Maybe figuring out that if you would like a factor carried out effectively, it’s important to do it your self, Bob Dylan carried out the a part of [checks notes] Bob Dylan earlier than approving the script for the musical biopic primarily based on his life, A Full Unknown.
Though the position of the younger songwriter ultimately went to Timothée Chalamet — who’s now getting loads of awards buzz, plus our personal Movie Performer of the 12 months accolade — Dylan performed a significant position behind the scenes. As revealed on The City podcast by one of many movie’s producers, Peter Jaysen, Dylan not solely “had approval over the script,” he additionally “had significant enter” with author and director James Mangold.
“He met with Jim Mangold a number of instances,” Jaysen defined. “At one level they sat there they usually learn the whole script out loud, with Jim Mangold studying each half and stage route, and Bob Dylan solely studying strains of dialogue for himself. By way of that course of, [Dylan] sat there writing notes on the script. On the finish of the final session with Jim Mangold, he signed the script and mentioned, ‘Go together with God.’”
Whereas noting that Dylan “didn’t have last minimize,” Jaysen emphasised the legend’s involvement. “I don’t suppose Bob Dylan is passive,” he mentioned. “He’s simply any person who’s extra non-public.”
Elsewhere within the interview, Jaysen defined the considerate, meritocratic course of by which he acquired Dylan’s musical rights andahahahaha, sorry, couldn’t hold a straight face. After an HBO deal fell by, an previous good friend who occurred to work with Dylan made a single telephone and supplied the rights to Jaysen’s firm and no person else. Hollywood, child!
Jaysen additionally argued that he knew Chalamet was blowing up earlier than the remainder of the city, saying he sought to solid Timmy as Dylan in 2019, “earlier than he was significant as a star. Like, that’s pre-Dune, pre-Wonka, that’s mainly post-Name Me by Your Identify. To us, Timmy was a singular expertise.” Nonetheless, his claims about “singular expertise” and in-depth analysis are barely undercut moments later when he’s requested if he knew Chalamet might sing. He responded, “To be candid with you, we didn’t know.” That looks like the form of query you would possibly wish to ask the potential star of a tentpole music biopic, however hey, what do I do know, Dylan’s administration crew has by no means referred to as me with an unique film provide.
The entire interview is value a pay attention, if solely to listen to the congenial ways in which interviewer Matthew Beloni retains serving to Jaysen put his foot in his mouth. Listeners may also study a Prince biopic caught in limbo after the household balked on the completed product, in addition to Jaysen’s efforts to make jukebox musicals about ‘Mama’ Cass Elliot of the Mamas & the Papas, in addition to Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd. When you’d like, you’ll be able to pay attention beneath.
