Willem Dafoe has become an unlikely photography icon, captivating audiences not only through acclaimed film roles in works like “The Last Temptation of Christ,” “Nosferatu,” and “Spider-Man,” but also through his distinctive presence in still photography. His photogenic qualities have even sparked a viral social media trend featuring people attempting to replicate his poses. During a recent interview, the star of “Late Fame” discussed both his new film and his approach to photography with Mashable’s Entertainment Editor.
When asked about his experience in front of the camera, Dafoe expressed genuine enthusiasm for the medium. He acknowledged awareness of his online following without allowing it to inhibit his creative expression. According to Dafoe, photography sessions offer an immediate and collaborative experience where he often wears clothing he would never select for everyday wear, ranging from beautiful garments to deliberately unconventional pieces. The process involves working with photographers who bring their own vision while allowing space for spontaneous discovery.
Dafoe emphasized the creative freedom inherent in photography work, explaining that it differs from other performance types. He described the experience as “making shapes” without needing to represent a specific character, allowing performers to simply focus on action and movement. Drawing on his theatrical training, Dafoe stressed that performance fundamentally stems from doing—the quality and intention behind actions create meaningful results. Through these collaborative structures and frameworks, something unexpected can emerge that becomes central to the artistic outcome.
“Late Fame” is currently playing in theaters.
Originally reported by Mashable →
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