Preparing to portray Bob Dylan is no small feat. The folk icon, whose impact on the music scene is immeasurable, is the focal point of James Mangold’s latest film, A Complete Unknown. For lead actor Timothée Chalamet, the challenge was to uncover the essence of Dylan, making him more than just a familiar face. The journey began with a rigorous three-and-a-half-year period dedicated to mastering the guitar, understanding Dylan’s songs, and emulating his distinctive vocal style.

From there, the focus shifted to authenticity rather than mere imitation. “Bob possesses a soulful voice, but what truly defines it is his unique way of negotiating with his own words and storytelling,” Mangold explains to Empire, delving into his and Chalamet’s approach to capturing the legend. “What Timmy and I sought was that essence, rather than specific mannerisms or tics.” The goal was to evoke Chalamet’s portrayal through the music, transcending mere mimicry of Dylan’s known performances.

“The actor must internalize these external behaviors and make them their own, allowing them to speak through the character,” Mangold elaborates. “In performance, they can follow their own impulses within the character, rather than simply recreating what we’ve seen in documentaries.” Mangold’s experience in this realm is extensive, having directed the acclaimed Johnny Cash biopic Walk The Line. With A Complete Unknown, he aims to immerse the audience in the heart of the action as the New York folk scene undergoes explosive change.

Mangold decided that “the camera should be intimately close to the actors on stage,” he shares. “You’re experiencing what it feels like to be them, rather than just reliving the concert from a great seat. You’re not just witnessing the performance, but also the underlying struggles. It’s these tensions that my camera seeks to capture.” Even for die-hard Dylan fans, A Complete Unknown promises an exploration into the previously uncharted.

Read Empire’s full story on A Complete Unknown – featuring an interview with James Mangold about bringing a music legend to the screen – in the Mickey 17 issue, available on Thursday, October 24. Order your copy online here. A Complete Unknown hits UK cinemas on January 17.

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