Production has begun on “A Complete Unknown,” the upcoming Bob Dylan feature directed by James Mangold and starring Timothée Chalamet as the iconic American musician. Set photos from the New York City shoot have emerged online, offering a first look at the 28-year-old actor in costume.
“A Complete Unknown” will follow Dylan’s emergence in the New York folk music scene during the 1960s following the singer-songwriter moved from Minnesota to New York. In the first look from the set, Chalamet can be seen wearing an old-looking scarf and layering up with some gloves and a thick jacket. It looks like a snowy day in New York for young Bob Dylan, who is also seen lugging around a guitar.
Joining Chalamet in the cast of “A Complete Unknown” are Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Nick Offerman as Alan Lomax, and Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash. Edward Norton, who stepped in to play the role of Pete Seeger following Benedict Cumberbatch dropped out, will also appear in the film.
“The best true-life movies are never cradle to grave but they’re regarding a very specific moment,” Mangold previously revealed regarding the film. “It’s a kind of ensemble piece regarding this moment in time, the early ’60s in New York, and this 17-year-old kid with $16 in his pockets hitchhikes his way to New York to meet Woody Guthrie who is in the hospital and is dying of a nerve disease. He sings Woody a song that he wrote for him and befriends Pete Seeger, who is like a son to Woody, and Pete sets him up with gigs at local clubs and there you meet Joan Baez and all these other people who are part of this world.”
While Searchlight Pictures has yet to set a release date for “A Complete Unknown,” the first look from the set has generated excitement among fans. It offers a glimpse into the film’s recreation of the early ’60s New York scene and the transformation of Timothée Chalamet into the young Bob Dylan.
This film not only tells the story of Bob Dylan’s journey in the music world but also showcases an important era in American history. The 1960s were a time of social and political change, and Bob Dylan played a significant role in capturing the spirit of that era through his music.
The release of “A Complete Unknown” comes at a time when there is a renewed interest in the music and cultural movements of the ’60s. This film has the potential to reignite public interest in the folk music genre and introduce a new generation to the music and legacy of Bob Dylan.
Furthermore, the casting of Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan has garnered attention and anticipation. Chalamet has proven himself as a versatile actor, and his portrayal of the young musician is highly anticipated. The combination of Chalamet’s talent and the captivating story of Bob Dylan’s early career is sure to draw audiences to the theaters.
In conclusion, “A Complete Unknown” promises to be a compelling film that not only explores the life of Bob Dylan but also delves into an important period in American history. With its talented cast and the passionate direction of James Mangold, this film has the potential to capture the hearts of both Bob Dylan fans and moviegoers alike. As we await its release date, anticipation builds for what will undoubtedly be a memorable cinematic experience.