The film industry has recently been on the brink of uncertainty due to strikes by SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP. This strike has prevented big-name stars from participating in the promotion of movies distributed and made by struck studios and streamers. However, with the recent tentative agreement reached between the two parties, there seems to be hope on the horizon. One of the prominent figures in the industry, Willem Dafoe, expressed his thoughts on the potential future in an interview at the EnergaCamerimage Film Festival in Poland.
Despite not being privy to all the details of the negotiations, Dafoe remains optimistic, stating that he believes things will go back to the way they were before the strike. As an experienced actor and self-proclaimed “worker bee,” Dafoe acknowledges that the industry has its ups and downs. He even admits to sometimes feeling like an outsider, despite his extensive body of work in the industry.
One of the films generating buzz at the festival is “Poor Things,” directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Willem Dafoe and Emma Stone. Based on Alasdair Gray’s novel, the film tells the story of Bella Baxter (Emma Stone), a creation of a brilliant scientist (Willem Dafoe) reminiscent of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Bella embarks on an adventurous journey with Duncan Wedderburn (Mark Ruffalo), a debauched lawyer. The film also features Ramy Youssef, Jerrod Carmichael, and Christopher Abbott in supporting roles.
It is worth noting that Dafoe was personally invited by both Stone and Lanthimos to be a part of the project, which he describes as a “no-brainer.” Dafoe emphasizes the importance of working with talented people who create a beautiful set and an immersive experience. The collaboration between Stone, Lanthimos, and Dafoe has resulted in captivating performances that have generated awards buzz.
Willem Dafoe, a four-time Oscar nominee, acknowledges the significance of awards buzz but remains grounded. He understands that chatter surrounding performances and accolades is part of promoting a movie and recognizes that sometimes even extraordinary films fail to catch the wave. The success or lack thereof often depends on the combination of films released in a particular year. However, Dafoe expresses his gratitude for the positive reception and interest in his recent work.
Apart from “Poor Things,” Dafoe has been involved in several other notable projects. He stars in “Finally Dawn” alongside Lily James and “Pet Shop Days,” the directorial debut of Olmo Schnabel, the son of Julian Schnabel. Additionally, he leads Patricia Arquette’s directorial debut, “Gonzo Girl,” and lends his voice to the English-language version of Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Boy and the Heron.”
Dafoe describes this period as a good one, with plenty of opportunities and exciting projects. He appreciates the fact that there are times in an actor’s career when fewer opportunities arise, but the current landscape is vibrant and full of possibilities. Eager to dive back into work, Dafoe expresses enthusiasm for what the future holds.
The recent strike in the film industry has caused significant disruption, but with the tentative agreement reached between SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP, the future appears to be gradually returning to normalcy. Willem Dafoe’s insights shed light on this evolving situation and offer a glimpse into the world of a seasoned actor amidst uncertainty. As the industry moves forward, it is crucial to remember the resilience and spirit of collaboration that make filmmaking such a compelling art form.