David Knell as Chef Derek Finway In “Pig” restaurant scene with Nicolas Cage

[@thevirtualtaco]

This scene works so well because Rob takes the chef's restaurant's theme of deconstruction and uses it on the chef himself.

[@JonCapuchino]

OH FUCK I NEVER THOUGHT IF THAT

[@zthompii]

Wow what an observation

[@loomingmoon4682]

'Deconstructing them, making the familiar, feel foreign', Robin proceeds to deconstruct the chef's life, making the restaurant, which is familiar to him, feel foreign, because it's ultimately not what he is passionate about, and he gave up on his dream for the money, and Robin is the first person to ever make him reflect on that, to make the familiar feel foreign

[@lordofthejungle]

@@loomingmoon4682 Excellent analysis. I would add that also Derek is trying to be (or beat) Robin, and that's why it effects him so much. Robin's deconstruction comes so naturally, flowing out of him, easy and devastating. It shows Derek that he is copying Robin but he can't just do what came naturally to Robin. I mean he can, but he won't be himself doing it.

[@Leotheking1313]

@@loomingmoon4682 Absolutely! Perfect way to break it down!

[@dragline.]

David your ability to express an emotion while attempting to hide it is incredible.

[@Knellovision]

Thanks for that

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

Takes practise.

[@patrickbyrne5070]

@@Knellovision one of the best scenes in any film in the last few years. Well done sir.

[@nahtesalinas1917]

I love this scene so much.

[@doublewidesuprise5208]

He didn't roast the man, he deconstructed him molecule by molecule

[@mjc8556]

That's fantastic acting. Especially after Cage goes "what was gonna be your signature dish?" and then the snap answer followed by the sad and maniacal laugh!

[@davidsimmons6812]

That's my favorite moment. He denies it repeatedly, but that immediate answer tells you instantly that he has been harboring this passion and hiding his pain at not pursuing it for SO long.

[@zrtgvbnjkop]

The real kick is Cage’s mix of anger and compassion. That’s elegance.

[@GaborRonai88]

Best scene in the movie. The actor playing Derek's character should noted by an academy award. He was so real. I watched this scene several times. Phenomenal acting skills around the table. Congratulations.

[@brittyn]

The actor is who posted the video! I agree he’s great!

[@sirpoopalot6420]

That's what I was thinking when it 1st came out: David Knell should win for best Supporting actor just for these 5 minutes. I looked him up on IMDB. I'd seen some of his movies in the '80s &'90s--- Splash, Turner & Hooch, Total Recall!

[@nahtesalinas1917]

Why does this scene get me so damn emotional?

[@ewok_soup]

Nicolas Cage was great in this movie, and in this scene, but acting is reacting, and David Knell's reaction elevates this scene. The subtle changes on his face with every sentence rob says is really what makes this scene great. You can see his soul being cut in half in every muscle on his face. I say this because most of the times the secondary character that reacts to the monologue is an important part in giving weight to the monologue, and often ends up being overlooked.

[@ewok_soup]

@Jerrod ButaIi yeah, it's great, but his words wouldn't seem so crushing if the person reacting doesn't make you FEEL their weight

[@WM-mu8ep]

This movie was kinda of shit. They advertised it as if it would be like some taken, nobody , john wick style movie. It was shit.

[@dickpigman5106]

@@WM-mu8ep agreed

[@WM-mu8ep]

@@dickpigman5106 there wasnt any action at all like none. Just some talk trying to act badass

[@ewok_soup]

@@WM-mu8ep it wasn't shit, it was badly marketed. I understand it can be disappointing if you are hoping to see a revenge story. I didn't watch the trailer so I wasn't expecting anything. Let alone an anti-revenge movie

[@MeritlessMemes]

that nervous laugh is such good acting. just being confronted with the undeniable but absurd reality of sacrificing your dreams for reasons outside of your own understanding.

