Late Fame review – Willem Dafoe superb as ever as twilight-years bohemian getting a second chance

Willem Dafoe, a consistently acclaimed actor known for his intelligent and self-possessed portrayals, delivers a performance of "marvellous tenderness and generosity" in "Late Fame." Directed by Kent Jones, a filmmaker previously lauded for his 2015 documentary "Hitchcock/Truffaut," and adapted by Samy Burch from Arthur Schnitzler's novella, the film delves into themes of "autumnal regret" and the allure of a "last chance at worldly triumph." The narrative centers on Ed Saxberger, portrayed by Dafoe, an aging New York postal worker living a modest existence. Saxberger resides in a small, book-filled room in a humble walkup, his days spent sorting mail and his evenings engaged in casual pursuits like drinking and playing pool with friends. This quiet life is disrupted when he is approached by Meyers (Edmund Donovan), a "dandyish young hipster." Meyers reveals a surprising connection to Saxberger's past: he has discovered "Way Past Go," a long-out-of-print collection of poetry from Saxberger's days as a young poet in the vibrant 1970s New York bohemian scene. Meyers and his "similarly callow and excitable literary friends" declare Saxberger a "neglected genius" and express their intention to champion his work, offering him an unexpected resurgence of artistic recognition.

This premise allows "Late Fame" to explore Schnitzler's recurring preoccupation with "life’s lost opportunities for love, lust and success," and the potent temptation to "risk everything" as mortality looms. The film is described as "smart, literate and affecting," offering a fresh perspective on Schnitzler's thematic explorations, which have previously been interpreted in cinematic form, most notably by Stanley Kubrick in his adaptation of Schnitzler's "Dream Story" (Traumnovelle) as "Eyes Wide Shut." Dafoe's portrayal of Saxberger is characterized by "effortless grace," embodying a character who, in his twilight years, is unexpectedly drawn into a contemporary literary milieu by a younger generation that recognizes his dormant talent. The film's elegant storytelling and Dafoe's commanding presence suggest a poignant examination of artistic legacy and the enduring human yearning for validation, even as life's final chapter approaches.