‘Wary of any saviour-like figures’: Timothee Chalamet shares his interpretation of Bob Dylan songs

BERLIN: Actor Timothee Chalamet opened up about how playing Bob Dylan in ‘A Complete Unknown’ influenced his own experience with fame and activism. He said that songs of Dylan taught him to ‘be wary of any saviour-like figures’ in life.

The actor is currently nominated for his portrayal of singer Bob Dylan in the film ‘The Complete Unknown’ at the upcoming 97th Academy Awards. The film was premiered at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival.

According to Variety, following the premiere, the actor attended a packed press conference on Friday to answer journalists’ questions about the film.

Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner at the Berlin Film Festival pic.twitter.com/1USZsIU499

— Variety (@Variety) February 14, 2025

Timothee was asked about how Dylan, who penned several iconic protest songs, has influenced his view on political issues like war and the rise of the far right. Answering the question, Timothee said that Dylan’s songs were like a warning against cult figures.

He said, “I think it’s in the nature of his music, the warnings against cult-like figures. And I think that Bob was very true too — I won’t speak for him because he’s alive and well in Malibu — but my interpretation is just wary of any saviour-like figures … Anyone who says they have a solution, be wary. That’s also the message of Frank Herbert’s ‘Dune’.” as quoted by Variety.

The Berlin Film Festival marks ‘A Complete Unknown’s’ German premiere and Chalamet’s latest stop on the Oscars campaign trail. He’s up for best actor for portraying the famous folk singer.

So far, the actor has spearheaded a press tour in a unique and entertaining way, as per Variety. He has done interviews with internet personalities like Nardwaur, Brittany Broski and Theo Von. He also hosted ‘Saturday Night Live’ and performed an eclectic mix of Dylan’s deep cuts in January 2025.

Based on the book ‘Dylan Goes Electric’ by Elijah Wald, ‘A Complete Unknown’ tracks Dylan’s rise as an artist leading up to his infamous set at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival, during which he performed live with electric instruments for the first time.

The film also stars Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo (based on Dylan’s former girlfriend Suze Rotolo), Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez and Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash.

As per Variety, in addition to Chalamet’s Oscar nod, the film is also nominated for Best Picture, Director for Mangold, Norton for Supporting Actor, Barbaro for Supporting Actress, adapted screenplay, costume design and sound. (ANI)