In an intimate conversation with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, Timothée Chalamet reflected on the challenge and responsibility of portraying Bob Dylan in his upcoming film project. Chalamet seemed particularly focused on the “dignity” required for such a monumental role, a term that deeply resonates with his creative and personal process. “The experience I’ve had, I know it was dignified,” Chalamet commented, “but I also joke about it with my friends. It’s not just about it being the best experience as an actor, but about how it feels to connect with the work and with Dylan’s figure.”
The actor pointed out that his involvement with the project began more than five years ago, when the offer to portray the legendary musician came shortly after his success with Call Me by Your Name. At that time, although he was aware of the reverence for Dylan, he didn’t know his music or cultural impact in depth. “When they offered me this project, I felt I hadn’t grown up with Dylan, but that was an advantage,” he explains. “It allowed me to see Bob from the outside, without prejudice, just with curiosity.”
Chalamet, who describes his immersion into Dylan’s world as a deep dive into a “church,” says he felt like a humble disciple of Dylan’s music. “I’m in Bob’s church, I’m a disciple,” he passionately asserts, acknowledging that the film has given him the chance to serve as a bridge between contemporary audiences and that golden era of folk music.
In his conversation, Timothée drew parallels between his career and Bob Dylan’s, especially in their shared struggle to find an authentic space in their respective fields, as Dylan did with music. “Dylan wanted to be a rock and roll star, but he found his way in folk music, which really resonates with me.” Much like the young Dylan, who began in small bars while big names in rock dominated the charts, Chalamet made his way through low-budget films rich in artistic value, such as Call Me by Your Name and Lady Bird. “At first, they told me I didn’t have the right body for commercial action films. But I found my place in more personal projects, with a deeper aesthetic.”
One of the biggest challenges of the film, according to Chalamet, was the vocal and musical preparation. In A Complete Unknown, Chalamet not only acts but also sings and plays live, an even greater challenge given the reverence for Dylan’s original performances. “Doing the music live was the most singular challenge,” he confesses. Throughout the shooting, there were no pre-recordings; everything was recorded in real-time, including the famous song “Song to Woody”. “I made a little mistake with the guitar, but the essence was there. And after that recording, I cried. Not for dramatic effect, but because I understood what it meant to be part of that legacy, to bring something so real to life.”
Chalamet not only learned to play several of Dylan’s songs for the role but also prepared physically with a harmonica coach and worked closely with a team of vocal and movement trainers. “During the shoot, Nick Baxter, the music supervisor, and I spent a lot of time making sure everything sounded genuine. Dylan’s guitar at that time was almost like a broken-down artifact, something we wanted to capture.”
As Chalamet takes on more complex roles, he is also venturing into production. While continuing to work as an actor, he has shown interest in producing projects that he is passionate about. “Trust is built through collaboration, but it’s essential not to interfere with a director’s vision. I’ve earned my place by adding my voice, especially in the film’s music.” The actor also emphasised the importance of authorial roles in cinema and the possibility of working with filmmakers like Alfonso Cuarón, although he acknowledged that directing a film himself would be an unnecessary challenge for now.
Timothée also delved into how his portrayal of Dylan has impacted him personally. “We live in a culture that constantly looks back and contextualises the past. Dylan was always someone who didn’t look back, and that makes me ask myself: what would Bob do in this moment?” In an era of constant editing and filters, Chalamet recognises the importance of authenticity and not being swept away by nostalgia. “It’s easy to look back and try to fit the past into the present, but I try to live in the present. What I’ve learned from Bob is not to be complacent, to keep searching for the truth.”
With this film, Chalamet is not only exploring the life and music of an icon but also acknowledging his own artistic evolution. As he says, “First and foremost, it’s about the art. It’s not about pretending, but about challenging yourself, connecting with the deepest part of yourself.”
Sigue toda la información de HIGHXTAR desde Facebook, Twitter o Instagram
