Introduction to Willem Dafoe’s Latest Project
Willem Dafoe has expressed his enthusiasm to reunite with director Robert Eggers, with whom he previously worked on "The Lighthouse" and "Nosfer". Dafoe shared his excitement during a 90-minute master class session at the Sarajevo Film Festival, stating that Eggers provides him with material that sparks his interest and passion.
Collaboration with Robert Eggers
Dafoe did not disclose details about the upcoming film but mentioned that Eggers is currently working on an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ ghost story "A Christmas Carol" for Warner Bros, in which Dafoe is set to star as a level Scrooge. Dafoe praised Eggers’ attention to period detail and his ability to create a commitment to the material through research.
Dafoe’s Career and Experiences
The sold-out master class session allowed Dafoe to reflect on his career, which spans 109 feature film credits. He recalled his early days in theater and his transition to film, thanks to Kathryn Bigelow, who saw him in a play and offered him a role in "The Loveless" (1981). Dafoe shared that he never pursued money and only remembers his salary for that particular role, which was $10,000.
Iconic Roles and Experiences
Dafoe took the audience through some of his most iconic scenes, including the slow-motion sequence in Oliver Stone’s "Platoon", where he played Sergeant Elias. He described the scene as a simple yet technically demanding task. Dafoe also discussed his role as Jesus Christ in Martin Scorsese’s "The Last Temptation of Christ" (1988), emphasizing the importance of separating himself from the iconic figure and creating his own interpretation.
Working with Film Icons
Dafoe shared his experiences working with film legends Gene Hackman and David Lynch. He remembered Hackman as "sweet" but also capable of being tough, while Lynch was "unconventional" and "an artist". Dafoe also spoke fondly of his time working with Sam Raimi on the Marvel film "Spider-Man" (2002) and his return to the role in "Spider-Man: No Way Home" (2021).
Conclusion and Current Events
Dafoe’s master class session concluded the program at the Sarajevo Film Festival, which will present its Cinelink Industry Awards and closing ceremony on Friday, August 22nd. When asked about his previous comments on the US president, Dafoe declined to answer, choosing instead to focus on his work and experiences in the film industry.
