Edition 2026
90'
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2025
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Drama, Comedy
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Format:
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Dialogue:
English
Once a promising poet, Ed Saxberger has spent decades sorting mail instead of writing verse. When a group of young artists rediscover his forgotten collection, they hail him as a neglected genius. Willem Dafoe and Greta Lee shine in Kent Jones’ witty, wistful comedy about late fame, artistic vanity and the irresistible desire to finally be seen.
Ed Saxberger (Willem Dafoe) has long since put away his dreams of poetry and works as a postal clerk in New York. That is, until a group of young artists rediscover his forgotten collection and promptly proclaim him a misunderstood genius. Ed happily basks in this belated admiration, especially once the eccentric actress Gloria (Greta Lee) crosses his path. Director Kent Jones (Diane, 2018) transplants Arthur Schnitzler's 19th-century novella to present-day New York, working from a screenplay by May December writer Samy Burch. With warmth and gentle mockery, Late Fame pokes fun at artistic egos and the longing to be seen. Dafoe and Lee shine in a delightful game of attraction and appraisal, lending the film both lightness and melancholy. A subtle, wistful comedy about art, vanity and second chances. Because what if you finally get what you once dreamed of – only about forty years too late?
TAALCAFE MUNDIAL | mo 12.10
Amal and TaalCafé Mundial invite you to a special evening. Start by watching the subtle comedy Late Fame, and then take a seat at one of the many language tables in the Film Fest Café for a casual conversation in the language of your choice.
You'll be able to register soon via https://www.taalcafemundial.gent/
Image gallery
Credits
Directors
Kent Jones
Cast
Willem Dafoe, Greta Lee, Clark Johnson
Scenario
Samy Burch
Director of Photography
Wyatt Garfield
Editors
Mike Selemon
Producers
Pamela Koffler, Jackie Langelier, Ethan Lazar, H.S. Naji, Mason Plotts, Danny Roberts, Taylor Shung, Christine Vachon
Production studios
Maipo Film
Distributor
Distri7
More info
Dialogue
English
Countries of production
United States of America, France
Screenplay based on
'Late Fame' (Arthur Schnitzler)
Year
2025
Filmography
Kent Jones
Late Fame (2025), Diane (2018), Hitchcock/Truffaut (2015), A Letter to Elia (2010), Val Lewton: The Man in the Shadows (2007), Lady by the Sea: The Statue of Liberty (2004)
Technical Specs
Format
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