Nicolas Cage Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

Nicolas Cage revisits his most iconic characters, including Ronny Cammareri in Moonstruck, H.I. McDunnough in Raising Arizona, Ben Sanderson in Leaving Las Vegas, Cameron Poe in Con-Air, Castor Troy in Face/Off, Charlie and Donald Kaufman in Adaptation, Benjamin Franklin Gates in National Treasure, Red Miller in Mandy and more roles.
MANDY is now in theaters!
Still haven’t subscribed to GQ on KZbin? ►► bit.ly/2iij5wt
ABOUT GQ
For more than 50 years, GQ has been the premier men’s magazine, providing definitive coverage of style, culture, politics and more. In that tradition, GQ’s video channel covers every part of a man’s life, from entertainment and sports to fashion and grooming advice. So join celebrities from 2 Chainz, Stephen Curry and Channing Tatum to Amy Schumer, Kendall Jenner and Kate Upton for a look at the best in pop culture. Welcome to the modern man’s guide to style advice, dating tips, celebrity videos, music, sports and more.
/ gqvideos
Nicolas Cage Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

[@hollyshouse928]

I think Nicolas cage should have a weekly show where they give him a subject at random and let him talk for half an hour. And they could call it "Enter the Cage"

[@adamarens3520]

Oh I like that 👍 I’d watch

[@lZEOBA]

Awesome idea! I’d watch! But how about calling it “In the Cage, with Nic!”

[@galarstar052]

i'd like to enter the cage myself if you know what i mean ;)

[@caseykoons]

Ha! Nice.

[@basedbattledroid3507]

Yes!

[@ianholmen888]

Is no one worried about Nicholas cage having 2 infinity stones already?

[@2donnyblack2]

LOL thanks for the laugh :)

[@philippe146]

Ian Holmen lol omg

[@reactions5783]

Judging by his acting, I'd say the stones he owns are Space and Reality.

[@Ecliptor.]

there's no one else better to hold them than the nic cage

[@sarahmichael9492]

Stealing comments. Low, dude.

[@elvisleong6358]

Honestly hearing him talk about German expressionism and how it inspired him actually sheds so much light on his acting.

[@MrBond0071984]

I’m curious what you mean by this. I don’t know enough about German expressionism to make the connection.

[@KillKenny09]

I am born and raised in germany, 35years old. Never heard about "german expressionism".....

[@elvisleong6358]

@@KillKenny09 German expressionism is an influential art movement active jn the early 1920s, with Metropolis, the cabinet of doctor caligari and nosferatu being some of the most well known works. It inspired things like film noir and directors like Tim Burton.

[@elvisleong6358]

@@MrBond0071984 reason why I say it makes sense is because most of the films jn this era used extremely dramatic facial expressions and actions and while it's not 100% identical, cages actions and mannerisms definitely are remisicent of it

[@apseudonym]

Yessss I always thought some of his facial expressions looked like Fritz Lang characters. It all makes sense now

[@mauri383]

Thank god people are seeing past his "meme" status. This dude is a great actor, one of the old guard. Our very own modern Lon Chaney or James Cagney.

[@reiverraider4887]

I've always liked him. He's got a core of real fans who appreciate his efforts.

[@nickperez915]

It’s not easy carrying the unbearable weight of massive talent

[@stevencolon1723]

Interesting that you mentioned Lon Chaney, I assume Chaney Sr. Personally his acting reminds me of Dwight Frye. Which is interesting since Nic is playing Dracula in Redfield! Their eyes have the same crazed intensity. Nic Cage is a performer through and through. Its in his heart.

[@alexnox4956]

The 🐐

[@nr1que]

Why didn’t he talk about his most iconic character, Nicolas Cage.

[@geraldballesteros3839]

lol! baoninam!

[@money8892]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@gh05t_mv]

that's high praise.

[@hayreddinbarbarossa661]

Like Hunter S Tompson he's played it so long he's become it.

[@USMCArchAngel03]

Did he play anything else???

[@TenchiSawada]

He really is a student of film. The amount of inspiration he lists is amazing.

