Willem Dafoe Steals the Show in 'Late Fame': A Commentary

Willem Dafoe is a four-time Oscar nominee, and his impressive body of work speaks to his exceptional talent as an actor. His performances in iconic films like 'Platoon,' 'Shadow of the Vampire,' 'The Florida Project,' and 'At Eternity's Gate,' where he portrayed Vincent van Gogh, have left an indelible mark on the industry. In addition, he's also well-known for his roles in 'Born on the Fourth of July,' 'The Lighthouse,' and as the Green Goblin in the 'Spider-Man' franchise. Dafoe's presence always makes a movie a little more interesting, and he's once again great in the new indie 'Late Fame' from director Kent Jones (of the documentary 'Hitchcock/Truffaut') and writer Samy Burch, who was Oscar nominated for 2023's 'May December.'

'Late Fame' is an updated adaptation of Arthur Schnitzler's 1895 novella, which explores themes of fame, identity, and the human condition. In this film, Dafoe stars as Ed Saxberger, a longtime New York City postal worker who was a published poet in the late '70s, but his career didn't turn out as he had hoped. Meyers, played by Edmund Donovan, is the leader of a group of young adult intellectuals immersed in literature and opposed to modern technology. He discovers Ed's old book and corners him outside his apartment building, and Ed is flattered by Meyers' admiration for his work and is convinced to join the group (called 'The Enthusiasts') to discuss poetry and life. As we learn over the course of the film, there's a lot more to Gloria, an actress with an old-fashioned aura, played by Greta Lee (from 2023's 'Past Lives' and most recently the voice of Lilypad in 'Toy Story 5'), than what she shares with Ed and the group.

One of the most compelling aspects of 'Late Fame' is watching Dafoe, a famous actor playing a novice, feel like a celebrity. The strongest aspect of the film is certainly Dafoe's performance as Ed, and it's a testament to his exceptional talent that he can make even the most mundane moments feel compelling. Dafoe sells it the entire way through, and the rest of the movie doesn't carry the weight of his performance. The script, however, falls flat, with a pivotal exchange between Ed and his bar buddies feeling flawed. Other subplots don't offer much substance, and the arc of the film is ultimately too simple and straightforward, making it easy to guess how most of it would turn out. The film's commentary also feels shallow, lacking the depth and nuance that it could have explored.

Kent Jones' direction, however, is noteworthy, and he does a great job of capturing the essence of New York City, a setting that Martin Scorsese would appreciate. Scorsese serves as an executive producer, and it's easy to see why he was drawn to the story, especially the setting of the Big Apple. It's a very New York movie, with a strong sense of place and location. Jones also does a great job of developing the characters, particularly Meyers and Gloria, who are both complex and multifaceted. Meyers, in particular, is a fascinating character, and his interactions with Ed are some of the most compelling moments in the film.

The film's themes of fame and identity are timely and relevant, and it's a topic that resonates with audiences today. In an era where social media has created a culture of instant fame, 'Late Fame' serves as a commentary on the fleeting nature of celebrity and the human desire for attention. It's a commentary that's both poignant and thought-provoking, and one that lingers long after the credits roll. Unfortunately, the film's execution falls short of its potential, but Dafoe's performance is a shining beacon of talent that makes 'Late Fame' worth watching, if only for his presence alone.

Dafoe has been active in the industry for over 45 years, and it's a testament to his enduring talent that he can still deliver performances like this one. He'll be in upcoming dramas 'Tenzing,' 'Werwulf,' 'Time Out,' and a reteam with Oliver Stone called 'White Lies.' It's too early to tell if 'Late Fame' will earn him a fifth Oscar nomination, but no matter what, his work in it shows that he's as good as ever. 'Late Fame' opens in New York City on Aug. 7 and will expand to more theaters nationwide during the rest of the month.

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