Willem Dafoe’s ‘Gonzo’ Roles: A Look at the actor’s most Unconventional Characters

NEW YORK – willem Dafoe, the 69-year-old character actor known for his expressive face and electrifying performances, has graced the silver screen in over 100 films throughout his 45-year career. From Oscar-nominated roles in “Platoon,” “at Eternity’s Gate,” and “The Florida Project” to his controversial portrayal of Jesus in Martin Scorsese’s “The Last Temptation of Christ,” Dafoe has consistently elevated films with his unique presence.Now, with Dafoe returning to theaters in the family adventure “The Legend of Ochi,” it’s an opportune time to celebrate his more unconventional roles, the characters that have become viral memes or are simply memorably bizarre. Here’s a countdown of 15 of Dafoe’s most “gonzo” movie roles:

15. Gill, “Finding Nemo” (2003)

Dafoe’s voice work extends beyond his role as Rat in “Fantastic Mr. Fox” to the Pixar classic “Finding Nemo,” where he voices Gill, the steely Moorish idol. Gill’s determination to escape the aquarium with his “Tank Gang” and his gnarly scars from dentist tools make him a memorable character.

14. Maxim, “The Legend of Ochi” (2025)

In “The Legend of Ochi,” Dafoe plays Maxim, a blowhard dad who leads a group of boys to hunt mythical creatures known as the Ochi.Despite his shoddy armor and sword, Dafoe brings a tender spirit to the role as Maxim learns the error of his ways when his daughter befriends an injured baby Ochi.

13. J.G. Jopling, “The Grand Budapest Hotel” (2014)

Dafoe’s characters in Wes Anderson’s films are often eccentric, but J.G. Jopling in “The grand Budapest Hotel” is particularly deadly. As a hitman with skull rings and a sadistic streak, Jopling engages in decapitation and cat-tossing before meeting a snowy demise.

12. Albin Eberhart von Franz, “Nosferatu” (2024)

In Robert Eggers’ remake of the horror classic, Dafoe plays Albin Eberhart von Franz, an oddball Swiss philosopher and disgraced scientist.Called in to investigate signs of possession in young Ellen hutter (Lily-Rose Depp), von Franz joins the hunt for a vampire, ultimately setting the villain’s coffin vault ablaze in a fit of passion.

11. Klaus Daimler, “The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou” (2004)

While not entirely weird, Dafoe’s Klaus Daimler in “The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou” is a source of pettiness and jealousy. As the German first mate of oceanographer Steve Zissou (Bill Murray), klaus grapples with his feelings for Steve while dealing with a Zissou fan (Owen Wilson) who believes the oceanographer is his father.

10. Nemo, “Inside” (2023)

In “Inside,” Dafoe portrays Nemo, a high-end art thief trapped in a sterile, white penthouse after a heist goes wrong. As Nemo’s desperation grows, he resorts to primal means of survival and even creates art using his own blood.

9.Vulko, “Aquaman” (2018)

dafoe plays Nuidis Vulko, the chief scientific advisor to Atlantis who guides and mentors young Arthur Curry, teaching him to fight.

8.Gaspar van Der Saar, “the Lighthouse” (2019)

dafoe earned rave reviews for his role as Thomas Wake, an aging lighthouse keeper with a dark past. His unsettling performance, complete with eccentric mannerisms and a penchant for reciting poetry, made him a standout in this psychological horror film.

7. Green Goblin, “Spider-Man” (2002)

Dafoe’s portrayal of Norman Osborn, aka the Green Goblin, is iconic. His ability to switch between the character’s charming façade and menacing alter ego created a truly memorable villain.

6. Max Schreck, “Shadow of the Vampire” (2000)

In this mockumentary, Dafoe plays max Schreck, the method actor portraying the vampire Nosferatu in F.W.Murnau’s classic film. The twist? Schreck is actually a vampire,adding a layer of meta-horror to Dafoe’s performance.

5. Bobby Peru, “Wild at Heart” (1990)

Dafoe’s Bobby Peru in David Lynch’s “Wild at Heart” is a truly disturbing character. With his gold tooth, greasy hair, and menacing demeanor, Peru epitomizes the film’s chaotic and violent nature.

4. Sergeant Elias, “Platoon” (1986)

Dafoe’s performance as Sergeant Elias, the morally righteous soldier in Oliver Stone’s “platoon,” stands as one of his most iconic roles. His tragic fate and Christ-like pose as he’s gunned down in the jungle have become a symbol of the Vietnam War’s brutality.

