute to an American legend. Fans of Chalamet can’t wait to see what he’ll conquer next on his impressive career journey.