[@MeritlessMemes]

oh SHIT I just realized this clip was uploaded by the guy in the scene and he just liked this, I feel so special. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK MY GUY YOU DID GREAT

[@joshuagraham2843]

thats because hes fake derek the real derek died a long time he wanted to open a bar until fake defek came along made him rich filled with lies, hes still the same derek you can hear his signature meal was the real derek the laughing part was fake derek stopping derek so yeah the fake derek wasted his life the real derek died long time ago

[@williamevans1708]

I love this scene because Rob is deconstructing Derek by showing him that he deeply cared about him when he was his employer. He remembers everything about Derek. He is simultaneously telling him no one at the restaurant sees him while making it clear that he saw him and still sees him. It’s beautiful. The way your voice cracks into an embarrassed laugh with the signature dish has stayed with me, David. Wonderful performance.

[@83j049733rfe4]

You are wrong. This is not deconstruction. It is reconstruction. This is a man having his every crooked broken bone in his past set rightly back as they once were.

[@hydradominatus3641]

I love how in a way he's trying to help him remember his dream.

[@davidanderson6055]

2:13 really struck me when I watched it in theaters. The change from almost laughing to almost crying is so subtle, I can't even detect for sure where the change happens. I think many of us have spent some time doing things we didn't really believe in for people that didn't really care about us...and lost ourselves in the process, even for just awhile. At least I have from time to time. The absurdity of the old prophet-like chef made me laugh, it's such a comical scene, but so deep on reflection. Wonderful performances. Well done.

[@trent2kg813]

He’s putting on a big smile but the eyes tell it all…

[@trent2kg813]

It’s at about 2:18 where he starts to break

[@MonkeeKnucklez]

So good. Best scene in the whole movie. You can really feel his desperation to maintain the facade of successful restaurateur. Meanwhile, the pain of squashing his true passion has just been festering below the surface and his idol and former mentor seeing through the desperate act at a glance is almost too much for him to bear.

[@Island-lava]

Any actor out there worth their salt will know that emotion is the least important thing in any given scene, but for an audience member, to watch an actor transition from one emotion to the next, like a raw nerve, is a thing of beauty. Thank you for this wonderful lesson David!

[@oskarjokull]

Just saw Pig. This was the best scene. Fantastic work.

[@joshuagraham2843]

its like hes talking to himself in the mirror and i relised it hes living in a real world while derek living in a fake world incredible

[@bgwinn]

I got goosebumps in the theater when I saw this. Amazing writing and performances

[@LocalHistorian]

Oscar-worthy

[@PotatoMaGobinus]

@Derek Zhou how to tell someone didn't understand the movie, case in point, Derek Zhou

[@joshuagraham2843]

im glad they didnt go with wheres my fcking pig violent mode words can tear people apart

[@fumettistaanarchico843]

Nicolas Cage is an extraordinary actor, only in these types of films can he give the best of him.

[@jamesamaral8185]

You should feel unbelievably proud of your performance, David. To work opposite one of the greatest actors alive and not only hold your own, but really steal the scene, is something no one will every be able to take away from you. Bravo.

[@StruggleDraxProduction]

If there was an award for "duo on screen performance", I would nominate this guy and nic cage for it, a small scene but huge impact. There's not enough words to describe it.

[@lordofthejungle]

Absolutely right. You could write essays on this scene. Many of them.

[@houstonmathis3655]

I agree 100%.

[@WarlordRising]

Must be proud to be part of one of the best cinematic moments of the year. Good work, sir.

[@Knellovision]

I totally am! Thanks for saying that!

[@InternetNapalm]

Congrats David, this is has gotta be my favorite scene of the year! Definitely made an impact , and this scene will 100% be remembered and rediscovered for years. So powerful. Movie ended and I immediately had to go back and rewatch.

[@UberNeuman]

Just wanted to say that was a fine bit of acting in that scene. The way you play a person breaking down to their raw core was excellent. Bravo.

