Watch a New Preview of the Bob Dylan Biopic ‘A Complete Unknown’ Featuring the Film’s Stars Discussing the Folk Legend’s Legacy

A new featurette for the upcoming Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown offers fans a deeper look into the film. The preview, titled “The Ballad of a True Original,” offers commentary from star Timothée Chalamet, director James Mangold and other members of the cast and production team about Dylan’s impact on music.

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The featurette also includes details about Chalamet’s portrayal of the legendary folk-rock artist, as well as a variety of short clips from the movie.

“Bob Dylan has written some of the most iconic songs of the last century,” Mangold says at the beginning of the preview.

“Bob and his music reigns over culture,” Chalamet adds.

Boyd Holbrook, who plays Johnny Cash in the film, then comments, “I’m so infatuated with lyrics and songwriting, and that was Bob’s genius.”

[RELATED: New Trailer for A Complete Unknown Features Johnny Cash, Joan Baez, and New Music Sung by Timothée Chalamet]

Later in the video, Monica Barbaro, who plays fellow folk legend Joan Baez, notes about Dylan, “He was writing music that was more blunt about things that were going on.”

Chalamet adds, “Bob wouldn’t let himself be boxed in, which for me, as a young artist, is the most inspiring.”

Mangold then reflecting on Dylan’s quick rise to prominence, and his rebellion against being categorized as simply a folk artist.

“His genius in the power of his songs and personality ends up elevating him ’til he’s bigger than the movement he was taken into,” the filmmaker points out.

On that same topic, Chalamet offers, “Many of the artists through American pop culture that had the balls to turn their back on what was expected of them, that moment started with Bob.”

Mangold adds, “Bob has really resisted categorization. He has resisted being put in a box.”

About Chalamet Performing Live as Dylan in the Film

The preview also touches on the decision for Chalamet to sing and perform live as Dylan in the movie.

Nick Baxter, the film’s executive music producer, says, “Every music moment is super grounded and has a purpose. And [the movie is] story driven, character driven, and it was clear that we needed to do a bunch of stuff live.”

Chalamet notes, “It was important for me to sing and play on set because it was in the spirit of the movie to do it live.”

Adds Steven Gizicki, the movie’s music producer, “[Timothée] learns the entire thing top to bottom. That’s harmonica and guitar and vocal. It’s pretty special.”

More About Dylan’s Enduring Impact on Music

As the featurette nears its conclusion, Chalamet and a couple of other cast members comment about Dylan’s enduring musical legacy.

“His words are relevant,” Chalamet says. “‘[The] Times They Are a-Changin’’ is relevant. ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ is relevant.”

Scoot McNairy, who portrays Woody Guthrie, one of Dylan’s greatest songwriting inspirations, adds, “His music’s still all over the radio.”

Elle Fanning, who plays Bob’s love interest in the film, also notes, “He changed folk music forever and music forever.”

Footage from A Complete Unknown Included in the Featurette

A variety of scenes from A Complete Unknown appear in the featurette. They include clips of Chalamet as Dylan performing “Maggie’s Farm,” “The Times They Are a-Changin’,” and “Like a Rolling Stone.”

There’s also a historic scene of young Dylan visiting an ailing Guthrie in a hospital, where Bob is encouraged by Pete Seeger (portrayed by Edward Norton) to play Woody one of his songs.

A Complete Unknown is scheduled to premiere on December 25.

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