By Michael Specter
Actor Timothée Chalamet unveils two Bob Dylan covers from the upcoming film A Complete Unknown, showcasing his portrayal of the music legend.
On December 5, 2024, Timothée Chalamet gave fans a preview of his role as Bob Dylan in the forthcoming biopic A Complete Unknown. The 28-year-old actor shared full-length versions of two Bob Dylan songs: the iconic “Like a Rolling Stone” (1965) and “Girl From the North Country” (1963), which features Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez. These tracks, previously teased in the film’s trailers, are now available for listeners to enjoy ahead of the movie’s release.
Chalamet’s take on Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” may be shorter than the original but captures the essence of Dylan’s raw and gritty sound. In contrast, his collaboration with Barbaro on “Girl From the North Country” is a striking cover, blending their voices seamlessly.
Bob Dylan Praises Timothée Chalamet’s Performance
Bob Dylan, who is portrayed by Chalamet in the biopic, publicly praised the actor ahead of the film’s release. On December 5, Dylan posted a message on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his admiration for Chalamet’s work. Dylan described Chalamet as a “brilliant actor,” noting that he would be “completely believable” in the role of the younger Dylan, or even “some other me.”
Dylan also mentioned that the film A Complete Unknown is based on Elijah Wald’s book Dylan Goes Electric (2015), which recounts the events of the early ‘60s that culminated in the controversial Newport Folk Festival performance. Dylan encouraged fans to watch the film and then read the book for further insight into this pivotal period in his career.
In response, Chalamet reposted Dylan’s message with heartfelt gratitude, saying, “Floored. I am so grateful. Thank you Bob.”
Chalamet Prepares for the Role with Intense Training
Ahead of portraying the legendary musician, Chalamet shared insights into his preparation for the role. In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, he revealed that he worked closely with a vocal coach, dialect coach, guitar teacher, and movement coach to authentically embody Dylan. Chalamet emphasized that achieving the right vocal delivery was crucial, explaining, “If I was singing to a prerecorded guitar, then all of a sudden I could hear the lack of an arm movement in my voice.”
A Complete Unknown to Hit Theaters on December 25
The Complete Unknown chronicles Bob Dylan’s rise to fame in the 1960s, focusing on the transformative years of his career. The film is set to hit theaters on December 25, 2024, and will offer an intimate look at Dylan’s early life and the cultural shifts that accompanied his music. Fans of both Dylan and Chalamet can look forward to a compelling portrayal of the iconic musician, with Chalamet’s dynamic performance promising to capture Dylan’s spirit.
