Willem Dafoe Embraces Bold Role in ‘The Birthday Party’ at Locarno Premiere

Acclaimed actor Willem Dafoe steps into the shoes of a powerful Greek billionaire in The Birthday Party, a new film by director Miguel Ángel Jiménez, which had its world premiere Thursday night at the 78th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland. The film, set in the 1970s, explores the complex world of wealth, power, and personal exposure—both emotional and physical.

Although the character might evoke comparisons to Aristotle Onassis due to his status as a shipping tycoon with political connections, Dafoe clarified during a press conference that he did not model his portrayal on any real-life figure. “The context of the 1970s and the character’s relationship with political figures and the shipping industry helped shape my understanding,” he explained. “But I didn’t feel the need to base it on any specific person.”

Dafoe shared insights into his preparation for the role, emphasizing the transformative nature of acting. “My life is very different from his, but that’s the beauty of acting,” he said. “It’s about moving toward something unfamiliar. That journey brings a kind of understanding that can be more compelling than simply mimicking reality.”

The film also stars Vic Carmen Sonne (The Girl With the Needle), Emma Suárez, Joe Cole, and Carlos Cuevas, and is a co-production between Greece, Spain, the Netherlands, and the UK. One of its highlights is its open-air screening at the iconic Piazza Grande, a signature venue of the Locarno Festival.

Dafoe also responded to a lighthearted question from a journalist about his nude scenes, confirming that there was no body double used. “Whether I’m fit or not fit is beside the point,” he remarked. “You have to use your body in performance—it’s part of the commitment. You don’t earn the right to play the character unless you’re fully in.”

The Birthday Party offers a bold and layered portrayal of power and vulnerability, both thematic and physical. With its Locarno debut generating buzz, the film marks another fearless performance in Dafoe’s long and diverse career.

The Locarno Film Festival, which kicked off Wednesday, will run through August 16, spotlighting films from around the world in one of Europe’s most scenic festival settings.