[@daniellecoombs3078]

Fantastic job here David. The interpersonal dynamic really makes this scene sing. You absolutely captured the fragility of this character under the microscope; you could see him changing and questioning his whole life here in the space of a couple of minutes! And the audience really does feel for him. Looking forward to watching more of your work.

[@robinw2096]

when you take nic cage seriously, he takes you seriously

[@Knellovision]

Bingo. Well said.

[@TheRealGunfish]

Wow..there it is.

[@ChadTheGirlDad]

There’s so much depth and meaning in this entire scene. The lighting the writing the set the acting for sure. All makes for a tension that’s running through the whole film. It’s so very good. Great work.

[@jfaker214]

One of the things that always gets on my nerves about scenes like this, is how characters don't react realistically. This scene, and David, nails it. I watched this movie this afternoon and this scene is just running over and over in my head. Fantastic job sir, from the aghast stumbling over words to the unbelievable facial expressions, it's perfect!

[@tails696]

Just watched Pig for the first time a few days ago and have since rewatched this particular scene at least a dozen or so times. David you are the absolute man. Thank you so much for being a part of what is now one of my favorite movie scenes ever.

[@huntersigler9895]

This was my favorite scene from the movie. Thanks so much for uploading this. I've watched it three or four times on my first visit, and I'll return to it again. This was such a good movie.

[@banditandi5434]

You're a phenomenal actor. To be with a great like Nic Cage and actually steal the scene. Amazing work.

[@JonFoor]

You're an incredible actor. One of the most memorable scenes in any movie I've seen and you bounce off of Cage so perfectly. I'll remember this for the rest of my life

[@MrGlensummers]

Absolutely killed this scene. Everything in this scene is calculated cold, and yet the conversation between these two is so emotional and moving. One of the best scenes in the movie.

[@mindovermatt]

I just want to say this one scene, and your performance in particular, had a profound effect on my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, David.

[@Knellovision]

Open your pub, Matt…

[@PaRiaH-YT]

Late to the party... just watched this film. This was an absolutely brilliant scene. You don't have to be a chef for those words to ring true.... genius level writing and performance.

[@Howlinglider]

Such an impactful and complex sequence. Incredible how much is communicated by the eye contact alone.

[@psycold]

This is one of the best scenes since the scene in No Country For Old Men where Anton meets the gas station clerk.

[@BigPigEnergy]

This scene is just so well done, and you absolutely nailed it. That is a man who has just been seen right through and deconstructed more thoroughly than anything on his menu and that all comes across in that performance. and that panicked breathing as the wine is gulped and the background noise fades back in? 👌 Amazing work, this film is an instant favourite

[@carycrow8845]

Nic Cage literally plays a mirror in this movie. The thing we, as people, are most afraid of is seeing our own reflection. That is when we have to justify the flaws, the sellouts, the sacrifices to our humanity that make up who we show on the outside. Brilliant scene, one of the best I've seen in at least a decade.

[@Diegesis]

Bro this scene was fantastically acted by Knell. Cage looks so good cause Knell is carrying all of the acting weight with his reactions to what Cage is saying. so well done

[@crackadon86]

I just watched Pig and I absolutely loved it. The acting, writing, cinematography, directing, etc. were so good, but this scene. Wow. I almost had to look away at certain points while watching it. It is such a powerful, moving moment in the film. You’re acting was absolutely brilliant. I don’t even know where to begin. You left me speechless. Kudos to you and I hope you get more roles in the future.

[@celladoor_uk]

David, you absolutely nailed this scene. This scene will stick with me forever. As a musician who sings his own songs and writes them exactly as he wants to hear them, regardless of if they will be popular or not, this scene spoke to me on a deep level. Thank you for such an outstanding performance. I hope all is well in your corner of the world today.

[@lordkingston]

One of the most powerful and importance films to come out in 2021. Such a subversion of tropes and incredible film about loss, anger, and the masks we all wear (that disconnect us), and individual grief (that connect us). I am grateful that films like this still get made. What an incredible cast, and incredible writing and directing.

