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Willem Dafoe on 'The Birthday Party': When the thirst for power causes chaos
🇬🇷 Greece /Culture & Society

Willem Dafoe on 'The Birthday Party': When the thirst for power causes chaos

From Kathimerini · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Interview Named sources Context piece
  • Willem Dafoe stars as Marco Timoleon, a powerful Greek magnate inspired by Aristotle Onassis, in the film "The Birthday Party."
  • The movie, based on Panos Karnezis' novel, unfolds on Timoleon's private island as he implements a ruthless plan to control his daughter Sofia's future.
  • Dafoe discusses how immense power and ambition can hinder authentic relationships, particularly within family, leading to a tragic loss of life's broader experiences.

Willem Dafoe embodies Marco Timoleon, a formidable Greek tycoon whose immense wealth and influence echo those of Aristotle Onassis, in the newly released film "The Birthday Party." Directed by Miguel Angel Jimenez and based on Panos Karnezis' novel, the movie centers on Timoleon's calculated efforts to dictate his daughter Sofia's future. The narrative unfolds on his secluded island, depicted as a mysterious Corfu, during Sofia's birthday celebration.

When you have power, determination, and ambition, others don't open up to you; their behavior is shaped by you, not their true desires.

— Willem DafoeDafoe explains how powerful individuals can alienate others and prevent authentic relationships.

Timoleon's objective is to thwart what he perceives as an unacceptable path for his heir, setting him on a collision course with his defiant daughter. The film explores the profound consequences of unchecked power, suggesting that the relentless pursuit of control can corrupt even familial bonds. Dafoe, known for his roles in "Platoon" and "The Last Temptation of Christ," found the script compelling enough that he did not require extensive research into real-life figures.

People walk on eggshells around you, trying either to win your favor or to hide their true selves. You don't form an authentic relationship with them.

— Willem DafoeThe actor further describes the isolating effect of wielding immense power.

In an interview with Kathimerini, Dafoe reflected on Timoleon's character, explaining that the magnate's obsession with building his empire prevents him from accepting life's unpredictability. "When you have power, determination, and ambition, others don't open up to you; their behavior is shaped by you, not their true desires," Dafoe stated. He elaborated that people walk on "eggshells" around such individuals, either seeking favor or concealing their authentic selves, thus preventing genuine connection.

You believe that by accumulating wealth and power, you are providing everything, but by focusing solely on that, you lose life and leave no room for all aspects of human experience.

— Willem DafoeDafoe reflects on the tragic consequences of prioritizing power and wealth over genuine human connection.

Dafoe highlighted the tragedy of this dynamic within a family. "You believe that by accumulating wealth and power, you are providing everything, but by focusing solely on that, you lose life and leave no room for all aspects of human experience," he explained. The actor emphasized that Timoleon's need to regulate everyone and everything prevents loved ones from discovering or becoming their true selves, leading to a profound emotional isolation despite outward displays of success.

The way Marco Timoleon has built his empire doesn't allow him to accept life as it comes, as he denies certain aspects of it and tries to regulate everyone and everything.

— Willem DafoeDafoe describes the character's controlling nature and inability to adapt.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathimerini in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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