A Complete Unknown narrates the gripping journey of a young Bob Dylan, focusing on his ascent to stardom during the early to mid-1960s. The film explores his quest for identity and artistic expression, culminating in a pivotal moment at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. It highlights both Dylan’s profound impact on music at the time and his enduring legacy today.
Starring Timothée Chalamet, who not only portrays but also performs as Bob Dylan, the film directed by James Mangold has taken a unique approach. Instead of relying on pre-recorded tracks and lip-syncing, Chalamet’s live performances were captured, lending an authentic air to the film. A Complete Unknown is set to grace theaters on December 25.
In a recent interview with ScreenRant, the talented sound team of A Complete Unknown—comprising Ted Caplan (Supervising Music Editor), Tod Maitland (Sound Mixer), Paul Massey (Re-Recording Mixer), and Donald Sylvester (Supervising Sound)—revealed the challenges of capturing the vibrancy of live performances in front of an audience. They emphasized Chalamet’s commitment to ensuring authenticity in the project’s sound design and discussed their collaborative efforts with director Mangold.
A Complete Unknown: For Newcomers to Bob Dylan
“The people that love Bob Dylan will go see it anyway, and the people that are curious will get a big kick out of it.”
ScreenRant: Were you familiar with Bob Dylan’s music prior to this project?
Paul Massey: I knew of him but wouldn’t call myself a huge fan.
Donald Sylvester: I felt similarly. While I recognized many of his songs, his personal story was less familiar to me. Ultimately, I think this film caters to audiences like us; those who adore Bob Dylan will watch it regardless, while the curious will be intrigued and entertained.
Creative Partnership: Mangold & Chalamet
“Every day you went to work, and you felt like you were really recording something special and a piece of history.”
ScreenRant: How did the collaboration unfold among the crew and with James Mangold?
Tod Maitland: Jim is a remarkable director with a clear vision. Timmy also had a strong idea of what he wanted to accomplish. Each day felt like we were documenting something momentous and historic.
The film predominantly features live music, seamlessly intertwining character development and music without distractions. Every crew member brought unparalleled dedication, contributing to the film’s unique artistry.
The Challenge of Capturing Live Performances
“You’ll find a lot of these scenes, they’re just singing with their guitars, and there’s nothing else going on.”
ScreenRant: Can you elaborate on the process of recording these performances live?
Ted Caplan: Tod skillfully captured the performances live on set. For example, Timmy performed a song directly referencing music legends, which required multiple mics for clarity and nuance, ensuring an immersive experience.
ScreenRant: Did the recording happen on site?
Donald Sylvester: Yes, we focused on maintaining the live quality of the performances. Many scenes feature raw performances, intentionally minimizing added sound effects to allow the artists’ voices and instruments to stand out.
Ted Caplan: For instance, the moment when Monica sings “House of the Rising Sun”captures a powerful chill factor that would be hard to replicate with a pre-recorded track.
Sound Captured During the 1965 Folk Festival
“What is it you’re trying to say in the scene, or in the song, or the emotion of Bob and his rebellious nature?”
ScreenRant: Was the climactic performance difficult to manage due to chaos in the crowd?
Ted Caplan: Surprisingly, that performance was more straightforward than expected.
Paul Massey: Indeed, the key was distilling the essentials of the scene and focusing on the core emotions that Bob Dylan conveyed with his performance.
About A Complete Unknown (2024)
Set in New York City in 1961, A Complete Unknown chronicles the life of a 19-year-old Bob Dylan as he arrives in the heart of a burgeoning music scene amidst significant cultural shifts. His journey intertwines with iconic figures from Greenwich Village, leading to a groundbreaking performance that would echo through history. Timothée Chalamet embodies the legendary musician in this electrifying biopic, celebrating the early days of one of music’s most influential songwriters.
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- Edward Norton
- Timothée Chalamet & Elle Fanning
- Costume Designer: Arianne Phillips
- Director of Photography: Phedon Papamichael
- Monica Barbaro
A Complete Unknown premieres in theaters on December 25.