During a memorable night at one of my favorite local bars in New York City, I attempted a brief impression of the legendary Bob Dylan. Unfortunately, the bartender, completely oblivious, turned around and asked, in all sincerity, “Are you doing the Swedish Chef?” My intention was to deliver a string of jumbled words infused with enough rhythm to convincingly mimic Dylan’s unique style. Instead, it appears I had inadvertently channeled a beloved Muppet character. This amusing anecdote resurfaced in my mind after watching Timothee Chalamet portray Dylan in the biopic A Complete Unknown, which presents a captivating interpretation of a young musician—a storyteller whose journey to fame was both seemingly preordained and astonishingly surprising to him and those around him.

The film is not merely a historical retelling but rather a compelling narrative that delves into the essence of Dylan’s artistry. Chalamet’s portrayal is characterized by a well-studied, earnest approach that aims to enhance Dylan’s on-screen identity, rather than become a distraction. The nuances of Dylan’s cadence—both in speaking and singing—have been imitated by countless artists, yet anyone attempting to impersonate him is ultimately offering just that: an impression. Chalamet’s performance is a testament to his dedication and skill, capturing the spirit of Dylan while maintaining authenticity.

As someone who hails from a region akin to the North Country, I feel I have some insight into the way Dylan communicates. Growing up near the Great Lakes in towns that once thrived on industrial prowess, we’ve both experienced the harsh winters and fleeting summers that define our childhoods. The geographical closeness to Canada adds a distinctive flavor to our accents. Our vowels carry a flat, nasally tone, particularly noticeable when fatigue or a drink kicks in—though, as I learned, just one drink can make my speech resemble the whimsical Swedish Chef. Take the word “ballad,” as in “Ballad of a Thin Man,” or the iconic question “how does it feel?” from “Like a Rolling Stone.” Dylan’s delivery is swift and commanding, leaving no room for listeners to catch their breath; it’s a ride that demands your full attention.

Watch a Trailer for ‘A Complete Unknown’

Bob Dylan’s delivery is far more dynamic than my own; his sentences have a rhythm reminiscent of a motorcycle engine revving, oscillating between low and high tones. His flat vowels give his singing a unique quality that often sounds as though he’s singing with half his nose pinched. This distinctive vocal style is part of what makes Dylan’s music so compelling and instantly recognizable, and it presents a significant challenge for any actor attempting to embody his essence.

Mastering Bob Dylan’s Unique Voice: Timothee Chalamet’s Method

Conveying such a complex vocal character is no small feat for an actor—especially one like Chalamet, who grew up in Manhattan and spent his summers in France, where the accents are markedly different from those of midwestern Minnesota boys. However, Chalamet approaches his portrayal with the seriousness of a dedicated student, immersing himself in the character of Dylan. He was provided with exclusive early recordings of Dylan from around 1961, deeply valued by scholars and previously unreleased to the public. It’s fascinating to note that he and I attended the same Dylan concert last fall in Brooklyn, where a friend of mine sat just behind him; he was utterly captivated throughout the performance, engaging with fellow fans before the show began. In a recent clip shared on social media, he was seen energetically gesturing and singing along to the classic “Visions of Johanna,” a track not featured in A Complete Unknown. This illustrates the depth of Chalamet’s commitment to his craft—he’s not afraid to embrace the eccentricities that come with embodying such an iconic figure.

READ MORE: Bob Dylan ‘Bootleg Series’ Albums Ranked

It’s hardly surprising that Chalamet’s vocalization of Dylan adeptly captures the artist’s distinctive rhyming style—delivering lines that feel as if he’s barely taking breaths yet manages to convey his thoughts with remarkable clarity. Even in moments of frustration with his manager or misunderstandings with fans, Dylan’s speaking voice maintains a certain measured tone. A Complete Unknown faced the daunting task of honoring both Dylan’s legacy and Chalamet’s performance. While Dylan himself may not have been concerned with such representations, Chalamet’s meticulous attention to detail has rightfully garnered him a Golden Globe nomination. If his performance serves to document Dylan’s human essence—the physical voice that resonated with fans, artists, and leaders of social justice for generations to come—then it is undoubtedly a job exceptionally well executed.

Listen to Timothee Chalamet Perform ‘Like a Rolling Stone’