CAPE MAY, NJ - In a nostalgic journey back to the 1960s, the picturesque town of Cape May, New Jersey, recently transformed into a replica of the 1965 Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island for the filming of "A Complete Unknown," a biopic about the legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. The film stars Timothée Chalamet as Dylan and Elle Fanning in an undisclosed role.
Bob Dylan's Movie was Filmed in Cape May, NJ
The production team chose Cape May to resemble the town of Rhode Island, and the transformation was remarkable. The city was adorned with vintage signs, classic cars, and the iconic stage where Dylan famously "went electric" in 1965. The set was designed to recreate the festival's atmosphere, with a large crowd of extras dressed in period clothing.
"It was like stepping back in time," said a resident present during the filming. "The attention to detail was incredible. It felt like we were at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965."
The film, directed by James Mangold, known for his work on Ford v Ferrari and Logan, is set to explore Bob Dylan's life and career, focusing on the period around the Newport Folk Festival. It will delve into Dylan's controversial decision to perform with an electric guitar, which shocked and divided the folk music community at the time.
"A Complete Unknown" is expected to be a significant addition to the music biopic genre, offering a fresh perspective on one of the most influential figures in music history. The film will be released in 2025.
The filming in Cape May brought a piece of Hollywood to the town and boosted the local economy. The production team hired local crew and extras and used local businesses for catering and other services. The experience was unique for the town's residents, who witnessed a piece of history being recreated on their doorstep.
