At the very end of the 1970’s, post office worker Ed Saxberger (Willem Dafoe) wrote a book of poetry that nobody cared about. After an eager and flattering fan (Edmund Donovan) appears on his doorstep, Saxberger is beckoned into a coterie of young admirers who anoint him a rediscovered genius. The group of downtown bohemians is led by their “tragic heroine,” Gloria (Greta Lee). Intoxicated by the attention, and Gloria’s alluring presence, Saxberger gradually reckons with the authenticity of his newfound poetic circle. From director Kent Jones (“Diane”), Oscar-nominated screenwriter Samy Burch (“May December”), and based on Arthur Schnitzler’s novella of the same name, “Late Fame” is a wistful yet unromantic look at a lost idea of downtown New York.
Cast: Willem Dafoe, Greta Lee and Edmund Donovan
Director: Kent Jones
"Dafoe gives a performance so natural it barely looks like acting at all."
Xan Brooks, The Guardian"The movie abounds in exquisite grace notes. Dafoe is magnificent."
Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter"The movie confirms Kent Jones's lyrical gifts as a filmmaker. Greta Lee is mesmerizing."
Owen Gleiberman, Variety"A loving and lovely sensibility runs through 'Late Fame.'"
Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times"Luminous. Dafoe is terrific."
Stephanie Zacharek, TIME"Willem Dafoe proves once again that he's a national treasure, delivering a warm, wry performance. Greta Lee is mesmerizing."
Nigel Smith, People"Like a wonderful little poem. A touching nod to the past, gracefully intertwining aspects of 'Metropolitan' and 'Dead Poets Society.'"
Kyle Smith, Wall Street Journal