Timothee Chalamet responds to glowing Bob Dylan endorsement ahead of A Complete Unknown premiere
Timothee Chalamet was left feeling bouts of pride after hearing the glowing review of his performance in the upcoming film, A Complete Unknown, by music legend Bob Dylan.
A Complete Unknown is set to premiere in the UK on Friday, January 17, just one month after premiering in the US – leaving many fans thrilled with the movie and Chalamet’s portrayal.
The film follows the life of Dylan from 1961 to 1965 in a script based on Elijah Wald’s 2015 book Dylan Goes Electric!
Chalamet – who recently debuted as Willy Wonka – joined the project back in 2019 but due to delays in the shoot caused by the pandemic and industry strikes, left him with five years to research the singer.
Wanting to give the best performance possible and make Dylan proud, Chalamet immersed himself into the singer’s life.
He travelled to his birthplace in Duluth, Minnesota and Hibbing where he grew up, before travelling to Minneapolis where he briefly went to college.
Chalamet even took the time to learn how to play the guitar and harmonica through the five years of preparation.
Hearing about his dedication to learning about his life, the singer took to X to lend his support.
He penned: “Timmy’s a brilliant actor so I’m sure he’s going to be completely believable as me. Or a younger me. Or some other me.”
After hearing the glowing review, Chalamet simply smiled and told Radio Times: “It was like Bob coming down from the mountaintop to drag his thumb across my forehead or something. It was a huge affirmation.”
Director James Mangold also praised Chalamet’s research and also explained to Radio Times: “Timmy can completely transform.
“There is no way that I can make Timmy or anyone else look or sound exactly like Bob Dylan. If you want to see the real Dylan performing, there are beautiful documentaries that can do that.
“The point here is to get into the vibe. Timmy is an agile actor who profoundly understands the lens. He has the energy, intellect and creativity for the role.”
Neil Young, a contemporary of Dylan who performed alongside him in Martin Scorsese’s seminal 1978 concert film The Last Waltz, recently shared his views on the film on his personal website, the Neil Young Archives.
“I love Bob Dylan and his music. Always have. He’s a great artist,” wrote Young. “Once he was on my bus and I didn’t recognise him and threw him off but that’s another story.
“This movie is a great tribute to his life and music. I think if you love Bob’s music you should see this great movie. I loved it.”
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In 2019, Young and Dylan shared the stage at Hyde Park as part of London’s BST Summertime festival.
Earlier this month, Young was confirmed as one of the headliners for the 2025 Glastonbury Festival and will join Sir Rod Stewart on the lineup for the Legends slot.