There are good actors, then there are some very good actors, then there are some great actors and then there is Willem Dafoe. The Veteran Actor, having worked in filmdom for over 3 decades, has often left us speechless with his diverse portrayals, most recently in 2017's The Florida Project, where Dafoe portrayed a tender motel manager, who connected with kids in search of a childhood. But if you thought that was the actor's finest hour, you're mistaken.
In 'At Eternity's Gate', Dafoe, portraying the tormented yet prolific Vincent Van Gogh, delivers his greatest work to date. And if I may say, this Van Gogh performance, may never be topped by any other actor.
Dafoe digs deep into the soul of the tormented late artist, who found meaning in nature and decided to paint it, while losing touch with what is termed as reality. Dafoe brings the anxiousness, almost out of place like uneasiness, in a performance, that celebrates artistry and the doom of depression. There is a search in his piercing eyes, a sense of loss in his language and an imbalance in his body. Dafoe embodies the tortured artist, and captures his pain and brilliance, with an eloquence so rare, it demands to be seen.
Dafoe has always had a knack for portraying demanding characters (remember his monumental turns in Platoon and Shadow Of The Vampire?), but in 'At Eternity's Gate', Dafoe has found his most challenging and meaty role. Throughout this arresting and challenging biopic, I found myself stuck to my seat, with my eyes right on the big-screen, almost mesmerised by Dafoe's soul-crushing commitment to portray a man, who's tragic life was somehow captured in his priceless, ever-lasting paintings.
Director Julian Schnabel has made an arty film and I'm sure 'At Eternity's Gate' will only appeal to a niche audience. And Schnabel, Louise Kugelberg and Jean-Claude Carrière's Screenplay delivers a true-story of a man's difficulty to deal with life and how he survived through his art, that, actually, was not as successful in his times. Talk about "the test of time".
A special mention for the all the supporting actors, particularly Oscar Issac as Paul Gauguin, the man who inspired Van Gogh to paint and find his voice.
On the whole, 'At Eternity's Gate' pushes Willem Dafoe to deliver his best. And he, in turn, has given us a portrayal that will haunt us for a long time. Don't miss it.
P.S. Dafoe is up for an Academy-Award for Best Actor next month, and if they go purely by talent and NOT by campaigning and box-office returns, Dafoe should take the statue home.
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