Cate Blanchett Weighs in on Timothe Chalamet’s Bob Dylan Biopic

Cate Blanchett Weighs in on Timothe Chalamet's Bob Dylan Biopic

As a movie enthusiast with a penchant for biopics and a deep appreciation for Bob Dylan’s music, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation tinged with nostalgia when it comes to the upcoming film, “A Complete Unknown.” The upcoming biopic has sparked debates about historical accuracy, a topic that veteran actress Cate Blanchett—who previously portrayed Dylan in Todd Haynes’ surreal 2007 biopic, “I’m Not There”—has weighed in on.


As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I can’t help but share my thoughts on the upcoming Bob Dylan biopic titled “A Complete Unknown.” This flick has stirred quite a buzz, with fans expressing mixed feelings about its historical authenticity. Although it hasn’t graced our cinema screens just yet, people are already scrutinizing the first trailer, dissecting every minute detail.

Cate Blanchett recently chatted with GQ about her memorable roles. During their conversation, she recalled her time portraying Bob Dylan in Todd Haynes’ 2007 biopic. When asked about Timothée Chalamet’s upcoming film, Blanchett expressed excitement and curiosity to see his performance. She added that films like “I’m Not There” and “A Complete Unknown” don’t require strict historical accuracy, as it’s not the heart of cinema. She clarified:

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Title “A Complete Unknown” is inspired by lyrics from Bob Dylan’s well-known song “Like a Rolling Stone.” The narrative is derived from Elijah Wald’s biography, “Dylan Goes Electric!”. Initially recognized as an exceptional folk artist, Dylan stunned audiences at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival by transitioning to electric music and embracing rock ‘n’ roll. In addition to Timothée Chalamet portraying Dylan, the film “A Complete Unknown” features Elle Fanning, Boyd Holbrook, Edward Norton, Scoot McNairy, Monica Barbaro, and Dan Fogler in significant roles.

Cate Blanchett Is Connected to Timothée Chalamet’s Bob Dylan Biopic

Cate Blanchett Weighs in on Timothe Chalamet's Bob Dylan BiopicCate Blanchett Weighs in on Timothe Chalamet's Bob Dylan BiopicCate Blanchett Weighs in on Timothe Chalamet's Bob Dylan Biopic

Contrasting James Mangold’s film “A Complete Unknown“, which seems to adopt a more conventional, realistic approach when depicting Bob Dylan’s life, Todd Haynes’ “I’m Not There” is noticeably innovative. Instead of presenting a linear narrative, the director explores different facets of Dylan’s life and career through seven distinct perspectives, each portrayed by various actors. Cate Blanchett represented Dylan during his Going Electric phase – a role that Timothée Chalamet will be reprising in “A Complete Unknown“. Reflecting on her experience filming the movie, Cate Blanchett shared:

In this production, Heath Ledger and Christian Bale were part of my scene, along with Michelle Williams. I portrayed Bob Dylan during his electric phase on the ’68 tour. Oh my, it was a blast! The ‘Highway 61’ album is one of my favorites.

As a dedicated cinephile, I immersed myself completely in the process of preparing for my role. The documentary Don’t Look Back by Penny Baker turned out to be an invaluable resource for me, and I spent countless hours studying Bob Dylan’s enigmatic responses to the media. I found myself lost in the intricacies of his character, striving to embody him authentically on screen.

“While I was busy getting ready for it, I was also catching up on the outtakes of the Penny Baker documentary, repeatedly. It wasn’t just the behind-the-scenes footage of me playing Queen Elizabeth that fascinated me, but also the press conferences he held in cities like Stockholm, Paris, and London. His interactions with the media were formal and rigid, and it was mind-blowing to see how the expectations were so absolute that artists had to explain and justify their work, telling the audience what to think. But he just wouldn’t play by those rules.”

The film titled “A Complete Unknown” will be screened on Christmas Day, the 25th of December in 2024.

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2024-08-09 19:01