[@cordan305]

Everyone LOVED this scene in the theater. It was hilarious, suspenseful and somewhat sad too all in just a few minutes’ time. Hats off to you for an incredible performance, Mr. Knell. :)

[@ronpalaca1450]

You're an amazing actor sir David. You nailed the acting

[@8300dvo]

That's some damn good acting holy shit.

[@danshouse]

This has got to be one of my favorite scenes ever. The idea that we're pursuing something to please others who don't give a shit about us because they don't KNOW us, and the reason they don't know us is because we don't share who we are with them in OUR effort to please THEM is such a deep and twisted revelation that's delivered with such amazing skill from Nick Cage and you!! Gave me chills when I first saw it. Frightening and funny and heartbreaking and absolutely true. To me, this scene is the heart of the movie.

[@soavemusica]

A movie about a guy searching for his stolen truffel pig could have been a very ordinary thriller, where justice is served with fists, or a comedy based on bacon, but this film resists such temptations, takes only some of those elements, and becomes eloquent poetry, bringing forth the true great talent of Nicolas Cage. Many thanks.

[@abelchavez2463]

This was a really powerful moment and I deeply felt that. Both of you guys are wonderful actors.

[@Knellovision]

Thanks, man.

[@robjohn4842]

Everyone sitting at the table in this scene did a great service to their profession. All of the little micro-expressions, nuance and emotion in this scene (as well as the rest of the movie) captures attention better than many big budget action scenes can. Im really happy I found this film.

[@wilderat]

one of THE best scenes in the entire film. nic cage is of course phenomenal but your acting is what seriously made it! great stuff

[@InternetStranger476]

David Knell what a great actor :)

[@AnkurPatel123]

This is a masterclass. Right in the middle of the scene, I found my vision getting blurry before the tears started flowing. Thanks, David. I needed to be reminded of the power of film.

[@DinoDillinger]

Great scene! It took me through so many levels in just 2 minutes. I loved how this turns the audience on its head. A great moment for the main character where you go from feeling kind of embarrassed for him to feeling embarrassed for you. Then that moment where you empathize with you because we have all put on a mask to please people whose approval we craved. That was amazing.

[@jesse8068]

I love the slowly building bass in the background of this scene starting around 1:37. It's a horror scene...set in a brightly-lit restaurant...as Derek realizes how close he has come to death. Not physical death, but spiritual. I also love how NOBODY in the background is reacting to any of this drama. Why? Because they aren't real. Great work from both actors and the director.

[@Knellovision]

I LOVED that sound! Subtle, but very effective. And yes, I've wondered if anyone should have reacted at any point, but they're not real, love that...

[@EvanFowler]

I keep thinking about this scene.

[@evangelion286]

Best scene of 2021, hands down.

[@RoXo1987]

1:29 I would like to know if that mental breakdown laugh was improvised or part of the script 🙏 This scene has the potential to be as iconic as the Sicilian scene on True Romance. Incredible performance 👏👏👏👏👏

[@BeTaTrEv217]

Phenomenal performance, perfect amount of sad and regretful, but manic and sympathetic as well. Just perfect 10/10.

[@nunyabusiness9056]

This scene and your performance made this movie go over the top to be one of the most meaningful and personal movies i've seen in a long time.

[@pahkyu]

I kept going back to this scene when I finished the movie phenomenal work sir, u were the highlight in my opinion.

[@grahamvert8174]

I saw Pig a couple of weeks ago. It was my first theater experience since the pandemic began, and it was well worth the wait. This scene is burned into my memory; from beginning to end, the writing and acting are astonishing. The way Robin completely reverses the dynamic over the course of the scene, easily seeing through Finway's facade and unmasking him, is brilliant. Great, great film! The best new release I've seen in a long time!

[@makemelaughyouants]

His restaurant is about deconstruction which is exactly what Robin did to him to his face.