3. Jesus Christ, “The Last Temptation of Christ” (1988)

dafoe’s portrayal of Jesus in Martin Scorsese’s controversial film sparked outrage upon its release.His humanized depiction of Christ, grappling with doubt and temptation, challenged conventional interpretations of the biblical figure.2. Eric Masters, “To Live and Die in L.A.” (1985)

Dafoe’s Eric Masters in William Friedkin’s “To Live and Die in L.A.” is a ruthless and charismatic counterfeiter. His icy stare and willingness to resort to violence make him a formidable adversary for the film’s protagonist.

1. The Smile Man, (Internet Meme)

Dafoe’s unnerving grin is meme-worthy. His image is all over the internet.

Willem Dafoe’s willingness to embrace unconventional and challenging roles has solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and respected actors. From his villainous turns to his more tender portrayals, Dafoe consistently delivers memorable performances that leave a lasting impact on audiences.

What role(s) has willem Dafoe played that are considered to be “Gonzo”?

Willem Dafoe: Unpacking His Most “Gonzo” Roles with Film Historian Anya Sharma – Archyde

Archyde News: Welcome, Anya Sharma, to Archyde. We’re thrilled to have you today to discuss the remarkable career of Willem Dafoe, especially his penchant for embracing the “gonzo” – the unconventional and often bizarre roles that have defined his legacy.

Anya Sharma: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure. Dafoe is a captivating figure, and his filmography is a treasure trove for analysis.

The Allure of the Unconventional

Archyde News: Let’s start with the obvious: what is it about Dafoe that makes him so compelling in these types of roles? Is it his distinct look, his acting approach, or a bit of both?

Anya Sharma: It’s definitely a combination. Dafoe has an incredibly expressive face, a unique physicality, and he’s fearless.He’s not afraid to be ugly,to be vulnerable,to be downright strange. This willingness to dive deep into the heart of a character, no matter how odd, is what sets him apart. This helps him to embrace the “gonzo” with absolute conviction.

Memorable “Gonzo” Characters

Archyde News: looking at the list of his “gonzo” roles, characters like the Green goblin from Spider-Man and Bobby Peru in Wild at Heart promptly spring to mind. What makes these roles particularly memorable?

Anya Sharma: The green Goblin is an excellent example of how Dafoe can effortlessly switch between a charming facade and sheer menace. Bobby Peru is pure chaos. The gold tooth, the greasy hair – it’s all designed to unsettle. In both instances, Dafoe embraces the inherent instability within those characters, conveying a sense of unpredictability and danger that is captivating.

More Than Villains: Nuance in Oddity

Archyde News: It’s not just villains, though. Roles like Thomas Wake in The Lighthouse or even Gill in Finding Nemo demonstrate his range of “gonzo” characters . How does he approach these roles differently?

Anya Sharma: While they may appear different on the surface, the core approach remains the same – a deep dive into the character’s psyche. Wake is haunted by his past, Gill is driven by a desire for freedom. Dafoe finds the humanity within, even the madness. He uses his physicality to convey a sense of the character’s inner world. With Gill, it’s in the voice, attitude and the scars. In that way, he helps to embrace the nuance in each odd character.

The controversial and Challenging

Archyde News: Of course, we have to discuss his portrayal of Jesus in The Last Temptation of Christ. It sparked significant controversy. What was the impact of his take on that iconic figure?

Anya sharma: It was incredibly influential. Dafoe’s Jesus was human, flawed, grappling with doubt. It was a bold choice that challenged traditional portrayals and generated a lot of discussion. Dafoe isn’t afraid to humanize even the most divine figures; this is part of his power as an actor.It humanizes the icon, and takes us away from the caricature, making it unique.

The Ongoing Legacy

Archyde News: With his new film, The Legend of Ochi, still fresh, what makes Dafoe’s impact so enduring? What challenges does he bring to this role, and do you believe this is another ‘gonzo’ success?

Anya sharma: Dafoe consistently chooses interesting projects, and he’s always pushing boundaries. His impact is enduring because he’s fearlessly authentic. He has maintained his artistic integrity. Maxim is tender and gentle so it remains to be seen how this will translate. I’d say it’s on the “gonzo” spectrum. It’ll be interesting to see how his career evolves, and what unique characters he brings us next.

Archyde News: Anya,this has been fascinating. Do you believe there are any other current actors who embrace a similar “gonzo” approach to their roles, and if so, who? We’d love to hear what our readers have to say on that.

Anya Sharma: That’s a great question to leave our audience with. I think there a few, such as Joaquin Phoenix, though nobody embodies the commitment and body of work quite like Dafoe.Those are the kind of actors who are willing to take risks, to be strange, and to challenge conventional expectations. I encourage the audience to think about it and share their perspectives.

Archyde News: Thank you, Anya, for sharing your insights on one of cinema’s most captivating actors. It was a pleasure.

Anya Sharma: The pleasure was all mine.