Bob Dylan’s hometown, Hibbing, Minnesota, is gearing up for the release of a new film about the singer’s early life. The movie, “A Complete Unknown,” focuses on Dylan’s time in New York City in the 1960s and features Timothée Chalamet as the lead actor.
For Justine Jacobson, who credits Bob Dylan’s music with playing a significant role in her life, the film is an exciting opportunity to see Chalamet take on the iconic role. “I was so excited to see that Timothée Chalamet was cast as Bob Dylan,” she said. Chalamet recently visited Hibbing and told MPR News that the trip helped him understand who Dylan was in “unspoken ways.”
The film’s release has sparked a sense of pride among Hibbing residents, including musician Paul Metsa, who has written a book about Dylan. “Bob’s a huge hero of mine,” Metsa said. He believes that Dylan’s upbringing on the Iron Range influenced his songs and sees Northern Minnesota’s grit in the singer.
Hibbing College Foundation held a fundraiser event to celebrate the music icon, with attendees praising Dylan’s impact on their lives. One librarian, Nancy Riesgraf, was surprised by the number of people from around the world who visit Hibbing to see where Dylan grew up.
While Hibbing’s relationship with Dylan wasn’t always kind, residents are now embracing the singer’s legacy. Retired social studies teacher Craig Hattam shared that Dylan’s mentorship at school and his first literary win in 2016 have earned him a new level of respect.
As “A Complete Unknown” nears its wide release on December 25, Hibbing is looking forward to celebrating Dylan’s life and legacy. The film offers a fresh perspective on the singer’s early years, and Chalamet’s portrayal is expected to be captivating.
Source: https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/12/24/hibbing-minnesota-bob-dylan-hometown-new-film-a-complete-unknown