Timothee Chalamet - the new diva or the golden boy
Photo: Reuters
Timothee Chalamet, often hailed as Hollywood's new golden boy, has come under scrutiny following allegations of diva-like behavior on the set of his upcoming Bob Dylan biopic, "A Complete Unknown." Multiple insiders who worked closely with the star have described a toxic work environment marked by paranoia and frat-boy antics.
Crew members on the Hoboken, New Jersey set have claimed that Chalamet was hyper-paranoid, forbidding eye contact and self-introductions from the crew. One incident reportedly saw the actor flying into a rage at a low-level production assistant who accidentally captured him in a photo while photographing a solar eclipse. The assistant was allegedly forced to delete the photos by a security guard, and a subsequent email banned cell phone use near the leading man.
Chalamet's behavior was said to have disrupted the set on multiple occasions. He reportedly claimed a restroom trailer for himself at the last minute during a busy day of filming, causing long lines and significant delays. Furthermore, his dislike for crew members watching rehearsals and stand-in actors allegedly contributed to a tense atmosphere.
In defense, a source close to the production stated that it is common for principal actors to have their own bathrooms and denied that Chalamet imposed a no-eye-contact rule. The source also mentioned that prohibiting amateur photography on set is standard practice to maintain professionalism.
Director James Mangold, known for films like "Walk the Line" and "Ford v Ferrari," was also accused of fostering a hostile work environment. Insiders described his behavior as unprofessional and toxic, with instances of physical and verbal abuse. Despite numerous complaints, Mangold allegedly faced no repercussions.
Searchlight Pictures, the film's production company, issued a statement acknowledging that while some interactions occurred, the allegations were largely inaccurate and overstated. They emphasized their commitment to fostering a respectful and professional environment on set.
Despite the reported tensions, other cast members, including Elle Fanning, Edward Norton, and Monica Barbaro, were said to have maintained positive relationships with the crew.
Chalamet's rise to fame began with his critically acclaimed performance in "Call Me by Your Name," followed by roles in "Ladybird," "Little Women," and "Dune." His portrayal of Bob Dylan, a notoriously prickly figure, in "A Complete Unknown" adds another layer of complexity to his career.
With his star power and pressure to accurately depict Dylan's journey from an unknown 19-year-old to a musical legend, Chalamet's performance in this biopic will be closely watched. As the film industry and fans await the release, the revelations from the set of "A Complete Unknown" have certainly added an unexpected twist to Chalamet's public persona.