Not many actors that achieved fame years ago are as beloved as Willem Dafoe. Since the 1980’s, Dafoe has become an icon. Whether it’s lighthouse keepers, comic-book villains or world-famous painters, Dafoe has portrayed many strong characters. Given the number of movies he has made, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best movies of an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Spider-Man
Spider-Man is a spectacular superhero that shaped my teacher’s identity. Several years ago, I formed relationships with a high school teacher that deeply admired the web-swinging superhero. A comic-book nerd, he always deeply admired a bold superhero that made him feel heard. He would always speak fondly about a hero whose great powers came with great responsibilities shaping his identity. In 2002, Willem Dafoe did extraordinary jobs of bringing the iconic superhero to the big-screen in his movie “Spider-Man”. In the greatest role of his career, Dafoe embodies a psychotic villain evoking fear that causes Spider-Man to face despair. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, menacing and emotional in his most memorable role. Dafoe has spent most of his career by playing likeable heroes with sympathetic personalities. With “Spider-Man”, however, the actor took tremendous steps out of his comfort zone by showcasing a villainous side to himself that audiences hadn’t seen before. Working alongside Tobey Maguire who is also excellent, Dafoe embodied a legendary comic-book villain fans admire. As the Green Goblin, Dafoe did an exceptional job of portraying a legendary comic-book villain. For instance, the scene in which Norman Osborn becomes aware that Peter is Spider-Man causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Spider-Man” Willem Dafoe’s greatest movie is its bold appeal. Unlike most comic-book movies, it tackles universal themes that would resonate with everyone. It delivers a meaningful message about identity which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 20 years after the release of a comic-book film about a bold whose great powers come with great responsibilities that are challenging, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor that has built commemorated legacy through manufacturing groundbreaking movies throughout his big career worth celebrating.
The Film Buff 