Late Fame review: Willem Dafoe stars as Saxberger in a grounded and understated role that anchors this contemplative drama. A chance encounter with Wilson Meyers, an ambitious young writer played by Edmund Donovan, pulls the protagonist directly into the orbit of The Enthusiasm Society. This collective consists of eager writers who quickly treat the older man as a revered figure, excitedly planning a formal recital where he can finally showcase fresh material to an eager audience.
The Dynamic Performances and Direction
While the disciples rally around him, Saxberger finds his attention shifting toward Gloria Gardener, a flamboyant actor, singer, and self-described ingénue portrayed by Greta Lee. The subtle realism of Dafoe contrasts sharply with the flirtatious theatricality brought by Lee, who manages to bypass familiar cinematic clichés through sharp, sarcastic declarations. Although she delivers two standout musical set-pieces, viewers are left wishing the production allowed for even more screen time to appreciate her velvety voice and presence.
Adapting Arthur Schnitzler for Modern New York
Screenwriter Samy Burch successfully translates Arthur Schnitzler’s posthumously published 1895 novella into a contemporary New York setting. Director Jones approaches dialogue with a lyrical rhythm, utilizing staccato back-and-forth edits that transition seamlessly into still shots designed to mimic a pause between poetic stanzas. As the narrative progresses and Saxberger wanders the city streets with intimate familiarity, the voice-over narration occasionally flirts with the very sentimentality the story aims to satirize.
A Dignated Look at Ambition and Art
The film moves effortlessly between Saxberger's casual acquaintances at a lowbrow pool hall and dimly lit literary gatherings without passing moral judgment. Every character trait, from Saxberger's persistent writer's block to Meyers' intellectual snobbery and Gardener's relentless ambition, is handled with artistic dignity. Even the understated conclusion resists Hollywood spectacle, opting instead for a quiet anti-climax that lingers in the mind much like a meaningful line of verse.
