Bob Dylan’s early days as a struggling musician were marked by living in a cramped apartment in New York City’s Greenwich Village. The new biopic, A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet, makes this humble abode a central character.
To accurately recreate the space, production designer François Audouy relied on 200 photos of the apartment, including original black-and-white negatives from famous photo shoots and color photos to match the furniture and decor. Set decorator Regina Graves and her team scoured antique and thrift stores for exact duplicates of Dylan’s belongings, including a rare wingback chair that was reupholstered to look worn.
The recreated apartment is remarkably detailed, with custom-made furnishings and art pieces. The space evolves over time as the story unfolds, reflecting Dylan’s personal growth and relationships. When the Tom Paine Award is displayed on the mantel in 1963, it adds a touch of authenticity to the scene.
While some liberties were taken with the set design, such as the addition of double sliding doors and more windows than the original apartment, Audouy notes that the proportions are close to the actual space. The recreated apartment serves as an extension of Chalamet’s performance, allowing audiences to immerse themselves in the film.
Source: https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/entertainment/a63240192/bob-dylan-nyc-apartment-set-filming-location-a-complete-unknown