The Late Show with Stephen Colbert welcomed a complete unknown to their stage recently – the talented actor Timothy Chalamet. In a lively and entertaining interview, Chalamet spoke about his admiration for the enigmatic music legend, Bob Dylan.
Chalamet expressed his fascination with Dylan’s elusive nature, comparing him to iconic figures like Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger. While Dylan’s name is synonymous with popular culture, his face remains somewhat of a mystery. Chalamet emphasized that when artists can break through the barriers of fame and still maintain their authenticity, they deserve admiration.
As a self-proclaimed “foot warrior” for Dylan, Chalamet acknowledged the singer’s refusal to attend his own Nobel Prize ceremony, a testament to his unshakable individuality. Although Chalamet admits to never having met Dylan in person, he was elated when the music legend acknowledged his upcoming movie, “A Complete Unknown.” Dylan praised Chalamet’s acting abilities and expressed confidence in his portrayal of a younger version of himself.
The film is based on Elijah Wald’s book, “Dylan Goes Electric,” which delves into the events of the early 1960s leading up to Dylan’s controversial performance at Newport. Chalamet encourages viewers to read the book after watching the movie for a comprehensive understanding of the era.
Chalamet shared his exhilaration upon waking up to Dylan’s endorsement, calling the experience indescribable. As a young artist, having a legend like Dylan validate his work felt like a significant milestone and an encouragement to keep pursuing his craft.
Interestingly, Chalamet acknowledges that he is actually older than Dylan was at the end of the movie, due to the lengthy process of bringing the film to life. He humorously remarks on his own aging appearance, jokingly comparing himself to a musketeer. The actor reflects on his previous appearances on The Late Show, noting the changes in his voice and physical appearance since then.
With the holiday season approaching, Colbert asks Chalamet about his favorite Dylan recording, specifically mentioning Dylan’s rendition of “Must Be Santa” from his Christmas album. Chalamet confirms his love for the song, revealing that the unique video for “Must Be Santa” was shot by Greg Frasier, who coincidentally worked on Chalamet’s recent film, Dune.
Drawing a parallel between Dylan’s timeless music and the futuristic setting of Dune, Chalamet muses that the music of Dylan and contemporary artists like Charlie XX and Klay Aken could still resonate thousands of years from now.
Colbert inquires if Chalamet plans to play “Must Be Santa” on Christmas day, to which the actor coyly hints at a surprise. He teases audiences to keep an eye out for his musical endeavors during the holiday season.
As the interview concludes, Chalamet takes the opportunity to promote “A Complete Unknown,” revealing that it will be hitting theaters on Christmas day. He bids farewell and thanks his host for the opportunity.
Fans of both Chalamet and Dylan can look forward to the actor’s portrayal of the legendary musician, while eagerly anticipating Chalamet’s future projects and musical surprises.
