Kent Jones follows his feature directorial debut Diane with Late Fame. Stylistically, it is a departure from that quiet and powerful film. Jones explores what it means to be an artist in this accomplished and more accessible indie that dissects the downtown NYC art scene.
Willem Dafoe is excellent as a long-forgotten poet, who suddenly finds himself as the center of attention by a group of young aspiring artists. Despite his usual commanding screen presence, Greta Lee steals every scene she is in as the fabulous and magnetic actress Gloria.
Late Fame, which is part of the 2026 Seattle International Film Festival lineup, feels authentic while maintaining its wonderful humor throughout. Magnolia Pictures will release it in theaters on August 7.
