Art or Absurd?

NICK CAGE

ART OR

ABSURD

NICK CAGE

In the realm of cinema, there exists a figure whose mere mention invokes a kaleidoscope of emotions, opinions, and debates

Yet, amidst the fervent adulation and fervent criticism that surrounds him, the question persists

IS NICOLAS CAGE A GOOD ARTIST, OR THE WORST?

A GOOD

THE WORST

A GOOD

THE WORST

A GOOD

THE WORST

A GOOD

THE WORST

A GOOD

THE WORST

A GOOD

THE WORST

A GOOD

THE WORST

A GOOD

THE WORST

A GOOD

THE WORST

A GOOD

THE WORST

A GOOD

THE WORST

A GOOD ARTIST, OR THE WORST?

IS NICOLAS CAGE

A GOOD

BY THE MID-1980S

It was during the shooting of this project that the actor’s radical method of immersing himself into a role first became evident. Throughout the production, he lost 15 kilograms, removed two of his teeth without anesthesia to better feel his character’s pain, and refused to remove the bandages even after the end of the shoot

Cage had established himself as one of the most prominent emerging talents in the film industry

Starting with work in comedies, he quickly transitioned to more authorial and rebellious cinema

For instance, in the 1984 film "Birdy," CAGE portrayed a Vietnam War veteran on the brink of a nervous breakdown, his face partially obscured by bandages

Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s

The actor constantly experimented with genres and forms, thanks to his originality and attractive appearance, he was in high demand among prestigious directors. He worked with the Coen brothers and David Lynch and eagerly agreed to participate in projects that his more cautious colleagues preferred to avoid

One such film was the black comedy "Vampire's Kiss," scenes from which later became memes. During the filming of this movie, Nicolas often behaved like a real madman: desperately overacted, ate a live cockroach in front of the camera, and then, getting into character, smashed his van with an axe

Nicolas referred to his work style with his inherent strangeness as "shamanic modernism," "German expressionism," or "Western kabuki," and explained his penchant for low-budget and independent cinema simply

I like to break forms and try different things, but I don’t think big studios are comfortable with that. I can only do it in independent-spirited films

The culmination of Cage’s acting madness came in the 1994 film "Leaving Las Vegas"

In this pessimistic drama, he transformed into a desperate writer dreaming only of one thing — to end his life by drinking a lethal dose of alcohol in Las Vegas

To play an alcoholic more convincingly, the actor became one himself. He deliberately drank until he lost consciousness and recorded himself on camera, then, sobering up, reviewed the recordings and noted changes in his behavior

His efforts did not go unnoticed: for this role, Cage received his first and so far only Oscar

SUCCESS

Having gained recognition in the film industry, the actor, contrary to expectations, did not dive headfirst into intellectual and psychological dramas. Proving to everyone that he could be devilishly versatile, he seemingly mocked the film academics by deciding to try himself in a new role — that of an action hero

In just two years, Cage managed to star in three cult action films of the decade. In 1996, he appeared in Michael Bay’s "The Rock," followed by "Con Air" and "Face/Off"

YOU KNOW, I CAN, UH, EAT A PEACH FOR HOURS

His participation in these projects made Nicolas a global megastar and one of the highest-paid Hollywood actors

At the beginning of the 21st century

the actor’s name in the credits of a project was considered a guarantee of box office success. During this period, hits like "Gone in 60 Seconds" and "National Treasure" were released

However, Nicolas didn’t abandon complex authorial cinema either. In between chases and shootouts, he managed to work on the melodrama "The Family Man," the war film "Windtalkers," and the drama "Adaptation," in which he brilliantly portrayed two roles, earning him a second Oscar nomination. Cage didn’t win the statuette, losing to Adrien Brody

BAD LUCK

OKEY, LET’S RIDE

The remake of "The Wicker Man" (2006) and "Ghost Rider" (2007) are often cited as films that contributed to a decline in his popularity among mainstream audiences

Cage’s popularity has fluctuated over the years, but a notable decline in his mainstream appeal can be observed following a string of less well-received films in the mid-2000s

NOT THE BEES, NOT THE BEEEEES

UNCONVENTIONAL CHOISES

What sets Nicolas Cage apart from his contemporaries is his fearless exploration of uncharted territories, both narratively and emotionally

From existential journey of "Adaptation" to the psychedelic odyssey of "Mandy", Cage’s filmography reads like a roadmap of artistic experimentation and boundary-pushing innovation

In "Mandy" (2018), directed by Panos Cosmatos,

Cage delivers a mesmerizing performance as Red Miller, a lumberjack seeking revenge against a religious cult that killed his wife, Mandy

The film is praised for its unique visual style, atmospheric soundtrack, and Cage’s intense portrayal of grief, rage, and determination. Cage fully immerses himself in the role, channeling raw emotion and captivating audiences with his on-screen presence

"Mandy" has gained a cult following and is considered one of Cage’s most memorable and acclaimed performances

In the case of "The Wicker Man" (2006), a remake of the 1973 British horror film, Cage stars as Edward Malus, a police officer investigating the disappearance of a young girl on a remote island inhabited by a mysterious pagan community

Despite its talented cast and intriguing premise, the film received overwhelmingly negative reviews

His over-the-top delivery of lines and exaggerated reactions have turned "The Wicker Man" into a cult classic of unintentional comedy

Describing Cage as only good or bad simplifies his complex legacy. His career shows how movies can provoke, inspire, and confound

Perhaps the true measure of Nicolas Cage’s greatness lies not in the accolades he has amassed or the controversies he has courted, but in the indelible mark he has left on the landscape of cinematic history

Whether you find yourself enraptured by his intensity or bemused by his eccentricities, one thing remains undeniable

Nicolas Cage is a force of nature, a maverick whose singular vision and unbridled passion continue to captivate and confound audiences the world over

So, the next time you find yourself watching a Nicolas Cage film, perhaps instead of asking whether he is a good artist or the worst,

simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the wild ride that only Cage can provide

After all, in a world that often takes itself too seriously, isn’t it refreshing to have someone like Nicolas Cage who isn’t afraid to embrace the madness?

– Abed Nadir

Robert Downey Jr.? Good
Jim Belushi? Bad
Jean-Claude Van Damme? The good kind of bad
Johnny Depp? The bad kind of good
There’s a spectrum, and Cage is on it
WE just have to find him

But is he good or is he bad? Every actor is something

"

CHOOSE WISELY

THIS LONGREAD WAS CREATED

for an enducational purposes, as well as for philosophical contemplation around the figure of the unique and deeply respected Nicolas Cage

DESIGNED BY SAIKO

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Not all of Cage’s movies are covered in this longread, but have you checked it out yet? The guy’s been in over 100 movies, can you believe it?

This is a non-commercial project; all materials belong to their respective copyright holders

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