Timothée Chalamet is gearing up for the release of A Complete Unknown, which is just weeks away, and he has the endorsement of iconic musician Bob Dylan. Chalamet recently unveiled his complete versions of two of Dylan’s celebrated tracks, “Girl From the North Country” and “Like a Rolling Stone.” Previously, snippets of these songs were featured in promotional trailers for the film, but this marks the first time listeners can enjoy the full recordings. This follows Chalamet’s rendition of “Subterranean Homesick Blues” that he had shared earlier.
Chalamet’s interpretation of “Like a Rolling Stone,” while condensed to around half the length of Dylan’s original, effectively captures the song’s playful and vibrant spirit. On “Girl From the North Country,” Chalamet is joined by his co-star Monica Barbaro, who portrays Joan Baez. Interestingly, Dylan recorded a version of this song with Johnny Cash, but there is no record of him performing it with Baez. This element reflects some of the creative liberties that director James Mangold took in reimagining the narrative of Dylan’s era for A Complete Unknown.
In a recent interview for Rolling Stone, Mangold emphasized the importance of storytelling, stating, “You can’t make it like a Wikipedia entry.” He also shared a fascinating anecdote where Dylan encouraged him to include a fictional moment in the film to keep the essence of storytelling alive, illustrating the artist’s playful approach to his own history.
Chalamet spoke about the extensive preparation he undertook to portray Dylan authentically, which included collaborating with vocal, dialect, and movement coaches, alongside learning to play both the guitar and harmonica. He expressed his belief that the best performances are those captured live, stating, “You can’t re-create it in the studio.” By recording the songs on set, he felt he was able to infuse real emotion into his performance, something that could be lost with pre-recorded tracks.
Scheduled for release on Christmas Day, A Complete Unknown promises to offer a unique glimpse into Bob Dylan’s life and music, backed by Chalamet’s dedicated performance.
This film not only celebrates Dylan’s artistry but also highlights the creative endeavors of a new generation of artists. With a fresh take on significant historical moments, audiences are sure to enjoy the convergence of storytelling and music in A Complete Unknown.