Most Hollywood stars become synonymous with the films they star in, but every so often, a celebrity's unapologetic love of another movie becomes a part of their "brand." It's very common with directors when their styles reflect their inspirations, most notably, Brian De Palma with Alfred Hitchcock. It's not as common with actors, however, who are often cagey or diplomatic when talking about their cinematic likes and dislikes, because you never know who you're going to work with (or for) in this business.

A Passionate Cinephile's Unfulfilled Dream

A Lifelong Obsession with "Onibaba"

Willem Dafoe is a rare breed of actor who wears his cinematic passions on his sleeve. Unlike many of his peers, Dafoe has been outspoken about his deep admiration for Kaneto Shindo's 1964 Japanese horror masterpiece, "Onibaba." Widely regarded as one of the greatest films in the genre, "Onibaba" is a stunning, monochromatic erotic-horror tale set in 14th-century Japan, following a woman and her daughter-in-law who resort to desperate measures to survive while the men of their community are away at war.Dafoe's love for "Onibaba" is no secret – he has gushed about the film in countless interviews, podcasts, and even on his Letterboxd profile. The actor's passion for the movie is so profound that he once revealed he had even acquired the rights to remake it, driven by a desire to share his appreciation for this cinematic gem with a wider audience.

The Challenges of Remaking a Masterpiece

However, Dafoe's dream of remaking "Onibaba" never came to fruition. As the actor himself acknowledged, the film is so deeply rooted in its specific historical and cultural context that any attempt to transplant it to a different setting or time period would inevitably dilute its power and significance."Onibaba" is set in the mid-14th century, during the Nanboku-chō period in Japan, shortly after the Battle of Minatogawa. Dafoe recognized that removing the film from this precise temporal and geographical setting would be a disservice to the source material, as evidenced by the disappointing results of many Americanized remakes of Asian horror films in the 2000s.

Preserving the Integrity of a Masterpiece

Dafoe's decision to ultimately forgo his "Onibaba" remake project is a testament to his deep understanding and appreciation of the film. Rather than risk compromising the integrity of this cinematic masterpiece, the actor chose to respect the original work and its cultural significance. In doing so, Dafoe has proven himself to be the "best kind of movie fan" – one who values the preservation of a film's essence over the pursuit of personal creative ambitions.The 1964 version of "Onibaba" remains widely available, having been released uncut since its 1994 VHS debut. Fans of the film, and of Dafoe's unwavering admiration for it, can now purchase the Criterion Collection edition and experience the full power of Shindo's haunting vision.

A Lasting Legacy of Cinematic Passion

While Dafoe's "Onibaba" remake may never come to fruition, his enduring love for the film has cemented his status as a true cinephile. By openly sharing his enthusiasm for this Japanese horror classic, Dafoe has not only inspired others to discover and appreciate the film but has also set an example of how a deep, genuine connection to cinema can shape an actor's career and public persona.Dafoe's commitment to preserving the integrity of "Onibaba" serves as a reminder that some cinematic masterpieces are best left untouched, their power and significance too profound to be replicated or reimagined. In an industry often driven by commercial interests, Dafoe's unwavering dedication to this film stands as a testament to the power of art to transcend cultural boundaries and inspire lifelong devotion.