Willem Dafoe & Robert Eggers Talk The “Fear” of Acting, Exploring The Darkness & ‘Nosferatu’

[@msp663]

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.

[@arcticwolf6402]

You mean he acted like a normal, descent human?

[@BUKUDI]

​@@arcticwolf6402always that one fool. Always

[@GG-kn2se]

@@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.

[@renzota22]

You asked him to take a pic with his hands full of groceries?? Hmmm…. Glad he’s a super nice and grateful guy.

[@THEJoeDub22]

@@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…

[@brettbarton1911]

What a great conversation with two people who clearly love what they do.

[@filmwitchpod]

Love that Willem makes Rob laugh like that! Lovely to witness a conversation between friends like this, wanted more.

[@chrisgreene2623]

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.

[@nickbraet7493]

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.

[@Mauidemigod249]

He's really One of the best directors out there with Amazing vision. The northman was Amazing too

[@Largentina.]

If only there was a subgenre of horror literally called "psychological horror."

[@ColombianThunder]

​@@nickbraet7493well he was 31 when he filmed The Witch

[@Shionshowa]

@@nickbraet7493he was 31 when filmed the witch but in his 20s when wrote the script

[@Marco_Mazzoni]

I could listen to these two talk for hours. I hope they never stop working together

[@jhcali71]

Mr. Dafoe is one of the few actors I would appreciate spending time with. Very relatable and a master of his craft.

[@nem0763]

Citing Slavoj Žižek as if he would be pictured next to "eccentric" in the dictionary is so funny and accurate

[@matthew_thefallen]

That was a surprise! 😅 Loved the comparison

[@oedipamaas2067]

and so on and so on

[@Creamcups]

@@oedipamaas2067 *schniff*

[@MrBaeza1994]

Willem, I love you.

[@gurs6714]

I feel like I could listen to Willem talk forever.

[@craigjhard]

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.

[@GiantEyeOne]

This is the best. Two artists talking shop. So many nuggets in this, I want to take notes.

[@d_sarantis]

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.

[@totorosdad7965]

Love when artists can talk about their craft without any pretentiousness. Just two guys who are in it for the love of the game

[@ethanmagdaleno5332]

I cannot wait to see nosferatu

[@fairdose]

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.

[@rastari9679]

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

[@bigwilliestyle8643]

Ari Aster and The Safdies >>>

[@Largentina.]

For me it's Robert Eggers, Craig Zahler and Gareth Evans.

[@mushroomjesus2068]

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.

[@TheInternetIsDeadToMe]

Great format. Two talented guys talking about the craft they love.

[@m.h.a2077]

The Lighthouse is amazing

[@shawndamours8991]

Settle down

[@j.t.8848]

you like me lobster, say it

[@thebananaman5632]

@@shawndamours8991 Idk why you’re saying settle down, the lighthouse is easily one of the best movies of the last 15 years

[@danblack7503]

It's one my favorite movies of all-time

[@mushroomjesus2068]

Amazing is cutting it so short. Two of the best performances in acting of all time.

[@hatsumomo5067]

I LOVE THEM!!!! WHAT A GEM. THANKS FOR THIS GQ

[@finq918]

This is a great Christmas gift!!! Thx GQ

[@CortexGrimuloid]

These guys might have my favorite actor/director working relationship since John Carpenter and Kurt Russell

[@tylerbrooks3191]

Literally the same analogy I thought of the other day

[@originaozz]

This pairing really deserved the EPIC label.

[@dukedude7460]

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.

[@waterglas21]

This video will be legendary in a few years

[@Simp-Bizkit]

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.

[@billybobtexas]

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.

[@Wladislav]

Can't wait for Nosferatu. Eggers and Dafoe is a perfect combo.

[@15jchilders]

Dafoe is an amoeba, he's going crazy with Lanthimos simultaneously. No Oscar for Dafoe is absolute BS at this point.

[@leviskata]

i hope willem dafoe never stops acting cuz he’s literally better than more than half the actors out there.

[@Agent-wn7le]

Willem is legend

[@of1300]

When a guy like Defoe says „no acting required“, it gets highly interesting

[@skidrow1800]

FINALLY!!!! I been waiting on some HQ promo content for Nosferatu via GQ, Vanity Fair, etc.

[@marius_thsch]

This was a fantastic conversation! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us 🙌🏻

[@Agent-wn7le]

Willem has done so many movies !

[@matthew_thefallen]

These two together are a blessing! Can't wait to see their next film together!

[@2365Films]

EXCELLENT!! Thank You all!

[@BillyTheKidOfficialYT]

I’m glad I’m here for this Robert eggers era of movies. 🙏

[@cubencis]

So excited for this film

[@Man_Ray78]

I would have guessed a turning point for Dafoe was Bobby Peru in Wild at Heart. How lucky are we that he works again and again with the best directors like Rlobert Eggers, Yorgos Lanthimos and just did one with Tim Burton. Dafoe is one of the most versatile actors out there,.

[@4rchy5]

I always enjoy Willem’s interviews, such a cool guy, love his energy so much

[@rustyrelicsfarm2406]

Fun Fact. Willem Dafoe was a witness to the Coldest Game in NFL History. The Ice Bowl.

