Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso cover image

Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso

Actor Monica Barbaro (‘A Complete Unknown’) Takes the Stage as Joan Baez

Mar 2, 2025
Monica Barbaro, an Oscar-nominated actress known for her roles in Top Gun: Maverick and A Complete Unknown, shares insights into portraying Joan Baez. She discusses vocal lessons that prepared her for the role and reflects on her artistic journey influenced by a California upbringing. Monica candidly addresses her struggles with perfectionism and the importance of authenticity in her work. The conversation also touches on her shift from dancing to acting and her aspirations for the future, all accompanied by her captivating music rendition of House of the Rising Sun.
58:49

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Monica Barbaro's portrayal of Joan Baez required extensive vocal training and a deep dive into Baez's artistic legacy for authenticity.
  • Barbaro reflects on her childhood experiences of constant change, which shaped her adaptability and perspective as an artist in a competitive industry.

Deep dives

Monica Barbaro's Role as Joan Baez

Monica Barbaro portrays singer Joan Baez in the biopic about Bob Dylan, 'A Complete Unknown,' which highlights Dylan's journey from folk artist to rock star between 1961 and 1965. The film emphasizes Baez's dual role as a mentor and romantic interest to Dylan, depicted by Timothée Chalamet. Barbaro's performance creates a sense of authenticity as she navigates Baez's complex character, balancing her own career ambitions with the challenges posed by her relationship with Dylan. The film's unique narrative approach, inspired by the movie 'Amadeus,' focuses on how Dylan's presence impacts those around him, particularly Baez, thus underscoring her individuality throughout the story.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode