I met Willem on the street in the West Village in 2018. I don’t usually do this, but I asked him for a photo because he is my favorite actor. He put his two paper grocery bags (I believe Trader Joe’s but it may have been Whole Foods) on the ground and happily obliged. I regularly show people the photo and tell them what an amazing experience it was.
@@arcticwolf6402He would’ve been well within his rights to say no to a photograph when he’s just trying to live his life. That wouldn’t make him a bad person.
@@GG-kn2seliterally nobody said that it would-but that’s not what happened… it’s the fact that HE DID do what he did that this person remembers the interaction so fondly. Way to take something out of context…
I had no idea Robert Eggers was so young. After seeing the Witch I thought this guy must be in his forties because he is a seasoned film maker, with an original perspective. Loved the Light House and look forward to Nosferatu. It is hard to classify him as a horror director as his films are more psychological. As for Dafoe he seems to have been around forever.
He's born in 1983, so he's 41. But yeah I agree, if you watch his movies, you feel it has been directed by a veteran. Even though he released only 4 major films.
So cool in Nosferatu when we’re introduced to Willems character and he mumbles something about his attempt to make gold having failed due to the position of the stars or something like that. It just instantly captures a brilliant mind working on something futile, there’s always some arcane reason why it failed that time, but surely the next time will be success. And so the ”science” of alchemy kept going. Very nice touch.
The amount of reverence with which they talk about “horror” films is a gift for me because they make the intentional suggestion that they aren’t making simply blood, guts and gore for the sake of it. There’s an intentionality and a rhythm. It strikes such a powerful chord in me; they aren’t making a piece of gory nonsense, they are literally crafting a sort of music, a parable in a word. I truly pray I get to see this 🙏🙏 I’m desperate to see films made with such reverence.
I've been a huge Eggers fan since The Witch, and have always loved Dafoe as an actor. The fact that these two are working together and get along so well is such a blessing.
heard he offered him a role in his next 2 films also just saw Nosferatu yesterday 3 January when it finally came out here in Romania AND IT WAS AMAZING P.S. Was funny to hear my own tongue spoken in the film haha
This is indeed an EPIC conversation, and probably my favorite "interview" of each of these artists. They are both extremely singular and seem to bring out a comfort in one another that most interviewers fail to do with these two in particular. Very cool.
Eggers has not yet disappointed me. I've greatly enjoyed, loved, or whatever high praise you can give his films. The Lighthouse is probably my favorite, but I really loved The Northman too. Nosferatu is a film I have been so eagerly awaiting since I heard of it.
@@bruhhammm I liked it a lot. It's a classical story, but it's so well-made and the attention to detail and (set) design and costumes and such is wonderful.
I am so glad that I am here for Robert Eggers films and look forward to watching his career continue to unfold. What a film maker. Willem seems like an absolute delight. No pretense, just two passionate artists having a chat.
An endlessly interesting conversation between two artists who I respect for so many different reasons, not the least of which is their humanity. I live in Italy, so I’m looking forward to having my impromptu moment on the streets of Rome with Defoe. Looking forward to their future projects, but not as much as they are, I’ll bet!
Robert, I'm such a fan. The Witch scared me senseless, and The Lighthouse is insane and is one of my favorite movies. Nosferatu is not for everyone, but I loved it on first viewing and am looking forward to watching it again in the future to dig deeper into its beautiful details and themes. Thank you for persisting in making this gothic masterpiece
Ahhhh this was so great! Willem is my fav actor, all his choices, all his films, characters… so great and of course Robert Eggers. I have been so impressed by his films. It gives the future of horror of his style will be exciting to see. What a great interview.
Wow. NOSFERATU was one of the GREATEST horror films I’ve seen for 2024. The archaic realism, and the gothic environment within which these experiences take place, is the REAL beauty of Nosferatu. Robert Eggers is incredible in portraying this. I’d LOVE to see Eggers and William Dafoe do a DCU JOKER film with that gothic realism for Gotham City! 😀
When I first saw the VVitch, I was completely captivated by how DARK a movie can get. Incredible cinema and one of the best living actors as well. This is absolutely great.
wow, Robert has seen and enjoyed «По закону» (By the Law), my favorite soviet silent film. Khokhlova is amazing in her role 🤩 the whole movie has a strong "The Lighthouse" vibe, no wonder Eggers liked it so much
Willem Dafoe being too much is a wild statement to make. Yes, he's a lot, but it always fits the thing he is acting in. His performance is always the one I remember strongest when he is in anything. He's brilliant. Oh, and The Lighthouse? What a movie. Can't wait for Nosferatu!
