Timothee Chalamet, the young prodigy of the silver screen, has been leaving audiences spellbound with his exceptional acting prowess. In his most recent endeavour, he steps into the iconic shoes of Willy Wonka in the film Wonka, directed by Paul King, bringing to life the captivating journey of this beloved fictional chocolatier. In the light of its release, let’s journey back to five extraordinary films that have solidified Chalamet as one of the most promising talents of his generation. From heartbreaking dramas to quirky coming-of-age tales, Chalamet’s diverse filmography showcases his ability to turn into his complex characters with unmatched finesse.
- Call Me By Your Name (2017) – IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
In Luca Guadagnino’s visually stunning masterpiece, Call Me By Your Name, Timothee Chalamet portrays Elio Perlman, a precocious 17-year-old spending a transformative summer in 1983 Italy. The film explores Elio’s journey of self-discovery and first love as he falls for his father’s graduate student, Oliver, played by Armie Hammer. Chalamet’s performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, making him the third-youngest nominee in that category.
- Lady Bird (2017) – IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
In Greta Gerwig’s coming-of-age gem, Lady Bird, Chalamet takes on the role of Kyle Scheible, the enigmatic and rebellious musician who captures the heart of the film’s titular character, Lady Bird, played by Saoirse Ronan. Set against the backdrop of early 2000s Sacramento, the film explores Lady Bird’s tumultuous senior year of high school and her quest for identity. Chalamet’s performance as Kyle is a delightful blend of charm and nonchalant coolness. Despite his limited screen time, he leaves an indelible mark with his portrayal of the effortlessly cool, yet emotionally distant, love interest.
- Beautiful Boy (2018) – IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Transitioning from the light-heartedness of Lady Bird, Chalamet delivers a gut-wrenching performance in Felix Van Groeningen’s Beautiful Boy. Based on the memoirs of David and Nic Sheff, the film explores the devastating impact of drug addiction on a father-son relationship. Steve Carell plays David, the desperate father trying to save his son Nic, portrayed by Chalamet. Chalamet’s portrayal of Nic is a tour de force, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He captures the harrowing journey of a young man battling addiction, oscillating between hope and despair.
- Little Women (2019) – IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
In Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, Little Women, Chalamet reunites with Saoirse Ronan, playing the charming and endearing Theodore “Laurie” Laurence. The film follows the lives of the March sisters as they navigate love, ambition, and societal expectations in 19th-century America. Chalamet’s portrayal of Laurie is a delightful departure from his more intense roles. He infuses the character with a perfect blend of youthful exuberance and vulnerability, making Laurie both lovable and relatable.
- Dune (2021) – IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Venturing into science fiction, Chalamet takes on the lead role of Paul Atreides in Denis Villeneuve’s epic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune. Set in a distant future amidst interstellar political intrigue and desert planets, the film follows Paul’s journey from a young noble to a messianic figure in a universe teetering on the brink of war. Chalamet’s performance in Dune showcases his ability to anchor a sprawling epic with depth and gravitas. As Paul, he navigates the complexities of power, destiny, and identity with a maturity that belies his age.
And here’s the film that inspired this list:
- Wonka (2023)
In this reimagining of Roald Dahl’s classic character, Willy Wonka, Chalamet is set to bring a fresh perspective to the beloved eccentric factory owner. Wonka, directed by Paul King, promises to explore Wonka’s early life and the events that led him to create the magical world of the chocolate factory. With Chalamet’s ability to convey complex emotions and immerse himself in diverse roles, there’s no doubt that his take on Wonka will be a unique and memorable one. The film also stars Hugh Grant as the beloved Oompa-Loompa, Olivia Colman as Mrs. Scrubbit, and Rowan Atkinson as Father Julius, among others.
~ If you’re a fan of Timothée Chalamet and his portrayal of complex characters, don’t forget to watch ‘Wonka,’ your nearest PVR INOX outlets ~
