Timothée Chalamet embodies heart, soul of legendary musician Bob Dylan in 'A Complete Unknown'

LOS ANGELES -- The new movie "A Complete Unknown" tells the story of a particular time in history for acclaimed singer-songwriter Bob Dylan.

The film tells the story of how Dylan went from a talented teenager with next to nothing to becoming one of the biggest stars of his time.

Timothée Chalamet transforms into Dylan on screen. That's actually him singing and playing the guitar, some 40 songs in this film. Chalamet studied for years to take on this role.

The actor told us what he sees when watching vintage Dylan video.

"I see an artist who's pursuing the path that he sees in front of him instinctually," Chalamet said. "That's not taking no for an answer, that won't be bullied into doing what he doesn't want to do and perseveres through that vision even through boos, even through uproar, even though perhaps those who support him feeling let down, and following that vision through."

Elle Fanning plays a character based on one of Dylan's early girlfriends, before all the fame.

"She's kind of the eyes for the audience in a lot of ways because she's, excuse me, but kind of the only kind of normal person there, you know?" Fanning said. "She is not a part of the circus."

Monica Barbaro plays folk music icon Joan Baez and was thrilled to have what she calls an emotional conversation with the singer.

"It was kind of mind-blowing," Barbaro said. "I think for anyone who's a fan of her work, which I became a huge fan of her work, that's just unreal. The opportunity to get to speak to Joan is just, like, life changing."

Edward Norton, who plays folk legend Pete Seeger in the film, credits director James Mangold for doing something different.

"It's not an experience of plot or a biopic with many chapters across a life... He created this feeling of dropping through that intensive period," Norton said.

"A Complete Unknown" is new to theaters Christmas Day.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Searchlight Pictures and this ABC station.