I first thought, Eggers got Dafoe to be in this movie, but didn't cast him as Orlok? Then I saw the movie, and had to see it another time. It's amazing.
seriously now... I've been a cinephile for about 20 years now and Willem Dafoe kept surprising me for all those years. Why is he still not praised as one of the greatest?
This was a great convo! Similar to the interview Bill Skarsggard and Eggers did of each other a few months ago where they get into interesting details most interviewers wouldnt think to ask.
Crazy to here and makes sense for Dafoe to name drop Warren Oates & Harry Dean Stanton as two actors he admires; I can see the connection between him and those two.
Robert Eggers and Sean Baker are easily setting themselves up as the next generation of auteur film makers. Dafoe is already an acting legend in his own lifetime.
I went to the cinema to see nosferatu because we need more movies like this. I still don't know how I feel about the film (which I love having to think about a movie), but please people, go watch, process, and let's support real directors.
I LOVE Willem Dafoe. Such a great actor, with an amazing range. Robert Eggers is one of the greatest directors working today. I'm really excited to see what he'll bring us in the future. edit: I'm half-Swedish and so far I haven't seen a single Bergman film. A bit embarrassing, I'm definitely changing that soon.
I can genuinely say that when i went to see Nosferatu on christmas, everytime willem was on screen he would make the entire theater laugh. I absolutely loved his character. I think his character was honestly perfect
Wonderful conversation between two curious, intelligent, thoughtful people. I love the depth of the questions and honesty of the answers they give each other. This as a window to peer inside the processes of acting and filmmaking is just fascinating.
I absolutely admire these two, Williem Defoe is an incredible actor, one of the best. And Robert Eggers is my favorite filmmaker, his movies are an experience no other filmaker makes me encounter. I can not wait for his next project, I hope he keeps making films for many years to come, absolute genious.
I met Willem on the street in the West Village in 2018. I don’t usually do this, but I asked him for a photo because he is my favorite actor. He put his two paper grocery bags (I believe Trader Joe’s but it may have been Whole Foods) on the ground and happily obliged. I regularly show people the photo and tell them what an amazing experience it was.
You mean he acted like a normal, descent human?
@@arcticwolf6402always that one fool. Always
@@arcticwolf6402He would’ve been well within his rights to say no to a photograph when he’s just trying to live his life. That wouldn’t make him a bad person.
You asked him to take a pic with his hands full of groceries?? Hmmm…. Glad he’s a super nice and grateful guy.
@@GG-kn2seliterally nobody said that it would-but that’s not what happened… it’s the fact that HE DID do what he did that this person remembers the interaction so fondly. Way to take something out of context…
Willem Dafoe literaly made me recognize that my headphones have actual bass qualities..*goosebumps*
same his voice is incredible
His voice is definitely on my Mount Rushmore of voices along with Morgan freeman
it's the lav mic
Citing Slavoj Žižek as if he would be pictured next to "eccentric" in the dictionary is so funny and accurate
That was a surprise! 😅 Loved the comparison
and so on and so on
@@oedipamaas2067 *schniff*
*sniff*
balkon diogenes
“You give me fun things to do” is one of the sweetest things I’ve ever heard
when adults still play. this is it
i hope willem dafoe never stops acting cuz he’s literally better than more than half the actors out there.
Thats not a very high bar.. couldve made that percentage a tad bit higher than 50% 😂
More like 90% he’s one of the all time greats
eloquently put!
eloquently put
You just called Willem Dafoe mid.
Love when artists can talk about their craft without any pretentiousness. Just two guys who are in it for the love of the game
Robert Eggers talks
Willem Dafoe: *BASS*
I had no idea Robert Eggers was so young. After seeing the Witch I thought this guy must be in his forties because he is a seasoned film maker, with an original perspective. Loved the Light House and look forward to Nosferatu. It is hard to classify him as a horror director as his films are more psychological. As for Dafoe he seems to have been around forever.
