Timothee Chalamet's Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown set to rock Christmas release

Virgin Radio

7 Aug 2024, 14:09

The highly anticipated film promises a deep dive into Dylan’s electric transformation, with Chalamet taking centre stage.

The much-anticipated Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, is set to strum its way into cinemas this Christmas Day.

This yuletide treat will see none other than Timothee Chalamet, Hollywood’s current golden boy, stepping into the shoes (and guitar strap) of the legendary folk icon.

This flick isn’t just a stroll down memory lane; it zeroes in on Dylan's seismic shift at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival where he famously went electric, sending shockwaves through the folk music community.

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Chalamet, who has already wowed us with his vocal chops in the 2023 musical Wonka, will be doing his own singing in the film.

Yep, that's right – Chalamet is not just a pretty face; he's tackling Dylan’s iconic tunes himself!

The heartthrob has gone the extra mile, taking singing and guitar lessons to channel Dylan’s unmistakable sound.

If his past performances are anything to go by, this will be a performance that’s sure to have us all saying 'how does it feel' to be that good?

Directed by James Mangold, the mastermind behind Logan, the film boasts a star-studded cast including Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, Boyd Holbrook, and Monica Barbaro.

Mangold, who has been in close consultation with Dylan himself, revealed on the Happy Sad Confused podcast that he’s spent several "wonderfully charming" days with the music legend.

“I've got a script that's personally annotated by him and treasured by me,” Mangold shared.

“The first time I sat down with Bob, one of the first things he said to me was, ‘I love Cop Land.’”

But don’t expect a cradle-to-grave biography. Mangold clarified: “By the way, it's not really a Bob Dylan biopic.

"The reason Bob has been so supportive of us making it, is it's about... a very specific moment.”

The film paints an ensemble picture of the early 60s in New York, following a 17-year-old Dylan as he hitchhikes to meet his idol, Woody Guthrie, who is battling a nerve disease in the hospital.

The teaser trailer, which dropped on July 24th, gives us a tantalising glimpse of Chalamet's Dylan wandering the streets of New York City, with landmarks like the Chelsea Hotel and Cafe Wha? making appearances.

We even catch a peek at some of Dylan's iconic performances, all underscored by Chalamet’s own rendition of a Dylan classic.

The film’s ensemble cast also features Dan Fogler of Fantastic Beasts fame and Norbert Leo Butz, known for Dan in Real Life.

The screenplay, penned by Mangold and Jay Cocks, draws inspiration from Elijah Wald’s 2015 book, Dylan Goes Electric!.

Fans are buzzing with anticipation for Chalamet’s portrayal. Given his transformative performances in films like Call Me by Your Name and Dune, there’s no doubt he’ll bring the same depth and authenticity to the role of Dylan.

It’s a big task to take on the man who penned The Times They Are a-Changin’, but if anyone can do it, it’s Timothee.

A Complete Unknown is set to hit cinemas 25th December 25th 2024.