[@viewtiful1doubleokamihand253]

David Knell. I'll remember this name from now on. Denial, anger, grief, horror, self-hatred all in a span of a bit less then four minutes. I'll keep his name in mind.

[@AWP7000]

I love the look at 2:12, and the way they hold and let us see an amazing performance.

[@almostrelatable5827]

I come back to this every few weeks I’m feeling down, I’ve been feeling a lot more down recently. This motivates me to get off my ass and start doing things for myself again. I hope to see you in more movies, you did great in this one.

[@quietside3734]

I wasn't entirely sold on this film until this scene. I've just finished watching Pig for the first time. This scene is so powerful, I had to come onto KZbin to see it again. David, you made this scene, without question. What a superb performance.

[@kangjhha]

I literally paused the movie right at the beginning of the scene here and searched "pig what is the concept" on youtube and here I am hahaha... a fantastic sequence, my favorite of the movie

[@agraciotti]

And let's not forget Alex Wolff's hilarious reaction faces that also made this movie.

[@jms805]

The best scene of the film, a great performance. Robin pierced through to the heart of Derek's soul in this scene and it's played beautifully. Wish you great success and all the deserved recognition.

[@zachpajak7493]

Best scene in the best movie. Kudos - your performance is absolutely wonderful

[@michaelc8192]

scene of the year, well done David

[@gamepoy5056]

I swear "liver-scotch eggs with a honey curry mustard" was just some random food jargon that the writers slapped together. Then my brother, who's an AMAZING cook, made me scotch eggs with curry mustard. One of the best breakfasts I've had. Also that slap you took in Total Recall is iconic among my siblings, love your work!

[@Knellovision]

Thanks for that. Also, 24 takes to get that slap just right. And the last one knocked me out. True. Acting: Not all sunglasses and autographs.

[@soldiersvejk2053]

I came back to this scene whenever I was feeling unreal. Thank you for the great performance!

[@siobhandolores]

David, I see this is your channel so let me say Bravo. Extraordinary scene. You make Derek so real in (from memory) just this one scene. I loved this unique film. So glad it was made.

[@adminmovie]

One of the most powerful performances I've seen in years.

[@TheLeagueOfSteve]

Something I've just come to understand is Robin has been in Derek's position. Presumably when he fired Derek, he was beginning to suspect exactly what he lays out here to his former employee. Hence the question: "Why didn't you open your pub?" He's been caught in the same existential trap. It's a hard truth but one that can help Derek move forward. One feels it cost Robin everything and he's hoping to help Derek avoid that.

[@floridadad2817]

You and Mr. Cage did something truly amazing here that I've never seen in a movie before or since. You reinvented interrogation. It took me a third take until I realized that this is actually an interrogation scene. Robin is interrogating Finway for information, but he does so by reminding him who he is and what he loves. It's brilliant. Instead of threats and intimidation, it's hardcore brutal compassion and inspiration. The way you rattled off the scotch eggs dish like it was a lost love you never got over - genius. We just knew he'd been making it for years behind closed doors.

[@andreaholcock8992]

You nailed this. The way you deliver the line when he asks what your signature dish would be, followed by the desperate laughter immediately afterward is 🤌🤌

[@NerdyBoiJay]

Dear David, I am currently writing and working on an analysis on this film and this scene in particular has stuck with me, the way you and mr cage bounce off each other is amazing and the acting in this scene is literally award winning. I hope in time, you will get to see my analysis so I can show the world your amazing level of talent. Thank you for an amazing formance.

[@Knellovision]

I look forward to seeing it!

[@jamcowl]

Derek/David's expression at 2:12 was amazing, I've never felt so much pain coming through the screen from an actor before, without a single word said. It's not even static either, it gradually worsens as Robin/Nic Cage continues to speak and I could feel every devastating word. This scene sells the message of the whole film for me, the harsh consequences of not pursuing what matters are laid bare right here. Amazing acting.

