Late Fame is a witty, warm and wonderfully offbeat comedy-drama about artistic ambition, second chances and the intoxicating lure of recognition. It’s the kind of quietly brilliant film with an outstanding script and performances that leave you smiling, while giving you plenty to think about afterwards.
Willem Dafoe stars as Ed Saxberger, a once-published New York poet who has spent decades working at a post office and largely forgotten his youthful literary ambitions. His life changes when an enthusiastic young admirer, Meyers (Edmund Donovan), discovers Ed’s old poetry and introduces him to a group of idealistic young creatives. Suddenly celebrated as an overlooked genius, Ed is swept into their world — and becomes fascinated by the charismatic Gloria (Greta Lee).
Directed by Kent Jones and adapted from Arthur Schnitzler’s novella, the film blends gentle comedy with wistful drama. Its stylish, deliberately old-fashioned atmosphere contrasts beautifully with contemporary New York, while static conversational scenes, wintry streets, dissolves and an evocative electric-guitar score give it a dreamy, poetic quality. The themes of ageing, artistic authenticity, ego, nostalgia and the desire to be remembered resonate throughout.
The always excellent Dafoe, famed for Poor Things, and Lee, acclaimed for Past Lives, are superb together. Critics have responded warmly, many praising the performances, script and onscreen chemistry of the leads. Late fame is one of those excellent character driven comedy-dramas that there are simply not enough of these days and will have you entertained from start to finish.
If you enjoyed Birdman (2014) or Frances Ha (2012), then you are likely to enjoy Late Fame.
