Kent Jones on the weight of late fame

Some art isn’t just about what is created; it’s about the ghosts of what once was. This profound meditation on fame, history, and personal fulfillment is captured in the film Late Fame, a nuanced cinematic exploration that pulls the audience into the haunting landscape of New York culture and the elusive nature of artistic recognition.

The film centers on a delicate interplay between tragedy and glamour, anchored by a rich performance from Willem Dafoe. He plays a middle-aged theater actress striving for the fading archetype of screen divas, Gloria, who settles into a less lucrative role while chasing an elusive sense of self. This emotional core is amplified by the compelling chemistry with Greta Lee, who embodies the vibrant energy of a theatrical figure navigating a shifting cultural world.

The film finds its gravitational center in the dynamic relationship between Dafoe and Lee, which provides a deeply layered examination of artistic life, personal desires, and the cultural echoes that constantly compel us in the present. This dramatic tapestry is guided by director Kent Jones, a filmmaker whose perspective reshapes the narrative from 19th-century Vienna to contemporary SoHo, weaving together the ghost of the past with the reality of today.

Jones’ vision, informed by his history as a critic and programmer, moves beyond traditional auteur theory. He explores the appeal of working within another person’s sensibility, seeking an authentic cinematic experience that honors the process of creation rather than just the theme. This approach allowed him to craft a story where cultural cachet and artistic currency are explored with both sensitivity and wit.

The script itself is a fascinating piece of creative alchemy. Samy Burch adapted a novella by Arthur Schnitzler, shifting the setting while preserving the essence of the literary source. In exploring this adaptation, Jones grapples with how history—the poetry of the past—continues to shape the present moment.

The story becomes infused with the palpable atmosphere of New York’s cultural scene. The film evokes a sense of memory and haunting presence, focusing on spaces like SoHo, which served as a crucible for artistic and literary movements. This setting is not merely a backdrop; it becomes an active character, embodying the elusive quality of earlier moments that linger in time.

Jones’ exploration touches upon the very nature of being discovered. He questions whether art can reflect authenticity, prompting viewers to consider the arduous path of recognition and the struggle for esteem in the arts. The film suggests that true artistic success lies less in established themes and more in the practice—the willingness to engage with the fragmented, often contradictory experience of life.

Through Dafoe’s performance, which hints at a deep, almost volatile energy, and Lee’s embodiment of performative desire, Late Fame delivers a poignant and vibrant portrait. It is a cinematic masterpiece that reminds us that the most compelling narratives are often found in the beautiful, messy space between memory and the present.

Late Fame is in select theaters via Magnolia Pictures.