Willem Dafoe Shares Insights at Sarajevo Film Festival
During a packed master class at the 31st Sarajevo Film Festival on Thursday, acclaimed actor Willem Dafoe discussed his collaborations with iconic filmmakers such as David Lynch, Martin Scorsese, and Oliver Stone.
Avoiding Political Questions
When asked about his previous criticism of President Donald Trump, Dafoe sidestepped the inquiry, stating, “If you know anything about me and you do, that’s not a real question.”
Acting Over Directing
Dafoe expressed his reluctance to pursue directing, saying, “I don’t have that personality. I like doing things. I like someone to say what they see, and then I like to try to embody it.” He found great value in the challenge of embodying various characters and the exploration of personal biases through acting.
Memorable Scene from ‘Platoon’
Reflecting on his role in Oliver Stone’s ‘Platoon,’ Dafoe called the iconic death scene “a moving scene.” He appreciated the collaboration that shaped its execution, recalling, “The way it was constructed was very simple. It wasn’t really rehearsed.” His focus during the scene was purely technical: “I had a very simple task: run for my life.”
Exploring Complex Characters
In discussing his portrayal in Scorsese’s ‘The Last Temptation of Christ,’ Dafoe acknowledged his initial hesitation but ultimately embraced the role’s demanding nature. “This is a beautiful role because [it’s about] the human part of Jesus,” he said, explaining his goal to strip away preconceived notions of Jesus Christ.
Backlash and Controversy
Dafoe expressed shock at the backlash the film received, noting, “Jesus rejects his job and lives as a normal man. He has children, he has sex. That was too scandalous for people.” He highlighted how the backlash grew into an “antisemitic thing” that obscured the film’s intention. “I was shocked, because in an age of super-violent movies and porn… this is a movie that was trying to address itself to the nature of faith,” he lamented.
Marvel Experience
Dafoe also reminisced about his work in the original ‘Spider-Man.’ He appreciated the film’s ability to shift between drama and humor, calling it “a lot of fun.” Remarking on the practical effects, he noted, “There was less CGI, and it was fun because it’s athletic.”
Receiving the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo
At the festival, Dafoe was honored with the Honorary Heart of Sarajevo for his remarkable contributions to cinema. “In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the art of film,” the accolade acknowledges his impactful career, which includes recent films featured at the Venice and Toronto film festivals.
Personal Anecdotes and Reflections
Dafoe shared an amusing story about his father’s reaction to his role in Lynch’s ‘Wild at Heart,’ highlighting a familial bond despite contrasting views. He also recounted his collaboration with Lynch, describing the director’s unconventional approach: “David Lynch was very unconventional. He was an artist.” Dafoe recalled Lynch’s unique direction, saying, “Sometimes he’d say very abstract things,” which ultimately shaped his performance.
A Career of Versatility
With over 150 films to his name, Dafoe has garnered international acclaim for his versatility and bold performances. Jovan Marjanović, director of the Sarajevo festival, praised him as a master of his craft whose work serves as an aspiration for all actors.
Dafoe’s illustrious career includes four Academy Award nominations, two Independent Spirit Awards, and multiple prestigious honors, affirming his status as one of cinema’s most respected talents. The Sarajevo Film Festival runs through Friday, August 22.
