Every day, it seems, a new face rises on the horizon and makes a magnificent debut that is talked about for a long time. There is so much talent and so many names that it might be difficult to keep track of all the performers. Timothee Chalamet, the 25-year-old Dune star, is an exception. The type of effort he’s putting in to have a long and healthy career in the big, bad world of Hollywood appears to be clear from the way he conducts himself on and off-screen.
Timothee made his big-screen debut in 2014, and three years later, with Luca Guadagnino’s coming-of-age film Call Me By Your Name, he became the centre of attention. He hasn’t been involved in any feuds, and he’s been regular with his social media updates, which makes him both relatable and ethereal at times. In interviews, he is awkward and communicative at the same time. His one-on-one interview with Variety’s Emma Stone is a joy to see. He appears to be engaged in the arts and films, which translates to ‘His enthusiasm for his work is evident.’ It’s remarkable for a person to have that kind of interest, let alone for an actor to convey it to his audience.
Furthermore, Timothee Chalamet is a talented actor who continues to improve with each new film. That is development, and it is the only way for an artist to maintain a career in such a crowded environment with so many diversions. Do you recall Timothee from Christopher Nolan’s critically acclaimed film Interstellar? He played Matthew McConaughey’s son when he was younger. In an interview with co-star Emma Stone, the actor admitted that he cried for an hour after learning that his part was smaller than he had ‘figured.’ Apparently, Chalamet’s extensive speech was included in the picture, although it mostly focused on the face of the leading man, Matthew.
He had employment after Interstellar, but it wasn’t until Call Me By Your Name, a beautifully written love tale about a young guy, that Chalamet was thrust into the spotlight. Since then, he has remained in it. Reviewers applauded and fans respected Elio Perlman’s open, conflicted, artistic side as he falls for his elder guest. Chalamet’s whimpering over his new heartbreak in the final scene is sweet and almost unbearable to witness. It’s almost as if you can see Elio reminiscing, reliving, and regretting a bittersweet summer. After a while, he gives out a gentle whiff, and we observe the little kid grow into a young man.
It’s not easy to hold your own in such a quiet, extended close-up. Timothee, on the other hand, made it look easy. Then another Oscar-nominated film arrived at his doorstep. Yes, I’m referring to Lady Bird. The story was more about Saoirse Ronan’s character than about this young, wayward tease with whom she had a romance (played by Chalamet). Even in those brief minutes, their connection was palpable, practically begging to be recast as stars in another picture. The same thing happened in Gerwig’s next picture, Little Women. Prior to that, Chalamet starred alongside Steve Carell in the Amazon film Beautiful Boy as a drug addict. While the film was a bit of a jumble and dragged on for a long time, it was the accomplishments that made the journey worthwhile. Carell and Chalamet’s on-screen chemistry, as well as their sequences, were the highlight of the film. In one, a father-son duo meets in a diner to discuss their feelings and each other. A heartbreaking but amazing demonstration of how performance should make you feel. Chalamet was nominated for a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a BAFTA for his role in the film.
Then there was Little Women, and then there was Netflix’s The King. Both films have flaws but are well-made and have a stellar cast. Chalamet engaged us and accomplished what was asked of him. The Dune star was asked what he believes he stands for in a recent interview with Time magazine. “I feel like I’m here to illustrate that wearing your heart on your sleeve is O.K,” she said simply.