[@alexhaslam3550]

Ha, it looks like David Knell himself uploaded this. He did act extraordinarily well in this scene - easily the most memorable moment in an all-around great movie. Hope to see more of you in the near future, David!

[@Jacob-kn3tv]

I’ve watched this scene so many times, David’s reactions to Cage’s slow and steady destruction of his facade was amazing.

[@dallaswwood]

This guy is doing magic here.

[@srh5311]

What a scene, David. Specially 1:34. At some point of our lives, we all want to dream of making our own "liver scotch eggs with a honey creamy mustard".

[@karmelodion]

Best scene in the film, and it's all because of David Knell.

[@eccentroworld3401]

You were absolutely awesome in that scene! You created something truly memorable. Fabulous movie!

[@connormccloskey5128]

You owned this scene here, man. My favorite movie of 2021. What an experience

[@joshtake1]

This scene was amazing! The acting was done so well!

[@Hematoph]

I hope he gets his pub.

[@jamesmaxwell1940]

David, you were incredible in this scene! Thanks so much for acting in this wonderful little movie 🙂

[@andreic048]

You did a great job, David!

[@forrest4trees]

Mr. Knell, I wanted you to know that this is my favorite movie of all time, and this performance is something that is really special to me. Thank you for doing this valuable work. ❤

[@Sandy_Rosenthal]

CAGE WAS AMAZING. I want to watch this movie again with my hubby who is a foodie, too.

[@ButchCurry]

I just watched Pig a couple of days ago. Best movie I've seen this year, hands down. One scene, but you killed it, just absolutely knocked it out of the park.

[@Knellovision]

Thanks, Butch! Glad you liked it.

[@wilddog9]

Bravo!! Fantastic work! Thank you so much for uploading this, so I can share with friends to help convince them to watch Pig (which was easy to do already, but even easier once they see your work and this scene!)

[@GhaleonEB]

I saw Pig in theaters. I have not seen it since - lands a bit too hard, but I'll revisit it again someday - but I've thought about this seen regularly, and come back to watch it as I did today. My own career has gone the way of Derek's, doing the successful thing and not what I love and it's hollowed me out over time. David Knell gives a nuanced, wrenching performance here, conveying a spectrum of emotions that are immediately recognizable to anyone who has been on the same path - which is all too many of us. Nick Cage's line, "We don't get a lot of things to really care about," has had a profound affect on my life. I've actually shown this scene to my family and it's sparked discussions about what we need do do in life to be truly happy. Thank you, David, for this gift.

[@hellsing507]

You sir are a fantastic actor, I hope to see you in more films in the coming years!

[@chojiakimichi2587]

dude!!!!! david! Incredible scene all I could think long after the credits rolled was "gah damn that Chef Derek actor was so good!!!" can't wait to see more from you.

[@jonathanwhite6881]

The characters Rob and Derek in this scene are as real as anything I've came across in quite some time. So relatable. I have been been Derek and I am Rob. This doesn't feel like acting. It feels like living. I absolutely loved this film and this scene was the turning point for me. I like to imagine that Derek closed the restaurant, went to England for a few months, came back and opened the pub....which was a smashing success. I'll have to stop by whenever I make it to the city. Great job, Sir.

[@christinalucia6321]

This scene was so well acted the emotions conveyed are so relatable and work together to tell so much of the actors story so concisely. I'm in awe; beautiful.

[@jeffreytong]

This is incredible acting, David. Perfectly executed and had me hooked! Easily the best scene of the film.

[@naishi2728]

fantastic scene, incredible acting!!! this scene and your acting made this the highlight, thank you for uploading!

[@EM-K-Ultra]

I come back and watch this frequently and just realized who posted it 😱 this was easily the most impactful movie scene for me of last year, probably several years, and going forward.

[@Knellovision]

Thanks for stopping by. You're welcome back anytime. I'll try to keep the place tidy.

[@jamesdavid6451]

Superb acting, I come back to this scene from time to time to appreciate its elegance.