Hollywood star Willem Dafoe is an acting chameleon. Whether it’s the villain in “Spider-Man”, Jesus Christ in “The Last Temptation” or Vicent van Gogh in “Van Gogh – On the threshold of eternity” – in his more than forty-year career, the now 68-year-old has shone with unprecedented diversity.
In the thriller “Inside”, Dafoe now inspires as art thief Nemo. It doesn’t fit in any drawer. Genius, dream dancer or cold-blooded criminal, charmer or creep? Willem Dafoe allows countless interpretations.
The story is clearly a modern twist on the adventures of Robinson Crusoe, the fictional hero of Dafoe’s near-namesake Daniel Defoe. Robinson is stranded on a deserted island in the 18th century.
Nemo, on the other hand, is being held prisoner in an art theft of the latest technology – in the penthouse that he wanted to rob quickly. High tension does not result from the question of whether he will be released, but from Willem Dafoe’s presence. His play, which strays between daring and fear of death, hope and despair, drives a sweat to the forehead. Willem Dafoe’s one-man show is simply terrific.
Inside – Art stays forever, Germany 2022, 105 minutes, from 12 years, by Vasilis Katsoupis, with Willem Dafoe, Eliza Stuyck
