Monica Barbaro has taken on the monumental task of portraying American folk icon Joan Baez, right after starring in “Top Gun: Maverick” as a steely pilot facing off against Tom Cruise. Now, she’s capturing hearts alongside Timothée Chalamet in the Bob Dylan biopic, “A Complete Unknown.”
The transition from the high-octane world of fighter jets to the soulful strumming of folk guitar manifests the striking versatility of Monica Barbaro. Known for her role as Phoenix in the blockbuster “Top Gun: Maverick,” Barbaro now navigates the musical realm, embodying one of the most significant figures in folk music history, Joan Baez. The dramatic leap in roles suggests Barbaro is poised for a breakthrough in Hollywood.
Monica’s roots trace back to a small-town upbringing north of San Francisco, where she first showcased her talent in school plays. Her ambition then took her to New York University, where she honed her skills in acting and dance. Her career quickly gained traction with roles in NBC’s “Chicago Justice” and Netflix’s “The Good Cop.” Playing alongside cinematic heavyweights like Josh Groban and Tony Danza, Barbaro established herself in the industry.
In “A Complete Unknown,” audiences witness the chemistry between Baez and Dylan, played by Chalamet, reflecting their real-life bond from the 1960s. Their relationship thrived during a time when Baez’s star had already risen; she was a renowned voice on the cover of Time, while Dylan was a burgeoning talent arriving in New York. The film captures the poignant essence of their connection and its eventual dissolution as Dylan’s celebrity status soared.
Barbaro’s role required her to embody Baez’s distinctive musical style. Despite having no formal experience in singing or playing guitar, she committed a year to intense preparation. With dedication, she learned to sing with Baez’s signature vibrato and mastered the intricate fingerpicking on the iconic Martin guitar. Barbaro admitted the challenge was as daunting as an actor attempting to mimic a professional swimmer without lessons, but her perseverance transformed her singing and guitar skills significantly.
The rigorous preparation extended beyond vocal mimicry. Barbaro connected directly with Joan Baez to delve deeper into her persona, gaining insights that illuminated the emotional complexity between Baez and Dylan. Baez shared her reflections on their relationship, describing the mix of love, disappointment, and the eventual appreciation for Dylan’s musical legacy.
Barbaro eventually discovered a personal approach to portraying Baez, realizing the necessity of moving beyond imitation to capture the artist’s spirit authentically. Inspired by Baez’s own views on art and perfectionism, she embraced a more personal rendition of the iconic singer, focusing less on perfect replication and more on genuine expression.
Monica Barbaro expresses a sense of fulfillment from her transformative experience in “A Complete Unknown.” Despite initially feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of the role, she is now eager to share her work with friends and family, planning to watch the film in theaters without the anxiety of remaining “unknown.”
The experience of playing such an iconic figure has not only enriched Barbaro’s career but also solidified her as a versatile actor capable of profound transformation. Her portrayal promises to leave an imprint, capturing the essence of a music legend while marking a new chapter in her own journey.
Monica Barbaro’s portrayal of Joan Baez in “A Complete Unknown” is a testament to her dedication and emerging stardom. From her roots in school theater to starring in major Hollywood productions, Barbaro exemplifies a journey of growth and transformation, embodying talents that transcend her initial “unknown” status.
Source: Yahoo
