Willem Dafoe is known for his versatility and commitment to his roles. He’s played everything from a sadistic Green Goblin to a compassionate lighthouse keeper, and he’s always brought a unique intensity and intelligence to his performances.
Willem Dafoe Braves Six Hours For Makeup
In his latest film, Yorgos Lanthimos’s Poor Things, Dafoe plays a mad scientist who has created a woman with a brain from a drowned body. The role required Dafoe to spend six hours a day in the makeup chair, and he recently spoke to Vanity Fair about the experience.
“I’m showing up at 3am in the morning, sitting in the chair, meditating and trying to deal with standing still,” Dafoe said. “You can’t sleep because it’s intricate enough that you’ve got to work with the people applying it.”
Despite the long hours, Dafoe said he enjoyed the process of being transformed into his character. “I liked working with a mask in there—quite literally, a mask,” he said. “They dubbed me ‘Kirk.'”
Dafoe’s transformation in Poor Things is truly remarkable. He’s almost unrecognizable in the role, and his physical performance is just as impressive as his emotional one. He’s able to convey the character’s intelligence, madness, and humanity all at the same time.
Why did Dafoe spend so much time in the makeup chair?
The makeup in Poor Things is designed to create a strange and otherworldly aesthetic. Lanthimos is known for his unique visual style, and he wanted to create a film that looked and felt unlike anything else out there.
Dafoe’s character is a key part of this aesthetic. He’s a scientist who has defied the laws of nature, and his appearance reflects that. His face is scarred and disfigured, and his body is covered in strange tattoos.
The makeup also helps to create a sense of distance between Dafoe’s character and the other characters in the film. He’s an outsider, and his appearance reflects that.
What was the experience like for Dafoe?
Dafoe has said that he enjoyed the process of being transformed into his character. He found it challenging, but also rewarding.
“It was a grind,” he said. “But I liked working with a mask in there—quite literally, a mask. They dubbed me ‘Kirk.'”
Dafoe has also said that the makeup helped him to get into character. “It was a way for me to disappear into the role,” he said.
How did the makeup affect Dafoe’s performance?
The makeup in Poor Things is not just a cosmetic effect. It also plays an important role in Dafoe’s performance.
The makeup helps to create a sense of physicality for the character. Dafoe’s movements are restricted by the mask, and this gives his performance a sense of weight and gravitas.
The makeup also helps to create a sense of mystery around the character. Dafoe’s face is hidden behind the mask, which makes it difficult to read his emotions. This adds an element of suspense and intrigue to his performance.
Conclusion
Willem Dafoe’s transformation in Poor Things is one of the most impressive things about the film. The makeup is elaborate and intricate, and Dafoe’s performance is both physically and emotionally demanding.
Dafoe’s commitment to his role is evident in the way he embraces the makeup and uses it to enhance his performance. He’s a true master of his craft, and his performance in Poor Things is sure to be one of the most talked-about of the year.
