Timothee Chalamet says Bob Dylan role in new biopic is one he is ‘most proud of’
Timothée Chalamet has expressed that playing Bob Dylan in the forthcoming biopic A Complete Unknown is the film and character he feels the greatest pride in.
The Hollywood actor, known for his roles in the sci-fi masterpiece Dune and the historical drama Little Women, portrays a young Dylan during the initial phase of his career in New York City. This journey leads up to the legendary folk singer's iconic performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965.
The 28-year-old confessed he didn't realize how significant Dylan's influence was until he got involved in the project. Now, he feels very enthusiastic and committed to the musician.
While on The Graham Norton Show, he mentioned, "I didn’t know a lot about Dylan before, but after spending so much time on this project, I’ve truly come to admire Bob."
I have a strong enthusiasm for this individual and what he does. My friends are getting fed up with me constantly bringing him up.
"This individual has had a significant influence on culture, and I take the greatest pride in this film and his character in it."
Chalamet shared that he never had the opportunity to meet Dylan because he is a "hard-to-reach, enigmatic person" and tends to be "sparing with his words." However, he expressed a strong desire to connect with him.
"I understand and respect that it's consistent with his personality for me to never have the chance to meet him," he remarked.
Dylan has already expressed his approval of Chalamet, posting on social media: “Timmy is an amazing actor, so I have no doubt he'll portray me convincingly. Or a younger version of me. Or perhaps a different version altogether.”
Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet in a moment from A Complete Unknown (Searchlight Pictures/AP)
At recent film premieres, Chalamet has been drawing inspiration from Dylan's style, even sporting blonde hair at the New York event to pay homage to the musician's iconic appearance at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival.
The project was initially scheduled to be completed over five years ago, but it faced delays because of the pandemic and the actors' strike that occurred last year.
Despite the setback, Chalamet has had additional time to refine his live singing skills for the part.
"I felt sure about my singing, and when the time came to work on the film, I was eager to perform the songs live," he explained.
The film, directed by James Mangold, features American actress Elle Fanning in the role of Sylvie Russo, the love interest.
A Complete Unknown is set to hit theaters in the UK on January 17.
The Graham Norton Show is set to be broadcast on BBC One this Friday at 10:40 PM.