[@floriansaurusrex]

Robert Eggers is such a goth

[@15jchilders]

Robert eggers sun tanning on a beach would be goofy to see lol

[@matthewglenguir7204]

Love the friendship

[@wharsmetoothpicson9465]

For some reason I thought Robert Eggers was Scandinavian, or at least European. This interview was an interesting surprise, as well as being engaging.

[@Specimen32]

Great talk and topics.

[@nomojo1110]

Two of the very best story tellers and masters of their crafts since celluloid was used in film.

[@michaelaivalu]

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!

[@alobo9937]

Beautiful talk.

[@auto54matic]

Such an enjoyable interview. Big fan of them both.

[@koanikal]

Willem has worked with a lot of my favorite directors, and I hope he adds Ari Aster to that list in the future.

[@jx9936]

Willem Defoe is the king of method acting and he's the jedi master of whatever he does. I mean he'll always be The Green Goblin for me, one of the best onscreen villains ever!!

[@reiniergamboa]

they love each other it's so cute :3

[@kowhamkrishnan7480]

Agree it or not Willem Dafoe is a Living Legend...

[@ronaldwoods6423]

Willem Dafoe is a gem!

[@TheArtist-z4c]

Looking forward on Nosferatu tomorrow

[@joshzarr]

7:45 Žižek mentioned!

[@christopherseat9871]

Beautiful conversation. ❤🖤. HAPPY HOLIDAYS gentlemen. ❤

[@MFBURNS7909]

Amazing Conversation. I still need to see the movie ❤🙏 🤜🎥

[@FortheLoveofMonsters]

It’s funny because my friends and I were just saying that his performance in Nosferatu was our favorite out of the whole cast.

[@kieferroche1995]

The lighthouse is a masterpiece

[@CairnsLobster]

What a great conversation! I'd love to meet Willem. Andre

[@SwiftxSolo55]

In spiderman, he was Dafoe. In real life, he is Dafriend.

[@ZeonUrbanmechPilot]

It's crazy to hear Willem Dafoe say one of his big influences is Harry Dean Stanton. Crazy.

[@nicolej6358]

Loveee these two!!!!

[@asorlokirunarsson9864]

True artists

[@ana1275]

Love them

[@catherinepoloynis]

Willem Dafoe is such a great actor... and Werner Herzog is a unique and great director ( Nosferatu). Herzog films must be understood in a special way. Herzog always "different." I have this one on DVD. Also, Willem Dafoe's portrayal of Sgt. Elias is an archetypal character. He embodies a deeply held wound on the American psyche re the Vietnam War... the tragedy and betrayal of the men. One of the most touching scenes on film.

[@xargos9984]

A film about voodoo beliefs would also suit Eggers perfectly.

[@PASTRAMIKick]

*Žižek* Mentioned

[@assorovangelina]

It's cool that you invited this particular actor and director, they are both super. But why did you cut off their legs in the general shot?…

[@thestepfordlife2015]

Robert Eggers is gorgeous. Just saying.

[@astoraththegrim]

Willem Dafoe interviewed by Robert Eggers, a veritable feast

[@marcoslaureano5562]

"You know I'm something of a vampire myself..."

[@alexknollys9009]

De Niro in There Will Be Blood?

[@inaciotrinita]

No..but the expressions of him in the main character yes👍

[@Ron-p6g]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👍🏼

[@chadfredrick1519]

I think The Magician is Bergman's 20th film.

[@Mauidemigod249]

Two goats

[@bebaguette766]

Deep intellectual you know, like, you know.

[@TheProphegy]

Did he say DeNiro in There will Be Blood?

[@15jchilders]

His grimace he said. He's saying Daniel day lewis is making the de niro scowl 😅

[@anahbbkali]

Love Robert eggers so much

[@nickdijcj1]

Did he mean day Lewis grimace in there will be blood?

[@15jchilders]

No, he was saying that day Lewis' face in "there will be blood" is like the face de niro makes in every movie

[@fromthecrypts]

Eggers reminds me of Tarantino how he trips over words when he gets excited. Great director, maybe not a great public speaker. And that’s totally okay!

[@kellymarionchudyk5999]

I misheard, thought he saw anti-christ in grade1

[@berg4mot]

3:23 wait what🤣

[@G_Guestion]

This guy says yknow like its the period of the sentence

[@Shawn-tr5bv]

Yeah, indie filmmaking isn't the sort of career where you should expect to live healthily unless you knew how to budget your lifestyle

[@Shawn-tr5bv]

In my opinion, it requires extreme patience as more of a side gig you invest in over the course of... Years.

[@Shawn-tr5bv]

Though, my ego was so untapped where I wanted the reactions of thousands where I should have been satisfied with the reactions of what my friends thought. Then again... I was doing everything and had no real direction for my insecurities.

[@Shawn-tr5bv]

"Disappearing into the actions."

[@roderickjackson3601]

First

[@kneztm]

Like, like, like, like, like... like learn to speak.

[@bebaguette766]

Don't forget "you know".

[@ExileonBrockSt]

🇨🇦👽🎸👍🏼