Timothee Chalamet embodies the music, heart and soul of legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan in ‘A Complete Unknown’

HOLLYWOOD — The new film “A Complete Unknown” tells us the story of a certain time in the history of the acclaimed singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. The film tells the story of how Dylan went from a talented teenager with almost nothing…to becoming something of music…one of the biggest stars of his time.

Timothee Chalamet transforms into Dylan on screen… He’s actually the one who sings and plays guitar about 40 songs in this movie. Chalamet studied for years to take on this role.
The young actor told us what he sees when he watches vintage Dylan video.

“I see an artist who pursues the path he instinctively sees in front of him. It’s not taking no for an answer, not being bullied into what he doesn’t want to do and persevering through that vision, even through the boos, even through tumult, even though maybe those who support him feel let down and follow through on that vision,” Chalamet said.

Elle Fanning plays a character based on one of Dylan’s early girlfriends, before all the fame.

“She’s kind of the eyes of the audience in a lot of ways because she’s, excuse me, but kind of the only kind of normal person there, you know?” Fanning said. “She’s not part of the circus.”

Monica Barbaro plays folk music icon Joan Baez and was thrilled to have what she calls an emotional conversation with the singer.

“It was mind-blowing,” Barbaro said. “I think for anyone who’s a fan of her work like I became a huge fan of her work, it’s just unreal. The opportunity to get to talk to Joan is like life-changing.”

Edward Norton, who plays folk legend Pete Seeger in the film, credits director James Mangold for doing something different here.

“It’s not an experience of the plot of a biopic with many chapters over a life,” said Norton. “It really, you know, he created this feeling of getting through that intensive period.”

“A Complete Unknown” is new in theaters on Christmas Day.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Searchlight Pictures and this ABC station.