[@nmart1n]

David Nguyen He should be considering his family connections.

[@SuperHttm]

@@nmart1n yup, but he did try to hide it by changing his name , guy is a legend

[@liambrennan5374]

So there is reason for his madness

[@gustavogabaldo6799]

So true!!! That jean cocteau reference was amazing, his version of "beauty and the beast" is truly incredible.

[@LewysC]

Definitley

[@OfentseMwaseFilms]

This man made Lord of War, The Rock and Face Off. He will always be a legend.

[@noneyabidniss4763]

He's a novelty.

[@StymyParsley]

@@markvarley2962 season of the witch I just hated, but Knowing was really interesting, just didn’t care for the ending. I loved Matchstick Men, really interesting movie

[@cw4019]

lord of war sucks his best fims are adaptation, bringing out the dead, wild at heart and mandy

[@OfentseMwaseFilms]

@@cw4019 You must watch it again. That was an amazing movie.

[@noneyabidniss4763]

@@cw4019 raising arizona.

[@marcelosinico]

He's not just an actor. He's a special kind of actor. Nick likes old style, expressionism, and extreme acting. And he's the best in what he does because he knows his craft and has a lot of passion for it. We wouldn't have some many great movies if it wasn't for him. No other actor would do what he does. He doesn't just take the risk. He's the risk. Mad respect for this guy.

[@lasjames7516]

nic cage is the genre

[@ShimrraJamaane]

He is a method actor, and a thespian at heart.

[@gnarbeljo8980]

Expressionism. French impressionism is a different genre, but I'm sure you just mistyped that.

[@marcelosinico]

@@gnarbeljo8980 Thanks! I fixed it.

[@melsoro7311]

Nick Cage is his own most iconic character.

[@bringyourownheart]

WINNER!

[@mysticsaxophone4181]

Nic Cage is actually such a deep method actor that he's been playing Nicolas Cage as Nicolas Cage for his whole life. Nothing in this character is real, and nothing in this character is fake. It's Nic Cage pretending to be Nic Cage as Nic Cage.

[@Timliu92]

Best comment I have read all day.

[@melsoro7311]

hmmnn didn't think this comment would do so well.

[@FastEddie86]

Great comment

[@monsterfurby]

I really like his explanation of his acting style being more like abstract art than a naturalistic depiction of human behavior. Makes a lot of sense in the context of his performances.

[@MedievalSolutions]

Suddenly all of his roles do actually make sense.

[@alexhetherington8028]

Yes they make more sense now but are still odd in the context of the films.

[@jonathant4201]

Alex Hetherington yeah I agree. In a weird no holds barred film like “Mandy” he blends right in but in Face/Off it stands out so much. Still think thats the genius of it though :)

[@dodgersdoon1130]

Totally agree

[@noplaceforissues]

Yes, it's amazing.

[@Lori-lp6uc]

Nicolas Cage LOVES acting and perfecting his craft. His enthusiasm is contagious. He's never blase about his art. That's why we love him. He loves cinema. He never takes what he has for granted. Nic deserved an Oscar for Adaptation. He knows it. We all know it.

[@lyoness6]

It's amazing how often he deflects praise and points out how other people have helped him succeed. Talented AND modest...love it.

[@jasonb9562]

“Cause I was playing bongos to get some sort of syncopated rhythm for the character.” As one does.

[@aperfecttool462]

Naturally.

[@vivecthepoet36]

Nobody thinks about acting the way that Nicolas Cage thinks about acting

[@danielnelson424]

@@vivecthepoet36 Nicolas Cage does...

[@ronnyreagan9320]

What do you do to get into character? Asswipe.

[@jasonb9562]

ronny reagan well apparently I should be playing bongos. I’ve been going about scene study all wrong

[@CBox-ts7kg]

I had the opportunity to meet in him in Los Angeles at a shop in Little Tokyo. He’s actually really polite, well spoken, and even mentioned he would be happy to take a picture with us, as he genuinely appreciates his fans.

[@colinmontgomery1956]

Sounds really cool.