He's born in 1983, so he's 41. But yeah I agree, if you watch his movies, you feel it has been directed by a veteran. Even though he released only 4 major films.
He's really One of the best directors out there with Amazing vision. The northman was Amazing too
If only there was a subgenre of horror literally called "psychological horror."
@@nickbraet7493well he was 31 when he filmed The Witch
@@nickbraet7493he was 31 when filmed the witch but in his 20s when wrote the script
Robert Eggers is such a goth
Robert eggers sun tanning on a beach would be goofy to see lol
with his salomon shoes & garmin watch 😅
And he lives in London.
goth and hipster
This!
What a great conversation with two people who clearly love what they do.
Studios need to take more risks on the Ari Asters and Robert Eggers in the industry. The Witch and Midsummer made me an instant fan.
The Witch and Hereditary for me
Saw Nosferatu last night on IMAX, terrifyingly beautiful and poetic. Even if you aren’t into horror, I recommend it. It’s perfect for the winter.
It really is. Like a perfect movie to watch on a dark cold winter night.
Bit too weird for me
@@timtoci8944 Let yourself go a little
Love that Willem makes Rob laugh like that! Lovely to witness a conversation between friends like this, wanted more.
So cool in Nosferatu when we’re introduced to Willems character and he mumbles something about his attempt to make gold having failed due to the position of the stars or something like that. It just instantly captures a brilliant mind working on something futile, there’s always some arcane reason why it failed that time, but surely the next time will be success. And so the ”science” of alchemy kept going. Very nice touch.
I really want Willem Dafoe to win an Oscar. I feel this in my soul.
Mr. Dafoe is one of the few actors I would appreciate spending time with. Very relatable and a master of his craft.
The amount of reverence with which they talk about “horror” films is a gift for me because they make the intentional suggestion that they aren’t making simply blood, guts and gore for the sake of it. There’s an intentionality and a rhythm. It strikes such a powerful chord in me; they aren’t making a piece of gory nonsense, they are literally crafting a sort of music, a parable in a word. I truly pray I get to see this 🙏🙏 I’m desperate to see films made with such reverence.
It's phony, they are.
Didn’t realize Eggers was so young. Excited to see him cook for many years to come!
🧑🍳 Welcome to Robert Eggers’ Kitchen everyone.
I've been a huge Eggers fan since The Witch, and have always loved Dafoe as an actor. The fact that these two are working together and get along so well is such a blessing.
I could listen to these two talk for hours. I hope they never stop working together
The chemistry between these two is wonderful. I could listen to them discuss this stuff all day long.
heard he offered him a role in his next 2 films
also just saw Nosferatu yesterday 3 January when it finally came out here in Romania AND IT WAS AMAZING
P.S. Was funny to hear my own tongue spoken in the film haha
Willem, I love you.
I feel like I could listen to Willem talk forever.
These guys might have my favorite actor/director working relationship since John Carpenter and Kurt Russell
Literally the same analogy I thought of the other day
I feel this, but Nothing beat the behind scenes commentary with Carpenter & Russell😂
Saw it last night and cannot recommend it enough. Every frame, a painting. The acting was incredible. 10/10
10:28 "How do you feel about early Christian gnosticism?" [Brings curious ring into perfect focus.]
What was the ring
I saw Nosferatu yesterday: the theater was full. The film has legs, thanks to the talent and will of creators like William and Robert.
This is indeed an EPIC conversation, and probably my favorite "interview" of each of these artists. They are both extremely singular and seem to bring out a comfort in one another that most interviewers fail to do with these two in particular. Very cool.
The Lighthouse is amazing
Settle down
you like me lobster, say it
@@shawndamours8991 Idk why you’re saying settle down, the lighthouse is easily one of the best movies of the last 15 years
It's one my favorite movies of all-time
Amazing is cutting it so short.
Two of the best performances in acting of all time.
Eggers has not yet disappointed me. I've greatly enjoyed, loved, or whatever high praise you can give his films. The Lighthouse is probably my favorite, but I really loved The Northman too. Nosferatu is a film I have been so eagerly awaiting since I heard of it.
they love each other it's so cute :3
Can't wait for Nosferatu. Eggers and Dafoe is a perfect combo.
