Timothée Chalamet and Edward Norton Discuss Fame’s Mistrust
Timothée Chalamet and Edward Norton share insights on the challenges of fame and its impact on artists in their upcoming film about Bob Dylan.
Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Film, A Complete Unknown, New York, USA
New York: So, Timothée Chalamet is gearing up for his role as Bob Dylan in the film “A Complete Unknown,” which is set to hit theaters on December 25. This movie is already creating a buzz with nominations for the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards. It also stars Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez and Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, among others. The film dives into Dylan’s rise to fame in the 1960s.
The story kicks off with a young Dylan moving from Minnesota to New York, where he meets his idol, Woody Guthrie. It captures his journey through the vibrant Greenwich Village scene, filled with anti-war and civil rights movements. The film shows how he transformed from a struggling folk artist to a rock-and-roll icon, highlighting his relationships with Baez and his ex-girlfriend, Suze Rotolo.
Director James Mangold and Chalamet have been working together for five years on this project. They’ve built a close bond, often sharing ideas and music while filming other projects in England. Mangold describes Chalamet as a passionate and focused young man, and he felt it was important to keep feeding him creative ideas throughout the process.
Barbaro, who plays Baez, also had the chance to connect with the real Joan Baez to prepare for her role. She was nervous but found Baez to be generous with her time. They discussed Baez’s early days learning guitar, which helped Barbaro relate to her character on a deeper level.
One of the film’s key themes is how Dylan navigated fame. Norton admires Dylan’s ability to remain mistrustful of fame, refusing to let it define him. He believes Dylan’s approach is a rare example of resisting the pressures that come with celebrity status.
Mangold adds that while creating art is an act of control, fame can feel like losing that control. He emphasizes that artists owe their true selves to their loved ones, not just to fans who enjoy their work. This perspective on fame and personal boundaries is a significant part of what makes “A Complete Unknown” so compelling.