[@pizzaboda]

Lmao I was a bartender in Little Tokyo and Nicolas used to come in and get hammered then do karaoke across the street at the Miyako hotel, never really talked to me but he tipped pretty well

[@chambeet]

He seems like an awesome dude.

[@Iceman300c]

shout out to Little Tokyo. Probably the most underrated part of DTLA

[@Phox532]

I think that my law Nicolas Cage hast to take pictures with everybody for the IRS put them in jail

[@ozzieenglelewis]

He may not remember making this movie, and no one ever seems to mention it, but my favorite was “family man “. He did such a great job balancing some edginess with sincerity and tenderness.

[@crmlcutie16]

I was just commenting to say something similar. Family Man is a really nice film!

[@jenflora4645]

I totally agree!!! That's my favorite too.. Just love that movie 👍 Him and Tea Leoni have great chemistry.

[@paulrider725]

I loved how he played his character (Jack Campbell) in that...Family Man is one of my favorite movies. Great story.

[@Shedoesdiy]

Agree.. he made me forget how much I despise Tea Leoni

[@aurwood68]

Such an incredible movie

[@salvadorarreolarodriguez6165]

The more time passes the more we realize that Nicolas Cage is actually a genius ...

[@spacepluto]

"I hired a drunk poet to lie in the fetal position while I played bongos so as to obtain inspiration as a raging alcoholic" god bless you, Nic Cage

[@mrkeogh]

And he goes and wins Best Actor Golden Globes AND an Oscar.

[@trisix99]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@angelopellicci179]

This man can do no wrong. He's either really good, or so bad that he's good.

[@guitarFlownimo]

Angelo Pellicci THIS 👌 !!!

[@couchpotatowowomgamazing8273]

Your profile pic haunts me at night.

[@angelopellicci179]

@@couchpotatowowomgamazing8273 it's my smiley halloween makeup. Go watch pinkstylist. He has a bunch of tutorials

[@chillchill6164]

He's really good, he's way of thinking is extraordinary.

[@224rebels]

Except for those ridiculous rings he's wearing...

[@lukebaxter3252]

This has to be one of the best videos in this series. Hearing Nic Cage talk about his processes, thoughts and inspirations with the films he's made and such was awesome. This is giving me much more appreciation and downright love for this man/actor. The highlight for me is him talking about his German Expressionistic influences.

[@bsfishing7073]

True actors know how to act without using drugs or any substance and the fact that this man can do what he’s doing without touching alcohol or drugs it’s just phenomenal

[@redrick8900]

Well he ate a cockroach. That's worse.

[@D3mi4n]

plot twist nic cage was the actual national treasure

[@widewatching338]

He is.

[@alex0589]

He thought he stole the Declaration of independence, what he stole was our hearts.

[@Simon-yp7rv]

dirigibledeplomo Wait... I wasnt supposed to know that already?

[@thescoobymike]

Aww

[@jordanr2244]

Plot twist. National trasure is based off Nicolas cage

[@GrimmHollywood]

You gotta respect Nic Cage’s knowledge of cinema and love for his craft.

[@andresbarriga5305]

But tose Bad movies are all the better for it.

[@eyeconqueror1185]

Underrated. He's brilliant.

[@JustChadC]

It’s incredible.

[@yoshikagekira6683]

He’s actually a Coppola

[@dr.juerdotitsgo5119]

Yep. Silent era, classic hollywood, european artsy flicks, kung fu movies... he definitely knows his business.

[@JackieZYT]

My favorite nick cage movie has to be 'City of Angels" such a good film!

[@imonit4272]

Great but painful movie…

[@JackieZYT]

@@imonit4272 very true!

[@tom.m]

Makes me cry just thinking about it.

[@Spidr-Man]

Legendary movie tbh

[@kk7ynwa]

No sir. That would be Bad lieutenant:port of call New Orleans

[@vivekanand5563]

His uncle is one of the most articulate directors, and he is one of the most articulate actors. The good thing with Cage is, he is interesting to watch even in his run-of-the-mill action movies because he brings in a bit of that Kinski/Lynch madness into it. Of course, in his good movies, he is one of the best actors of his generation. He should have won the 2002 Best Actor Oscar ahead of Brody and even Day-Lewis. He was exceptional in 'Adaptation.'