Dafoe is an amoeba, he's going crazy with Lanthimos simultaneously. No Oscar for Dafoe is absolute BS at this point.
what were your thoughts!!
@@bruhhammm I liked it a lot. It's a classical story, but it's so well-made and the attention to detail and (set) design and costumes and such is wonderful.
This is the best. Two artists talking shop. So many nuggets in this, I want to take notes.
I am so glad that I am here for Robert Eggers films and look forward to watching his career continue to unfold. What a film maker. Willem seems like an absolute delight. No pretense, just two passionate artists having a chat.
I’m glad I’m here for this Robert eggers era of movies. 🙏
Willem wasn’t over the top in this film, he was possibly my favorite part
An endlessly interesting conversation between two artists who I respect for so many different reasons, not the least of which is their humanity.
I live in Italy, so I’m looking forward to having my impromptu moment on the streets of Rome with Defoe.
Looking forward to their future projects, but not as much as they are, I’ll bet!
Two people who have kept me paying attention to modern film. These two men are extremely talented.
One of the great collaborations of the modern era. Love that these two souls found each other.
Willem Dafoe has slowly but surely been becoming my favorite actor over the years, and i honestly cant wait to see his performance in this film.
The last lines by Mr Defoe gave me chills. I can’t wait. It honestly gives me another reason to live. I don’t mean that negatively.
I can tell they both admire each other, its a beautiful thing to see their interwiev
I love how natural and awkward they both are. So unassuming and genuine!!
This pairing really deserved the EPIC label.
I could listen to these gents chat all day. Two amazing talents.
Robert, I'm such a fan. The Witch scared me senseless, and The Lighthouse is insane and is one of my favorite movies. Nosferatu is not for everyone, but I loved it on first viewing and am looking forward to watching it again in the future to dig deeper into its beautiful details and themes. Thank you for persisting in making this gothic masterpiece
I LOVE THEM!!!! WHAT A GEM. THANKS FOR THIS GQ
I'll watch anything these guys do, together or separately. Nosferatu is beautiful. Such a cool movie and a great tribute to the original film.
For some reason I thought Robert Eggers was Scandinavian, or at least European. This interview was an interesting surprise, as well as being engaging.
As a Swede I thought he was Scottish haha. Eggers isn't a very Nordic name!
Ahhhh this was so great! Willem is my fav actor, all his choices, all his films, characters… so great and of course Robert Eggers. I have been so impressed by his films. It gives the future of horror of his style will be exciting to see. What a great interview.
Wow. NOSFERATU was one of the GREATEST horror films I’ve seen for 2024.
The archaic realism, and the gothic environment within which these experiences take place, is the REAL beauty of Nosferatu. Robert Eggers is incredible in portraying this.
I’d LOVE to see Eggers and William Dafoe do a DCU JOKER film with that gothic realism for Gotham City! 😀
Those two absolutely have stuff to do. And I'm eagerly waiting to see.
I love how this doesn't feel like an ordinary interview. It feels more like a breakdown or a debrief of the film.
It's crazy to hear Willem Dafoe say one of his big influences is Harry Dean Stanton. Crazy.
When I first saw the VVitch, I was completely captivated by how DARK a movie can get. Incredible cinema and one of the best living actors as well. This is absolutely great.
wow, Robert has seen and enjoyed «По закону» (By the Law), my favorite soviet silent film. Khokhlova is amazing in her role 🤩 the whole movie has a strong "The Lighthouse" vibe, no wonder Eggers liked it so much
Willem Dafoe being too much is a wild statement to make. Yes, he's a lot, but it always fits the thing he is acting in. His performance is always the one I remember strongest when he is in anything. He's brilliant.
Oh, and The Lighthouse? What a movie. Can't wait for Nosferatu!
Willem wanting to see Robert act will never not be adorable 😭
I first thought, Eggers got Dafoe to be in this movie, but didn't cast him as Orlok? Then I saw the movie, and had to see it another time. It's amazing.
Great format. Two talented guys talking about the craft they love.
2 beautiful humans, enjoying their friendship and craft. What a pleasure to experience this. Nothing but respect for both of them.
seriously now... I've been a cinephile for about 20 years now and Willem Dafoe kept surprising me for all those years. Why is he still not praised as one of the greatest?
