Summary of "Willem Dafoe on 'Nosferatu'" - The New Yorker Radio Hour

Release Date: December 20, 2024
Host: Adam Howard (Filling in for David Remnick)

Introduction to Willem Dafoe and "Nosferatu"

In this engaging episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour, producer Adam Howard converses with esteemed actor Willem Dafoe about his latest project, the vampire film Nosferatu. Dafoe, recognized for his versatility and distinctive presence in both blockbuster hits and indie films, brings depth to his role as Professor Von Franz, a shadowy vampire hunter. The film marks Dafoe’s third collaboration with director Robert Eggers, known for his meticulously researched genre films like The Witch and The Northman.

Acting Philosophy and Typecasting

Dafoe discusses his acting philosophy and the challenges of being typecast due to his memorable roles.

Willem Dafoe [02:49]: "I think absolutely. I can pretty much tell what movies people have seen by how they approach me or how they speak to me."

He acknowledges that his diverse filmography allows him to interact with fans from various genres, yet he remains aware of the strong associations audiences make with his characters.

Collaboration with Directors and Robert Eggers

The conversation delves into Dafoe’s relationships with directors, particularly his long-standing partnership with Robert Eggers.

Willem Dafoe [04:17]: "When I see someone that has a specific vision and they tend to be auteurs... I want to have an experience that serves that vision, that expresses that vision, but is personal to me and is transparent enough that the audience can be with me."

Dafoe praises Eggers for his ability to create immersive, historically grounded worlds. He highlights Eggers' meticulous approach to set design and shot composition, which facilitates a seamless acting experience.

Willem Dafoe [05:54]: "Robert Eggers has a talent for making these period films that are based on fables or histories or their genre films feel relevant, feel authentic, feel rooted."

Deep Dive into "Nosferatu"

Dafoe provides insights into his character, Professor Von Franz, and the film’s unique take on vampire lore.

Willem Dafoe [07:26]: "It's Van Helsing type of character... he tries to make them understand the value of recognizing the shadow parts of life and also tries to tell them of factual evidence of evil."

He explains that Eggers aimed to return to the terrifying essence of vampires by grounding them in historical and folkloric contexts, differentiating Nosferatu from more modern, sympathetic portrayals like those in Twilight.

Willem Dafoe [08:44]: "He tries to base all this on stuff that actually existed... he's trying to give it some historic base when it brings up all these questions that are kind of central to vampire lore about sex and death."

Dafoe emphasizes the film’s blend of horror and gothic romance, focusing on the romantic triangle between Nosferatu, Ellen, and her husband, adding emotional depth to the narrative.

Filming Techniques and Artistic Choices

The episode explores the technical aspects of filming Nosferatu, particularly the use of long, designed takes that enhance the storytelling.

Willem Dafoe [15:41]: "He works with his dp, Jaron Blaschke, on these very, very long, designed takes... There's a fluidity. You can enter into these scenes much better because you're not constantly thrown out by a change of point of view."

Dafoe appreciates the challenges and rewards of performing in long takes, likening the experience to that of an athlete maintaining focus and presence throughout the performance.

Willem Dafoe [16:56]: "It's like an athlete, you know, running from here to there. The task seemed very simple, but how you do it, what happens to you as you do that simple task, is really where the drama and the life and the presence and the revelation is."

Prolific Career and Industry Reflections

Dafoe reflects on his extensive body of work and shares his thoughts on the evolving landscape of cinema.

Willem Dafoe [17:32]: "I do like that. I love being on a set... making a new one, and then coming back to my life."

When discussing the state of theatrical movie-going, Dafoe expresses concern over the decline of communal viewing experiences due to the rise of streaming platforms.

Willem Dafoe [18:58]: "You take away what you put in... if your attention is distracted, you're not going to be able to receive a movie in the right way."

He advocates for the preservation of challenging, artful films that engage and transform audiences, warning that the shift towards more superficial content could diminish the art form.

Changes in Film Promotion and Audience Engagement

Addressing the transformation in film promotion, Dafoe notes the shift towards influencer marketing and digital engagement.

Willem Dafoe [21:23]: "They want you to play games and do things that are may not definitely define the movie, but they get people knowing about and awareness."

He expresses a nuanced view on these changes, recognizing their impact on how films reach audiences while maintaining his focus on the craft of acting.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Adam Howard concludes the interview by expressing gratitude for Dafoe’s insights, highlighting the actor’s commitment to meaningful and challenging roles.

Adam Howard [22:25]: "Thank you so much, Willem, for doing this. I really appreciate it. It's been a thrill to talk to you."

Willem Dafoe adds a light-hearted farewell, wrapping up a thoughtful and in-depth conversation about his career, Nosferatu, and the future of cinema.

Notable Quotes

• Willem Dafoe [01:05]: "I have seen things in this world that would have made Isaac Newton crawl back into his mother's womb..."

• Willem Dafoe [07:26]: "It's Van Helsing type of character... he tries to make them understand the value of recognizing the shadow parts of life and also tries to tell them of factual evidence of evil."

• Willem Dafoe [15:41]: "He works with his dp, Jaron Blaschke, on these very, very long, designed takes... There's a fluidity."

• Willem Dafoe [18:58]: "You take away what you put in... if your attention is distracted, you're not going to be able to receive a movie in the right way."

This episode offers a comprehensive look into Willem Dafoe's artistic approach, his collaboration with Robert Eggers, and his perspectives on the current and future state of the film industry. Listeners gain valuable insights into the making of Nosferatu and Dafoe's unwavering dedication to his craft.