Timothée Chalamet, the 29-year-old star of the 2024 Bob Dylan biopic Complete Unknown, made a major debut as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live, delivering a performance that had everyone talking. Chalamet, known for his dynamic acting range, took a bold leap into the world of music on the iconic stage of SNL, bringing not just his acting chops but a deep respect for the legendary Bob Dylan. With dark sunglasses perched on his face, just like Dylan's lyrics in "Outlaw Blues," Chalamet launched into the night with a powerful rendition of this classic track. From Dylan’s 1965 album Bringing It All Back Home, “Outlaw Blues” was the perfect opener, a song that marks Dylan’s first venture into electric guitar, a pivotal moment in his career.
The energy was palpable as Chalamet strummed along to the electric guitar, alongside a tight and lively backing band, which set the tone for the rest of the evening. But this wasn’t just a typical cover performance; Chalamet’s passion for the music shone through in every note. Transitioning from the fiery energy of "Outlaw Blues," he mellowed things out with a smooth segue into the more reflective "Three Angels." This beautiful song, drawn from Dylan’s 1970 album New Morning, carries a gospel-inspired vibe. For this performance, Chalamet took a seat front and center, right next to the keyboard, and delivered a touching, spoken-word rendition that captivated the audience. His approach to this track was tender and intimate, showing the depth of his understanding and admiration for the song.
But the night wasn’t over yet. Later on, Chalamet picked up an acoustic guitar and gave an equally impressive performance of “Tomorrow Is a Long Time,” a gem from Dylan's 1971 compilation album Bob Dylan’s Greatest Hits Vol. II. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and the acoustic arrangement offered a stunning contrast to the earlier electric vibe, showcasing Chalamet’s versatility as a performer. The beauty of the song, paired with his emotive delivery, made for a memorable moment that left viewers in awe.
It’s clear that Chalamet’s preparation for his role in Complete Unknown wasn’t just about memorizing lines or perfecting his acting techniques. He took his portrayal of Bob Dylan very seriously, diving deep into the process of learning how to play guitar and harmonica, and even working with vocal, dialect, and movement coaches. The effort he put into mastering Dylan’s distinct vocal style and physicality paid off in spades. In fact, Dylan himself was impressed with what he saw and heard. When Chalamet brought Dylan’s songs to life in the film, including the iconic “Like a Rolling Stone,” the legendary artist gave his approval. This endorsement from Dylan only solidified Chalamet’s place as one of the most talented and dedicated actors of his generation.
But there’s more to this story than just Chalamet’s musical performance. The young actor, who has been nominated for several prestigious awards for his portrayal of Dylan, is quickly becoming a household name, thanks not only to his acting but also his diverse talents. The Saturday Night Live appearance was just another chapter in his career, a move that brought together both his acting and musical abilities in one night. And Chalamet isn’t new to the SNL stage. In fact, his last appearance as a host came in November 2023, where he wowed audiences with a musical number about artificial intelligence, set to the tune of the classic Willy Wonka song "Pure Imagination." His ability to bring humor, charm, and a little bit of social commentary to his performances made him a hit in that episode as well.
This recent appearance, however, marked a whole new level of Chalamet’s engagement with music. He wasn’t just hosting; he was performing live, covering Dylan’s tunes with such authenticity that it felt like you were listening to Dylan himself. His connection to the songs, the lyrics, and the overall vibe of Dylan’s music was evident in every moment. It’s no surprise that Chalamet’s portrayal of Dylan in Complete Unknown has already earned him widespread acclaim. Whether it was his ability to nail the distinctive vocal delivery of Dylan’s songs or his performance of some of the most beloved tracks from Dylan’s catalog, Chalamet captured the essence of the artist while still putting his own stamp on the material.
The preparation for such a role is no small feat. Chalamet had to immerse himself in every aspect of Dylan’s persona, and that meant studying not only his voice and guitar technique but also his movement and overall presence. Dylan’s unique way of expressing himself—his posture, his gestures, the way he holds a guitar—are all integral parts of his identity as an artist. For Chalamet to replicate this on screen and in his live performances was no easy task, but he pulled it off brilliantly. The work he did with dialect coaches, learning how to deliver Dylan’s lyrics in a way that felt natural, was also a key part of his success. This attention to detail ensured that his performance wasn’t just a shallow imitation but a true homage to the man and his music.
It’s also worth noting that Chalamet’s performance came at a time when his star is soaring higher than ever. With his role in Complete Unknown and his appearances on shows like SNL, Chalamet is proving that he’s more than just a talented actor. He’s a multi-faceted performer who can seamlessly blend different art forms, from acting to singing to playing instruments. The 29-year-old actor’s versatility is something that has made him stand out in Hollywood, and his willingness to take on complex roles and push himself artistically only adds to his growing reputation.
His appearance on Saturday Night Live was a huge moment, not just for fans of Chalamet but for fans of Dylan’s music as well. It was a perfect marriage of two worlds: the world of cinema and the world of music. The seamless way Chalamet transitioned from one song to another, from electric guitar to acoustic, was a testament to his growth as a performer. He wasn’t just covering Bob Dylan’s songs; he was channeling them, making them his own, while still staying true to the essence of what makes Dylan’s music so iconic.
This performance on SNL was a turning point for Chalamet, showing a new side of his talents and proving that his journey in the world of entertainment is far from over. Whether he’s hosting a late-night show or performing live music on stage, Chalamet continues to captivate audiences with his versatility and passion. For those who haven’t seen his portrayal of Bob Dylan in Complete Unknown yet, this performance gives just a glimpse of what he’s capable of. It’s clear that Chalamet is an artist in every sense of the word—one who is constantly evolving and pushing boundaries, both in his career and in his performances.
In the end, Timothée Chalamet’s Saturday Night Live appearance was much more than just a debut musical performance. It was a celebration of his growth as an artist, a tribute to Bob Dylan’s enduring legacy, and a reminder of the magic that happens when different creative worlds collide.
Login