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Biographical films are often known for demanding precision and authenticity, where actors are required to strive and capture the essence of real-life legends. Monica Barbaro faced a similarly daunting task upon landing the role of Joan Baez, the iconic folk singer, in Timothée Chalamet’s biopic about Bob Dylan—A Complete Unknown.
Being a perfectionist, Monica Barbaro thus wrestled with her desire to bring the authentic representation of Joan Baez to the screen. However, just one night before filming a pivotal musical scene, a decisive phone call with the living legend herself, changed Barbaro’s approach entirely. According to the actress, the conversation freed her from the pressure of capturing Baez’s character perfectly.
Monica Barbaro recalled her conversation with the living legend Joan Baez
Appearing in biographical films is always considered daunting, even for the most seasoned stars—let alone playing the role of someone who is still alive. Yes, that’s what happened to theTop Gun: MaverickstarMonica Barbaro, when she was cast alongside Timothée Chalamet inA Complete Unknown.
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While Timothée Chalamet played the titular role of the late legend Bob Dylan, Monica Barbaro took on the role of the musician’s collaborator, lover, and critical foil Joan Baez. Further, while Chalamet had about six years to prepare for the role, Barbaro had a bit less than a year to pick on Baez’s characteristics and her impeccable music skills.
Therefore, recalling her process of preparation for the role during an interview withThe San Francisco Chronicle, Monica Barbaro mentioned self-learning Ukelele and trying to mend her voice to at least get the scales and tempo right. Meanwhile, claiming to be a perfectionist, Barbaro also recalled calling the legend Joan Baez, a night before filming.
I’d taught myself some songs on the ukelele, but I really didn’t sing or play prior to this. It was just an overhaul of training. … Joan has an impossibly perfect voice!
Calling Joan was the one last thing I needed to do and I didn’t know why. In some way, I sort of realized that she’s not hellbent on trying to prove something with this movie.
After teaching herself the art of music and learning Joan Baez’s finger-picking skills, Monica Barbaro admitted calling the living legend to get the final bit of information required to play her character. Being a perfectionist, Barbaro admitted to looking for advice from Baez. However, surprisingly, the actress received something way more precious than counsel.
A conversation with Joan Baez saved Monica Barbaro’s performance
Implying that while the perfectionist in her tried to capture Joan Baez’s essence most authentically, and almost tried stealing the spotlight from Timothée Chalamet’s Bob Dylan, despite the film being abiography about the musician, Barbaro claimed to be thankful for calling Baez. Realizing that Baez wasn’t interested in proving anything about her with the film, allowed Monica Barbaro to be at ease with her character.
[Joan Baez] doesn’t feel like it’s hers, and she doesn’t live or die by what we say about her in this film. It was a lovely conversation to have had.
I felt I could put my sense of perfectionism, my craving to get her right, on a shelf and just enjoy the moment more. That was the night before I sang and played for the first time in front of an audience.
Having a conversation with Joan Baez allowed Monica Barbaro to realize that the movie was aboutTimothée Chalamet‘s character Bob Dylan, and that while Joan Baez was an integral part of Dylan’s life, the film wasn’t about her. This saved Barbaro from not only repeating takes just for the sake of perfection, but also savedA Complete Unknownfrom becoming all about Baez.
“I like that”: James Mangold’s Horribly Dark ‘A Complete Unknown’ Story Made Bob Dylan Give His Blessings as Timothée Chalamet Eyes Maiden Oscar
Had Monica Barbaro not spoken with Joan Baez, the actress might have ended up leaning into her perfectionist attitude and gone all the way in with multiple takes. As a result, it might have ruined the film’s schedule, especially considering how the movie was already delayed due to COVID and the Hollywood strikes. So it seems that a phone call with Joan Baez, at the last minute, saved it all for good.
A Complete Unknownis currently running at your nearest theaters.
Krittika Mukherjee
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3218
Krittika Mukherjee is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on films, TV shows, and celebrity news with over 3,000 articles published. With an educational background in Journalism, and a keen interest in filmmaking, Krittika blends factual precision with creative flair, when crafting her editorials, or dissecting fan theories.Her coverage often includes news and analyses of critically acclaimed films, celebrity news, and franchises like the Wizarding World, LOTR, DC, and MCU—particularly Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Superheroes, and fan theories. As a Wizarding World aficionado, Krittika has spent countless hours exploring hidden backstories, unadapted book moments, spells, and trivias surrounding J.K. Rowling’s lore.An imaginative writer with a way with words, Krittika has worked as an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a web content writer for a year. She brought her experience and expertise to FandomWire to pursue her desire for sipping coffee while dissecting films and tracking celebrity drama.
