15 Recent Performances That Were Criminally Underrated
2. Willem Dafoe In The Lighthouse
Willem Dafoe is certainly one of the most recognizable actors on this list, but his performance in The Lighthouse, and the film overall, was largely ignored. This is unfortunate because it's one of the best films of the year, from its production design to its cinematography to, of course, the performances of the two leads. While Robert Pattinson's character is the protagonist of the film, Dafoe's performance shines even brighter.
Dafoe is not at all afraid to make himself look ridiculous, and he sells the insanity of his character with absolute devotion. Throughout the course of the film he delivers multiple long, complex, intense monologues and he's captivating each time. He also fully commits to the physically embarrassing aspects of the role near the end of the film.
He is completely devoted to his craft, and no matter how familiar you are with him the actor melts away immediately and you experience the character. And his performance performance was surely one of the most striking horror performances in recent years to all of those who have watched the film.