The heavily criticised performance Willem Dafoe stands by
Since making his film debut over four decades ago, Willem Dafoe has endeared himself to experienced critics, casual cinema-goers and devoted Letterboxd users alike. Between his roles in Platoon and Poor Things, he’s earned Academy Awards and endless admiration for his reliably expressive and entrancing presence on screen.
Dafoe has honed a particularly impressive filmography, showing off his capabilities for villainy in the Spider-Man films, dipping his toes into darkness with Antichrist and American Psycho, and becoming an A24 favourite through appearances in The Lighthouse and The Florida Project. Although he’s amassed an abundance of acclaim throughout his career, there is one role that won Dafoe more ridicule than praise.
In 1997, Dafoe starred alongside Sandra Bullock and Jason Patric in Jan de Bont’s sequel to Speed. Speed 2: Cruise Control followed on from the original film and, although it would earn over $160million at the box office, was heavily attacked by critics. Every element of the film came under fire, including Dafoe’s role as John Geiger.
The actor was criticised for the exaggerated performance he gave in the film, but Dafoe still sees no issues with it. Reflecting on films from throughout his career with Variety, the Poor Things actor acknowledged the critique he received and still receives for the performance, explaining, “They tease me about the size of my performance, that it was over the top.”
Perhaps this comment is true – Dafoe’s performance was over the top – but, according to the actor, there was simply “no other way to do it”. Speaking about his so-called exaggerated acting, he explained, “I’ve got a pretty flexible face and an expressive face and I don’t censor it. I let it do its thing. I don’t put on faces, but I know for a fact that my face can do some really extreme things.”
While Dafoe admitted that this can lead to some funny freeze frames, his wide-spanning facial expressionism has also been integral to the actor’s success. It’s what makes him such a great dramatic actor, able to convey character and emotions with just a look, and able to steal every scene he appears in.
“Sometimes, you do things and people just aren’t ready for them or it’s the wrong time or the context is wrong,” Dafoe admitted with regard to the Speed sequel, “Maybe I misread it. But for my money, I stand by that movie.” Speed 2 certainly isn’t taking the title of Dafoe’s best work any time soon, but it remains an example of his unparalleled expressionistic abilities and commitment to his craft as an actor. Revisit the film below.
