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Yorgos Lanthimos’ black absurdist comedyKinds of Kindnesswas initially titledAnd.It brings to the fore two huge superstars in the form of Willem Dafoe and Emma Stone, who play multiple roles in three different yet related stories that play out in the movie.
Released in June 2024,Kinds of Kindnesssaw Emma Stone star opposite Jesse Plemons’ Robert, whose boss, Raymond, is portrayed by Dafoe. As it turns out, one particular scene involved Emma Stone slapping Dafoe’s Raymond off-screen, following which they converse in an actual sequence in the movie.
In order to ensure that Stone was able to deliver her best, Dafoe not only supported the actress off-screen. He also volunteered to be slapped by Emma Stone around 20 times, only to ensure that the two’s chemistry plays out exactly like it needed to, in the particular scene.
Willem Dafoe’s commitment to method-acting saw him slapped around 20 times by Emma Stone
A particular scene inKinds of Kindnesssaw Stone’s character converse with Dafoe’s Raymond after slapping him off-screen. However, in order to ensure that the scene seemed as genuine as it possibly could, Dafoe encouraged Stone to actually slap him, which led to the actress striking him approximately 20 times, off-camera.
“I’m jealous”: Willem Dafoe Wanted to Replace Emma Stone in One Iconic Poor Things Scene that Even Mark Ruffalo Fawns Over
What proved to be a show of his commitment to acting and realism, was explained by Dafoe in an interview with Esquire:
Listen, you attempt to be there for the other actor. This isn’t in Poor Things, it’s in Kinds of Kindness. It just got a new title, but there is a scene in which she had a very long monologue, and right before the monologue, she slaps me. And I felt like, she would do much better, she would get a much better start on the speech if she could slap me rather than miming at it.
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This led to an incredible sequence, as the monologue in question was finalized only after several takes. Dafoe however, did not have a problem, as he went on to state:
And she was down with that. She said ‘thank you very much’, but we did the speech many, many times, but I am a big boy, I can take it. Anytime you get a chance to help out, it’s a gift to yourself, you know what I am saying?
Needless to say, Dafoe once again showed exactly why he is so highly-rated in the industry, considering the length to which he was willing to go, merely to ensure the two could perform to the best of their abilities.
Willem Dafoe’s sacrifice inKinds of Kindnesswas lauded by Emma Stone as well
There is little doubt that not many actors as acclaimed asWillem Dafoewill be so willing to sacrifice their own face to ensure realism in a scene. However, that is exactly what Dafoe did, something whichEmma Stoneherself praised in an interview (viaVariety).
The actress claimed that unlike most performers who wish to be the center of attention at all times, Dafoe conducts himself in a humble way:
There’s this instinct to perform that many actors have — the ‘Look at me, look at me!’ kind of performer. He’s the opposite of that.
The same was hinted at by director Yorgos Lanthimos himself, who said the following in reference to Dafoe’s commitment to the movie, as well as his inclination to be on set even when his own scenes were not being shot:
That’s what you want from actors. To want to be part of it in any way.
Hence, despite the kind of acclaim Dafoe has received over time in his career, he still opts for a humble approach and is always willing to go the extra mile for his co-stars.
Willem Dafoe’s Cruel Prank on Poor Things Co-Star Mark Ruffalo, Even Another Marvel Star Helped Dafoe Torment the Avengers Star
Kinds of Kindnessis now available on Amazon Prime.
Rishabh Bhatnagar
Editor/Reviewer
Articles Published :315
Rishabh Bhatnagar is an Entertainment and pop culture journalist/editor with Fandom Wire. He has more than 6 years of experience working for multiple major platforms and is himself an avid consumer of worthwhile content. A natural storyteller, Rishabh has a unique way with words and is always looking to improve, as a storyteller, writer, and a journalist.
