Bob Dylan Tested the Script for ‘A Complete Unknown’ as Himself Ahead of Film Approval

Bob Dylan decided to get really thorough before giving his stamp of approval on his newest biopic film, A Complete Unknown.

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The film follows the short but important period of time in which Dylan decided to incorporate the electric guitar into the acoustic folk music he was known for. Dylan is portrayed by Timothée Chalamet in the film. Critics are already singing the film’s (and actors’) praises just days after its recent release on Christmas Day.

According to reports, Dylan had a pretty important role behind the scenes of the film. Ahead of the film’s script approval, Bob Dylan sat down for a table read of the script. Peter Jaysen, one of the film’s producers, noted that Dylan had “approval” over the script. He also noted that Dylan had “meaningful input” to provide to the film’s director James Mangold.

“At one point they sat there and they read the entire script out loud, with Jim Mangold reading every part and stage direction, and Bob Dylan only reading lines of dialogue for himself,” said Jaysen in a recent interview on The Town podcast. “Through that process, [Bob] sat there writing notes on the script. At the end of the last session with Jim Mangold, he signed the script and said ‘go with God.’”

Bob Dylan didn’t have the “final cut” of the film. But, Jaysen did note that the “Like A Rolling Stone” hitmaker was still quite involved in the production of the film. He also went on to note that Dylan isn’t a “passive” person, but rather a private one.

What is ‘A Complete Unknown’ About?

Bob Dylan’s recent biopic film doesn’t follow the entirety of his life. Rather, A Complete Unknown focuses on his controversial decision to use electric instruments in his music, particularly while performing at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965. The film chronicles Dylan’s move to New York City in 1961. It also follows his relationship with Joan Gaez, his rise to fame, and his struggle to maintain his artistic freedom.

The film is packed with stunning portrayals of famous musicians, from Edward Norton as Pete Seeger to Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash.

A Complete Unknown is currently playing in theaters across the United States.

Photo by Macall Polay/Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures

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