They're perfect together
I admire them both,especially Robert Eggers. He has a real voice in the horror genre that's very rare nowadays.
This was a great convo! Similar to the interview Bill Skarsggard and Eggers did of each other a few months ago where they get into interesting details most interviewers wouldnt think to ask.
Love the both of them, highly look forward to their next collaboration
I love watching Willem interviews. He always just seems like such a chill, happy, fun, sincere, down to earth guy.
Crazy to here and makes sense for Dafoe to name drop Warren Oates & Harry Dean Stanton as two actors he admires; I can see the connection between him and those two.
I cannot wait to see nosferatu
I just saw it... keep your expectations medium level, not high
It's an amazing remake, hope you'll love it.
Seen it
Consdering their track record I hope we can look forward to many more Eggers/Dafoe collaborations in the future.
This is a great Christmas gift!!! Thx GQ
Eggers and Lanthimos are gonna keep Dafoe employed for the rest of his life.
Don't forget Wes Anderson
@@lucacriscuolo2989The og
Robert Eggers and Sean Baker are easily setting themselves up as the next generation of auteur film makers. Dafoe is already an acting legend in his own lifetime.
I can’t get behind the hype of Baker. I’ve seen his films and they’re just weirdly edgy with vapid themes and conclusions. Eggers is far better imo
Ari Aster and The Safdies >>>
For me it's Robert Eggers, Craig Zahler and Gareth Evans.
Huh I haven't heard of any of Bakers movies Ill check them out.
I'm my opinion, Ari Aster and Demián Rugna might bet the next two big names.
Anora was best film I've seen in a long while!
This movie was one of the best pieces of cinema I have witnessed
Willem is legend
I went to the cinema to see nosferatu because we need more movies like this. I still don't know how I feel about the film (which I love having to think about a movie), but please people, go watch, process, and let's support real directors.
When a guy like Defoe says „no acting required“, it gets highly interesting
This video will be legendary in a few years
this is so wholesome. and i will never get tired of dafoe's voice.
I LOVE Willem Dafoe. Such a great actor, with an amazing range.
Robert Eggers is one of the greatest directors working today. I'm really excited to see what he'll bring us in the future.
edit: I'm half-Swedish and so far I haven't seen a single Bergman film. A bit embarrassing, I'm definitely changing that soon.
FINALLY!!!! I been waiting on some HQ promo content for Nosferatu via GQ, Vanity Fair, etc.
The lighthouse is a masterpiece
Love them both❤❤❤❤
...and we will all be here ready & waiting breathlessly for that "stuff" you're getting to do together next!!
I can genuinely say that when i went to see Nosferatu on christmas, everytime willem was on screen he would make the entire theater laugh. I absolutely loved his character. I think his character was honestly perfect
Oddly wholesome and entertaining interview.
These two together are a blessing! Can't wait to see their next film together!
Such an enjoyable interview. Big fan of them both.
We need a Willem Dafoe starred feature; it's well past time to put him more into the spotlight.
Eggers is the best realist director out there. Everything… feels. Or has feeling.
Great movie. Willem Dafoe was awesome per usual and I enjoyed his eccentric character. Eggers has definitely become one of my favorite directors
Wonderful conversation between two curious, intelligent, thoughtful people. I love the depth of the questions and honesty of the answers they give each other. This as a window to peer inside the processes of acting and filmmaking is just fascinating.
This was a fantastic conversation! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us 🙌🏻
Fun Fact. Willem Dafoe was a witness to the Coldest Game in NFL History. The Ice Bowl.
This felt so real,... Not at all what Holllywood feels like recently....
They are so cute together. I hope to see them together more, also happy Robert got to be financially successful
Egger + Dafoe + Dr. Jekell and Mr. Hide = A Masterpiece!
No
@@Dirtmcgirt757 yes.
That would be incredible too.
I love how they love each other.
I absolutely admire these two, Williem Defoe is an incredible actor, one of the best. And Robert Eggers is my favorite filmmaker, his movies are an experience no other filmaker makes me encounter. I can not wait for his next project, I hope he keeps making films for many years to come, absolute genious.
I could listen to these two guys all day long. Such interesting guys.