Late Fame at Fredonia Opera House Cinema Series

The Cinema Series continues at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center with screenings of “Late Fame,” starring Willem Dafoe, on Sat., Oct. 3, and Tues., Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m. The Tuesday night screening will be shown with captions visible on the screen.

Ed Saxberger (Dafoe), a forgotten New York poet, works in the post office. After an eager and flattering young admirer appears on his doorstep, he is beckoned into a coterie of twentysomething admirers who anoint him as a rediscovered genius. Intoxicated by the attention – and by the alluring presence of Gloria (Greta Lee), the group’s “tragic heroine” – Ed gradually reckons with the authenticity of his newfound poetic circle.

HeyUGuys calls the film “funny, a little heartbreaking, and confident enough to say something real without shouting.” The Los Angeles Times says “there’s wisdom and depth to the film’s themes of growing old, dashed dreams and the magic of rediscovery, plus a deliciously ironic final twist.” The Guardian (UK) says Dafoe gives “ a performance so natural it barely looks like acting at all.” The Irish Independent praises the “lovely, career-best work from Dafoe.” Unrated, “Late Fame” runs one hour, 36 minutes.

Tickets are available at the door for $7 (adults), $6.50 (seniors & Opera House members) and $5 (students) the night of each screening. The Opera House is equipped with assistive listening headsets for the hearing-impaired. Simply request one from any usher or staff member.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center is a member-supported not-for-profit performing arts center with a mission to “present the performing arts for the benefit of our community and region … providing access to artistic diversity … and high-quality programming at an affordable price.” It is located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.