The talented actress Monica Barbaro, who portrays the iconic Joan Baez in the highly anticipated Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, shared insights about Baez’s reaction to the film, revealing that the legendary singer was “not fussed” about the production. This statement highlights Baez’s humble and grounded nature, showcasing her ability to remain unaffected by the movie’s hype.

Critics have showered praise on Monica Barbaro for her remarkable performance as Baez, noting how she effectively captured the essence and vocal style of the influential ‘60s folk singer. Audiences are drawn to Barbaro’s authenticity and depth, bringing a fresh perspective to the character that resonates with both fans of Baez and newcomers alike.

In a recent interview with the Guardian, Barbaro candidly admitted that her connection to folk music was limited during her younger years. “In elementary school, we would sing ‘This Land Is Your Land’ and ‘Kumbaya,’ but I didn’t have much of a deep relationship with it,” the 34-year-old actress shared, indicating her initial unfamiliarity with the genre that Baez epitomizes.

This lack of familiarity led to feelings of intimidation as she prepared for a pivotal performance of “Don’t Think Twice It’s All Right” in the movie, which she described as “the first song I sang and played in front of an audience and the hardest song to play, guitar-wise.” The pressure of accurately representing such an esteemed artist undoubtedly added to the challenge but also to the excitement of the role.

The night before filming the crucial scene, Barbaro had the opportunity to speak with Joan Baez personally over the phone. “I struggled with this feeling of just so much gratitude for everything she’s done… for being willing to speak to me, and how much I admire her,” said Barbaro, reflecting on the profound impact of the conversation. “I tried to let that get out of the way and just have a conversation, but that’s hard,” she added, emphasizing the emotional weight of the interaction.

Monica Barbaro Advocates for Joan Baez’s Legacy and Biopic

Monica Barbaro expressed her deep admiration for Baez, stating, “Having studied her voice so closely – her speaking voice, every interview in the ‘60s – and then hearing Joan’s voice now in her 80s, in real time, speaking to me, was an incredibly emotional experience: really cool and kind of mind-blowing.” This reflection illustrates the unique connection Barbaro felt with the singer through their conversation, allowing her to embody the role with greater authenticity.

Barbaro continued, “But she was really not fussed about the film, truly. I think I was more concerned on her behalf than she was for herself. I was sort of saying, ‘You deserve your own biopic! So many biopics with different chapters of your life!’ This statement underscores the actress’s conviction that Baez’s extraordinary life and contributions warrant exploration in greater detail on the big screen.

In response, Baez simply remarked: “I’m just sitting in my backyard watching the birds. You know: ‘I lived it, I did it.’” This poignant quote encapsulates Baez’s reflective nature and her contentment with her remarkable journey, emphasizing that she values the present over the past.