Larry Saltzman teaches Timothée Chalamet guitar for Bob Dylan role
- Timothée Chalamet trained under Larry Saltzman for over 50 sessions to prepare for a role as Bob Dylan.
- The training included learning 25 songs and adapting to remote lessons during the pandemic.
- Saltzman's teaching helped Chalamet earn a nomination for best actor at the Academy Awards.
In New York, musician Larry Saltzman was credited for teaching actor Timothée Chalamet how to play guitar in preparation for his role as Bob Dylan in the film 'A Complete Unknown.' Saltzman conducted more than 50 lessons with Chalamet, focusing on guitar techniques that mirrored Dylan's style, especially from the pre-electric era. The lessons began in person but transitioned to Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which both teacher and student found solace in music amid challenging times. Chalamet learned approximately 25 songs, which significantly bolstered his performance, allowing him to star as both a host and musical guest on 'Saturday Night Live,' where he performed various Dylan songs. Saltzman's expertise and passion for music played a critical role in Chalamet's portrayal of a character whose artistry is central to the film's narrative. This experience has left Saltzman with a newfound pride in his work as he eagerly anticipates awards season, where Chalamet's performance earned him a nomination for best actor and the film itself received a nomination for best picture. Saltzman reflects on the importance of helping actors genuinely connect with their roles and how rewarding it is to witness the fruits of his labor on screen, establishing a significant connection between educator and performer.