Timothée Chalamet Wants to ‘Be One of the Greats’ — And He Was Right to Say It

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As I embark on reviewing “A Complete Unknown,” the riveting Bob Dylan biopic that’s sweeping the nation, I find myself in awe of Timothée Chalamet‘s remarkable performance. His digital savviness and youthful allure make him an exceptional fit for the role, effortlessly connecting with modern influencers like Theo Von and Brittany Broski who have built massive Gen Z followings on platforms such as TikTok and YouTube.

Chalamet’s ability to blend in without coming off as a desperate attention-seeker is truly commendable. From participating in his doppelganger competition in downtown Manhattan to hanging out with the marching band at the University of Minnesota, Dylan’s home state, he showcases his quick wit and relaxed camaraderie, even taking on a “Saturday Night Live” hosting stint and discussing college football as if it were second nature.

This young actor is so attuned to the cultural pulse that he’s been romantically linked to Kylie Jenner, one of the few celebrities who has mastered the art of capturing and retaining public attention as skillfully as he does. Chalamet’s portrayal of Dylan in “A Complete Unknown” is a testament to his versatility and deep understanding of the zeitgeist, making this biopic an unmissable experience for any movie enthusiast.

During the climax of Timothée Chalamet’s Oscar pursuit, set to reach its peak at this weekend’s awards, he’s taken a serious approach. In true Chalamet fashion, though: When discussing his role choices on “60 Minutes,” he likened himself to Daniel Day-Lewis in an Instagram-esque manner. However, making such a statement on “60 Minutes,” a more reserved program catering to an older demographic typically linked with political figures rather than award nominees, was somewhat unexpected. Given that he’s already sold his film, which has earned over $100 million worldwide, to a younger audience who are likely more familiar with him than Bob Dylan, Chalamet is now targeting voters who might value sincerity over lighthearted fun.

At the Screen Actors Guild awards held on Sunday night, Timothée Chalamet was honored with the prize for exceptional male acting in a leading role. Speaking to an enthusiastic audience in Los Angeles, he expressed the deep importance of this award: “I can’t underestimate its significance.” He acknowledged that our industry is subjective, but admitted, “I’m truly after greatness.” Referencing figures such as Michael Jordan, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Viola Davis, Chalamet saw the award as additional motivation: “It gives me a bit more drive – another tool to keep pushing forward.

Tim Chalamet himself acknowledges that it’s uncommon for up-and-coming actors to express their aspirations so openly. We usually anticipate humility and respect toward idols, but by choosing a different approach, Chalamet might be perceived as arrogant or entitled. However, he does have the advantage of his gender; with roles like “Dune” and “Wonka,” he’s more like an ingenue than a veteran in the world of awards. Unlike many actresses typically cast as ingénues, Chalamet benefits from more lenient standards when it comes to displaying ambition and dedication. If he wins the award in six days, don’t expect the same kind of backlash that Anne Hathaway faced when she exclaimed “It came true!” after her victory.

Despite his speeches indicating otherwise, Chalamet’s generation of stars may find more approval or even be encouraged to use such rhetoric. It appears that Chalamet recognizes he belongs to a dwindling group: actors who craft their fame through intentional decisions rather than constant social media presence, and who wield their newfound influence responsibly. Born in New York City, Chalamet gained prominence in 2017 with Luca Guadagnino’s “Call Me By Your Name” and Greta Gerwig’s “Lady Bird,” both earning him his first Oscar nomination. Rather than settling for a life of niche acclaim, he has chosen to navigate a fine line by taking on blockbuster roles like those in “Dune” and “Wonka,” but with a distinct approach.

Timothée Chalamet hasn’t been the first time he’s taken up the mantle of continuing a grand tradition. Back in 2021, he featured in Adam McKay’s satire “Don’t Look Up,” alongside Leonardo DiCaprio who offered some sage advice: “Stay away from hard drugs and superhero films.” As for the former piece of advice, I can’t vouch for that, but Chalamet has certainly adhered to the latter, avoiding roles in Marvel, DC, and Star Wars. These iconic characters are too deeply ingrained in the public consciousness for anyone to reimagine them as Chalamet did with Paul Atreides, giving a legendary figure his unique twist. In a less artistic, more pragmatic sense, Chalamet can also take credit for making “Dune” a worldwide phenomenon, something that not even Kevin Feige has managed for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

As a devoted admirer, I find myself drawn to “A Complete Unknown,” a cinematic gem that may not rival Denis Villeneuve’s expansive space operas, but for an artist like Timothée Chalamet, the challenge is no less formidable. This film, a biopic, is reminiscent of the mid-budget productions that once thrived in Hollywood, but are now as scarce as Leonardo DiCaprio’s peers in stardom.

The decline in both the number of these films and the number of stars capable of carrying them isn’t a mere coincidence; they’re intertwined, like two species that depend on each other for survival. And it’s this unique bond between star and role that makes Chalamet’s speech anything but self-aggrandizing. When he aspires for greatness, he’s not just elevating himself, but the entire film industry along with him. He can only attain his lofty goals if he secures the right opportunities, or more realistically, helps create them.

This year, Adrien Brody’s performance in “The Brutalist” resonated more deeply with me among the nominees, even though Timothée Chalamet is a strong contender and someone I admire greatly. Chalamet and I share a sense of empathy for characters who experience rapid fame, as his portrayal of Dylan echoes the journey we see in many young stars today. However, what sets Adrien Brody apart is the authenticity he brings to his role, which underscores the challenges and complexities of achieving greatness in an industry where it’s not always easy to find. I believe Timothée Chalamet continues to inspire us with his dedication and talent, and I hope his advocacy for excellence will pave the way for other aspiring actors.

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2025-02-24 23:20