Shadows on the Wall

Late Fame

Review by Rich Cline | MUST SEE

dir Kent Jones
scr Samy Burch
prd Pamela Koffler, Mason Plotts, Christine Vachon, Danny Roberts, HS Naji
with Willem Dafoe, Greta Lee, Edmund Donovan, Jake Lacy, Clark Johnson, Clay Singer, Graham Campbell, Luca Padovan, Arthur Langlie, Tony Torn, William Hill, Ava Eisenson
release US 7.Aug.26,
UK 28.Aug.26
25/US 1h36

VENICE FILM FEST

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Based on an Arthur Schnitzler novella written in 1895, this film has an engagingly light-handed touch, finding delicate thoughts and feelings in situations that effortlessly blend comedy and drama. Director Kent Jones, writer Samy Burch and a terrific ensemble bring colourful characters to life, anchored by a beautiful performance from Willem Dafoe as a man who, like pretty much everyone, has forgotten who he used to be.

In New York, postal worker Ed (Dafoe) is recognised on the street by Meyers (Donovan), a young man with artistic airs who's a fan of Ed's obscure 1979 book of poetry. He invites Ed to meet his writers group, vaguely pretentious 20-something men who circle around diva-actress Gloria (Lee). All of this praise invigorates Ed, so he agrees to write a new poem for their upcoming performance event. He also meets up with Meyers' agent friend (Lacy). But Ed doubts that his working-class buddy Arnold (Johnson) and their local barfly pals will appreciate his poems.

Subtle threads run through this narrative, adding textures and themes. For example, Ed's sister repeatedly calls asking him to visit their dying brother, but Ed is distracted by what's happening around him. Also, these young artists are all well-off, living off their parents, which is a far cry from Ed's background as an impoverished artist in the 1970s. It's fascinating to watch Ed take all of this in, fully understanding the nuances even as he can't help but get caught up in the whirlwind.

Dafoe fully embraces this wonderful role, conveying inner joy and curiosity that's infectious. Ed enjoys his solitary life, but begins to blossom with the attention of these young posers, believing that maybe he has a final act left to play. His interaction with these earnest boys is thoroughly entertaining, while Lee steals her scenes as the larger-than-life Gloria. Even when she lets her mask fall, she is riveting.

The film's tone is light and effortless, but there is so much going on within the characters that it can't help but burrow its way deep under our skin. This is a remarkably astute look at ideas around ageing and legacy, making sharp observations about how creativity is more of a force of nature than an act of will. It also reminds us not to ignore the person we used to be, but to always remember who we are. And it's our true friends who help make sure we can do that.

themes, language 7.Jul.26

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