Aquaman star Willem Dafoe believes that modern-day superhero movies are “overshot” and “too noisy.”
Over the past weekend, Aquaman star Willem Dafoe participated in a post-screening Q & A of his film The Lighthouse at 92Y in New York. Following the screening, Willem Dafoe touched upon a numerous topics, including his general thoughts on superhero films. Before starring in Aquaman, Willem Dafoe played Norman Osborn in the Sam Raimi Spider-Man films, so he is certainly a veteran to the genre. Speaking to the moderator about his thoughts, the Aquaman star revealed that he is still a fan of superhero films, but he has noticed a few things he would like to change.
“You have fun with some of the things that you get to do, because there’s lots of hardware and there’s lots of crazy crane shots and those kind of things. That’s fun. But stuff is overshot. They spend a lot of money on big set pieces, because that’s what delivers the action, and they’re too noisy. But let’s not get into this. I don’t want to bite the hand that feeds me. But, no, seriously, folks. Look, those aren’t the movies I run to.”
Willem Dafoe also went ahead and discussed his love for Aquaman and its director James Wan, who he believes to be quite the visionary.
“I like James Wan. I think he’s a good filmmaker and he was kind of amazing that he could do this big stuff, and he could also talk to the actors.”
Willem Dafoe was also asked about his feelings towards Martin Scorsese’s comments regarding Marvel films, as the actor previously starred in one of the director’s most controversial films The Last Temptation of Christ.
“Films have changed so much even in the time that I’ve been working, where they sit in the culture, obviously, and how we watch films. And I’m a pretty forward-looking person, but I’m old-fashioned in the fact that nothing beats being in a dark room with a bunch of strangers, watching a light on a screen and having the experience.I think as everybody gets punched out from too much stuff on TV, too many choices, they’re gonna want that. So it may be a more marginalized thing, but I think it’ll always be there.”
We’ve seen lots of actors and directors pick sides, but it’s nice to know that Aquaman star Willem Dafoe is acknowledging that our tastes and habits are bound to change. His comments regarding having too much content are ringing true, as we currently reside in a binge-culture that promotes consuming first, enjoying later. Regardless of how you feel towards superhero films, it’s fantastic that a classically trained actor like Willem Dafoe can shine in a low-budget art-house picture like The Lighthouse and James Wan’s Aquaman.
What are your thoughts on Aquaman star Willem Dafoe’s comments? Let us know in the comments!
Here is the synopsis for Aquaman:
From Warner Bros. Pictures and director James Wan comes an action-packed adventure that spans the vast, visually breathtaking underwater world of the seven seas, Aquaman, starring Jason Momoa in the title role. The film reveals the origin story of half-human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry and takes him on the journey of his lifetime—one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be… a king.
Directed by James Wan, Aquaman stars Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry, Amber Heard as Mera, Willem Dafoe as Vulko, Patrick Wilson as Orm / Ocean Master, Dolph Lundgren as Nereus, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Black Manta, Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, Ludi Lin as Captain Murk, and Temuera Morrison as Tom Curry.
Aquaman is available on Digital HD, 4K UHD Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, and DVD.
Source: 92Y (via Comicbook.com)
