On a recent episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Edward Norton couldn’t help but gush about his co-star, Timothée Chalamet, and his brilliant performance in their new film, “A Complete Unknown.”
Norton, known for his roles in iconic films such as Fight Club, Birdman, and American History X, expressed his admiration for Chalamet’s portrayal of Bob Dylan in the movie. “I’ve been doing this almost 30 years, and I’ve given a couple performances I’m pretty happy with. I’ve seen some really great ones and been around great actors, and Timothy’s Timothy is in the deepest of places in this performance,” Norton praised.
He went on to emphasize that Chalamet’s depiction of Dylan was nothing short of extraordinary. “It’s an impossible thing. Nobody should play Bob Dylan, and I think that he was meant to play this role. He went to a place that was so inspiring to be around,” Norton added.
Norton also commended Chalamet for his ability to captivate the audience and make them believe they were watching the transformation of Dylan unfold before their eyes. “He pulls off a Highwire act that is truly extraordinary. It’s not like you fall out of the film and go, ‘Wow, he’s doing a great job as Dylan.’ You look like you’re watching Bob Dylan become this extraordinary artist.”
The conversation then shifted towards the film’s focus on the emergence of an artistic moment and the collisions between people that create a delicate and impactful experience. Norton praised the film’s director, Jim Mangold, for his unique approach in depicting this moment in history and the significant role that artists like Pete Seeger and Dylan played in shaping it.
As the discussion continued, Norton expressed his admiration for Pete Seeger, an iconic folk artist who played a crucial role in inspiring the younger generation, including Dylan. “Pete Seeger was the Paragon of an artist who cared about the environment and the human cause. He cleaned up the Hudson River, and he really was like the ‘Gandalf’ of folk artists,” Norton explained.
He also highlighted the importance of preserving the generational connectedness that existed in the past, where people immersed themselves in the world, engaged in face-to-face conversations, and collaboratively produced exceptional work. Norton pondered, “What is preventing that kind of generational connectedness now? I think the phones are a big problem. We need to immerse ourselves back into the world and appreciate live performances.”
In his closing remarks, Norton emphasized the value of the human experience in art and expressed his hope that, with the rise of AI, people would place a higher value on live performances. “AI, however beautiful it might generate, can’t replicate the human experience. We need to appreciate the real person releasing into other human beings,” Norton concluded.
Edward Norton‘s praise for Timothée Chalamet‘s performance in “A Complete Unknown” on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert showcases the incredible depth and talent of both actors. The film seems to not only offer an immersive experience for the audience but also reminds us of the power of artistry and its ability to shape the world for the better.
