Late Fame
| Late Fame | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Kent Jones |
| Screenplay by | Samy Burch |
| Based on | Late Fame by Arthur Schnitzler |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Wyatt Garfield |
| Edited by | Mike Selemon |
| Music by | Don Fleming |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Magnolia Pictures |
Release date |
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Running time | 96 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Late Fame is a 2025 American drama film directed by Kent Jones, written by Samy Burch and based on Arthur Schnitzler’s posthumously published novella of the same name. It stars Willem Dafoe, Greta Lee and Edmund Donovan.
The film had its world premiere in the Orizzonti section of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2025.[1]
Premise
Late Fame explores the impact of newfound fame on Ed Saxberger (Dafoe), the author of a poetry collection that received little notice upon release but gained appreciation years later among a group of artists including Gloria (Lee), an actress eager to gain his attention.
Cast
- Willem Dafoe as Ed Saxberger
- Greta Lee as Gloria
- Edmund Donovan as Meyers
- Clay Singer as Brussard
- Luca Padovan as Winn
- Graham Campbell as Sherfey
- Arthur Langlie as Carmichael
- Jake Lacy as Literary Agent[2]
- Tony Torn as Paulie
- Clark Johnson as Arnold
Production
In May 2024, Variety reported that Late Fame, starring Willem Dafoe and Sandra Hüller, was expected to begin shooting in New York City that fall with a screenplay penned by Samy Burch. The report noted that Pamela Koffler and Christine Vachon of Killer Films had signed on as producers and that the project would seek distributors at Cannes Film Festival.[3]
In October 2024, Greta Lee had replaced Hüller, who dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.[4] In January 2025, it was reported Edmund Donovan had joined the cast, with principal photography beginning the week of January 22, 2025, in New York and New Jersey.[5]
Release
The film had its world premiere in the Orizzonti section of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2025. Its North American premiere took place on September 28, 2025 at the 2025 New York Film Festival.[6] It also screened at the 63rd Viennale where it was awarded the Der Standard Reader Jury Viennale Award.[7]
In December 2025, Magnolia Pictures acquired U.S. distribution rights to the film.[8]
References
- ^ "Biennale Cinema 2025 | Late Fame". La Biennale di Venezia. July 21, 2025. Retrieved August 24, 2025.
- ^ Goodfellow, Melanie (August 29, 2025). "'Late Fame' Clip: Watch Greta Lee As Mercurial Actress Who Beguiles Willem Dafoe's Rediscovered Poet In Venice-Bound Drama". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 29, 2025.
- ^ Keslassy, Elsa (May 6, 2024). "Willem Dafoe, Sandra Huller Co-Star in Kent Jones' 'Late Fame,' Reteaming 'May December's' Samy Burch, Killer Films; Package to Launch at Cannes (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ Goodfellow, Melanie (October 24, 2024). "Greta Lee Replaces Sandra Hüller In 'Late Fame' Ahead Of January Shoot". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (January 22, 2025). "Edmund Donovan Joins Willem Dafoe & Greta Lee In Kent Jones' 'Late Fame'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
- ^ Rubin, Rebecca (August 5, 2025). "New York Film Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup: George Clooney's 'Jay Kelly,' 'Sentimental Value,' Park Chan-wook's 'No Other Choice'". Variety. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ "Award Winners of the Viennale 2025". Viennale. October 28, 2025. Retrieved December 16, 2025.
- ^ Lang, Brent (December 22, 2025). "Magnolia Pictures Buys Willem Dafoe and Greta Lee Drama 'Late Fame'". Variety. Retrieved December 22, 2025.