In a recent interview on the talk show Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend, actress Elle Fanning discussed her role in the highly anticipated biopic “A Complete Unknown” about Bob Dylan. Fanning plays the character Sylvie Russo, who is based on Bob Dylan‘s girlfriend Suz Vero y during the 1960s.
During the conversation, Fanning revealed that her portrayal of Sylvie Russo stays true to their relationship, although her character’s name is different. She explained that Bob Dylan himself requested the change in names, as everyone else’s names in the film are true to life, except for Timmy, who plays Dylan himself. Fanning mentioned that Timmy’s character undergoes an evolution from a folk singer to Bob Dylan, and his transformation is captured authentically on screen.
Fanning shared her excitement for the film, which spans from 1961 to 1965, culminating in Bob Dylan‘s iconic performance at the Newport Folk Festival when he went electric for the first time. She mentioned that the movie aims to capture the spirit and energy of that era and transport the audience back in time to experience the cultural shift that Dylan’s music brought about.
The conversation also touched on the cultural impact of Bob Dylan and the significance of his decision to go electric. Fanning and O’Brien discussed how in today’s age, where shocking and explicit entertainment is the norm, it’s almost laughable to think that Dylan caused a stir by simply plugging in his guitar at a folk festival. They reflected on the courage it took for Dylan to risk disappointing his core fan base and make a radical change in his music style.
Fanning also praised the film’s authenticity, noting how they shot in New York and New Jersey to recreate the iconic streets of Greenwich Village. The attention to detail even extended to the costumes, which were meticulously designed by Arian Phillips. Fanning mentioned that Timmy had around 70 outfit changes throughout the film, reflecting Dylan’s evolution as a musician.
As the interview wrapped up, Fanning revealed her personal connection to Bob Dylan. She shared that she became a Bob Dylan fan after working with director Cameron Crowe on a previous project and wrote his name on her hand in middle school. Fanning humorously stated that she manifested her role in “A Complete Unknown” and is thrilled to have the opportunity to portray a character she admired for so long.
In conclusion, Elle Fanning‘s appearance on Conan O’Brien‘s talk show offered insights into her role in the upcoming biopic “A Complete Unknown” and the timeless impact of Bob Dylan. With its authentic portrayal of the 1960s music scene, the film promises to be a captivating journey into the life and career of one of music’s most enigmatic figures.
