A few films nominated for this year’s Best Picture are characterized by strong musical elements, notably A Complete Unknown, which chronicles the ascent of a young Bob Dylan. This film features an impressive total of 40 songs; however, unlike Wicked and Emilia Pérez, it shouldn’t be categorized as a musical.
According to the team behind the film’s sound design, comprising Ted Caplan, Donald Sylvester, Tod Maitland, and David Giammarco, sound functions as a distinct character throughout the film. They recently discussed with Yahoo Entertainment their approach to crafting the movie’s unique and elaborate soundscape.
One interesting point raised was the apprehension felt by Bob Dylan’s fans regarding the film’s accuracy. When asked how they balanced authenticity with creativity, Ted Caplan emphasized their goal was not to recreate Dylan’s life but to capture the essence of his experiences. He noted that their focus on authenticity meant presenting the world around Dylan without embellishment.
Donald Sylvester added that while some aspects might not be strictly factual—since no one witnessed certain pivotal moments like Dylan’s collaboration with Joan Baez—there was still a general sense of what occurred. The sound design was more about evoking the spirit of the time than creating a documentary-style narrative.
The authenticity of the concert and live performance sound was achieved by Maitland’s initiative to include 42 period-appropriate microphones in chronological order, reflecting the rapid advancement of technology during that time.
Caplan remarked that they aimed for the sound to evoke a true sense of the era, balancing modern fidelity with the vintage feel of the recordings. Giammarco mentioned the importance of enveloping the audience in the atmosphere of concerts, making them feel as if they were experiencing Dylan’s performances firsthand.
Sylvester noted that the crowds around Dylan played a critical role in his artistic journey, saying they were essential characters in the story, influencing Dylan’s reactions and performances.
Caplan highlighted the significance of showing the dynamic interaction between Bob and the world around him, clarifying that the film is a drama that incorporates music—not simply a musical.
In a related conversation with Timothée Chalamet and Monica Barbaro, who portray Dylan and Baez, the sound team discussed how their singing preparations influenced the production. Caplan praised Chalamet’s talent during the recording sessions, which elevated the overall quality of the songs.
Maitland recounted an anecdote about adapting microphone placement during rehearsals to ensure that Chalamet’s vocals would be captured effectively given the way he held the guitar, which was reminiscent of Dylan’s style.
When asked about recreating the sounds of New York during Dylan’s early years, Caplan explained that his arrival in MacDougal Street represented a critical transition for Dylan, capturing the allure of the vibrant musical culture around him.
Sylvester pointed out that they required background actors who could embody the audacious spirit of New Yorkers, while Maitland elaborated on the non-traditional filming techniques used to enrich the dialogue with an immersive sound environment, including live audience reactions.
The climactic moment when Dylan goes electric was also thoughtfully crafted; Caplan mentioned that simply increasing volume wouldn’t serve well for the film audience. They aimed for a balance of energy without overwhelming the viewers, ensuring that loud moments felt integral rather than jarring.
Finally, for those looking to enjoy A Complete Unknown at home, Giammarco had a simple recommendation: crank up the volume! The film will be available on video on demand starting February 25.
