WILLEM DAFOE'S Life at the Movies
Summary
Actor Willem Dafoe programs his ideal film festival, selecting titles like *2001: A Space Odyssey*, *Swiss Family Robinson*, and *Antichrist* based on personal memories and artistic preferences. He shares anecdotes from his childhood in Appleton, Wisconsin, and discusses his work with directors like Robert Eggers and Lars von Trier. Dafoe also reflects on the importance of communal cinema experiences and the collaborative nature of acting, concluding with a double feature of *Monsoon Wedding* and *Bride of Frankenstein*.
Topics discussed
Introduction and guest welcome
Willem Dafoe's movie theater rituals
Early memories of the Viking theater in Appleton
First experiences with Goldfinger and horror films
Programming the Family Matinee slot
Anecdotes about Appleton and Joan McCarty
Dafoe's role as Venice Biennale theater director
First seeing Robert Eggers' films
Choosing 2001: A Space Odyssey for Opening Night
Moving to New York and the Wooster Group
Discussing the film Late Fame
Acting craft and the film Gonzo Girl
Selecting The Begotten for Midnight Movie
Programming a Fassbinder double feature
Favorite minor works and collaboration with Abel Ferrara
Why Dafoe does not direct and acting philosophy
Choosing Lust, Caution for Secret Screening
The value of collective cinema experiences
Selecting Antichrist for Dream Screening
Controversy surrounding The Last Temptation of Christ
Finalizing Closing Night with Monsoon Wedding
Memories of East Village cinemas and upcoming film Werewolf
Credits and American Cinematheque information
Listen ad-free on Castria