Maybe realizing that in order for you a factor completed nicely, 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 Yr accolade — Dylan performed a serious 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 occasions,” Jaysen defined. “At one level they sat there they usually learn the complete script out loud, with Jim Mangold studying each half and stage course, and Bob Dylan solely studying strains of dialogue for himself. By means 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 stated, ‘Go together with God.’”
Whereas noting that Dylan “didn’t have ultimate minimize,” Jaysen emphasised the legend’s involvement. “I don’t suppose Bob Dylan is passive,” he stated. “He’s simply any person who’s extra personal.”
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 After an HBO deal fell via, an outdated good friend who occurred to work with Dylan made a single cellphone and supplied the rights to Jaysen’s firm and no one else.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 principally 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 may sing. He responded, “To be candid with you, we didn’t know.” That looks as if the type of query you may wish to ask the potential star of a tentpole music biopic, however hey, what do I do know, Dylan’s administration group has by no means known as me with an unique film supply.
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 find out about 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. If you happen to’d like, you may pay attention beneath.