Willem Dafoe discusses his career, from his early days with the Wooster Group theater company to his transition into film. He talks about some of his most notable roles, including "Platoon," "The Last Temptation of Christ," "Shadow of the Vampire," "Spider-Man," "The Life Aquatic," "The Florida Project," "At Eternity's Gate," and "The Lighthouse." Dafoe shares stories about working with various directors, such as Martin Scorsese, Oliver Stone, David Lynch, Wes Anderson, and Julian Schnabel. He also touches on his approach to acting, emphasizing the importance of being a "color in the canvas" and helping the director bring their vision to life. Throughout the conversation, Dafoe reflects on his experiences and the lessons he has learned throughout his career.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. Willem Dafoe is the narrator of the documentary.
2. Dafoe never really decided to be an actor, but rather just ended up doing it.
3. He went to school for acting for a little while, but dropped out quickly.
4. Dafoe was part of the Wooster Group for 27 years.
5. His first IMDb credit is for the movie "Heaven's Gate".
6. Dafoe auditioned for "Platoon" by doing a monologue in English and then in Dutch, even though he doesn't speak Dutch.
7. Oliver Stone cast Dafoe in "Platoon" without knowing which role he would play.
8. Dafoe arrived in the Philippines to film "Platoon" during a revolution.
9. Dafoe was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in "Shadow of the Vampire".
10. Dafoe played a vampire in "Shadow of the Vampire" based on the actor Nicolas Cage.
11. Dafoe worked with Wes Anderson on the movie "Life Aquatic".
12. Dafoe has worked with Wes Anderson four times.
13. Dafoe played the role of Norman Osborn in the movie "Spider-Man".
14. Dafoe had to fight for the role of Norman Osborn in "Spider-Man".
15. Dafoe worked with director Julian Schnabel on the movie "At Eternity's Gate".
16. Dafoe played the role of Vincent van Gogh in "At Eternity's Gate".
17. Dafoe learned how to paint for his role in "At Eternity's Gate".
18. Dafoe worked with director Robert Eggers on the movie "The Lighthouse".
19. Dafoe initially turned down the role in "The Lighthouse" because he was growing a beard for another movie.
20. Dafoe changed his mind and accepted the role in "The Lighthouse" after the director called him again.
21. Dafoe's beard in "The Lighthouse" helped to set his character apart in the storytelling.
22. Dafoe has worked with director Sean Baker on the movie "The Florida Project".
23. Dafoe was interested in working with Baker because of his unique approach to filmmaking.
24. Dafoe worked with non-professional actors on the set of "The Florida Project".
25. Dafoe sought out director Robert Eggers after seeing his movie "The Witch".
26. Dafoe was impressed by Eggers' ability to create a immersive world in "The Witch".
27. Dafoe worked with Eggers on the movie "The Lighthouse".
28. Dafoe was drawn to the script of "The Lighthouse" because of its unique language and challenge.
29. Dafoe worked with actor Edward Norton on the movie "Motherless Brooklyn".
30. Dafoe initially turned down the role in "Motherless Brooklyn" because of a scheduling conflict.