[@joebloggs6922]

Completely. I'd prefer his craziness over the blandness of most action stars. Like in Mandy where he just goes absolutely batshit insane.

[@jameshutchinson3672]

The crazy thing is that he can do nuanced and really complex performances while doing the wild and crazy stuff. He often does it simultaneously. I don’t think this is the popular opinion but he might be one of our greatest living actors.

[@Lori-lp6uc]

Nic was amazing in Adaptation. He should have won an Oscar for that performance. He also played Douglas Chesnick in Guarding Tess flawlessly.

[@PH1Lization]

Everyone roasts nick cage, but he has a passion and a dedication to acting, and you can feel this through the video. He has a knowledge and understanding of the characters and what he wants to be on screen

[@chunchoe]

Yeah a passion you rarely see most actors especially the ones that are constantly cast have the amount of research he seems to do and you really see how he enjoys the art of cinema its self

[@emeraldviolet2001]

he's also really proven himself with a couple recent films as well, the roast years are done! Watch Mandy!!!!!

[@GeminiWoods]

He also cant shave properly

[@niklaswassermann9971]

Hes an absolutely outstanding actor, one of the best alive if he wants to. Just the movies he seems to pick are random at best. Doesnt diminish his acting talent though...

[@d.aardent9382]

aye!

[@ivemissedyou.8900]

"Hey Nicolas explain some of your characters to us." Nicolas Cage: "Characters?"

[@RedRoseSeptember22]

lol

[@isaacali8644]

I read that in his voice

[@hustleup3840]

LOL

[@amackie1474]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJC6dX-pgdOCia8

[@nugsandslugs4177]

You sir won the internet for the day

[@konserwowy1092]

It's great Cage got a chance to talk about "Vampire's Kiss" even though it wasn't on the list and I'm delighted he sees it as his favorite role, as it's also my favorite role of his.

[@sahej6939]

until Renfield

[@MrG77]

How people write him off nowadays is terrible. He done such classics as Raising Arizona, The rock, Con Air, The National Treasure films . People need to remember what he has done.🙏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@odedroesler]

The thing that shines most through this is just how much he is a fan of film and a student of acting. Amazing.

[@mesadrums375]

Nic Cage is like Ron Burgundy with the TelePrompTer. With direction he can be the best, but he’ll do what you want him to do and end up with the bees.

[@odedroesler]

No not the BEEESSSSS!!!!

[@alcottdevalte7440]

Nic is underrated, he is an amazing actor and most of his old movies are great.

[@getcrack4me]

The great thing about Nic is that he's a serious actor, but he doesn't take himself seriously.

[@odedroesler]

getcrack4me Well said!

[@ItsMikeArre]

Only thing missing in Nicolas Cage career is a movie with Tarantino

[@uhVerz]

Imagine🤔

[@MorganVsTheInternet]

I feel like they would cancel each other out

[@eliminator173]

@@MorganVsTheInternet yea im with you. Tarantino is very specific about his characters and nic cage seems to like to explore so it wouldnt fit

[@michaelb8133]

eliminator173 unless his specific character is a character that explores being a character.

[@groovymyers1354]

That is an amazing idea

[@sunnycse117]

I grew up in the 90s watching Nic Cage movies. The Rock still my favorite action movie !! Thank Nic cage for wonderful movie memories !!

[@zaynes5094]

@MD Yasser Karim Ghost Rider was my real introduction to Nick Cage, but... that was my kinda thing, but now I've kinda liked his latest roles. They keep getting weirder and weirder. Mandy, Pig, and Willy's Wonderland, all very different but very cool.

[@qayyumchariff4357]

Whatever the critics say about this man, he never stops acting.. thats why he is a legend...

[@FictionWeLiveIn]

I'm not sure Nick Cage has actually ever played a character, he just is.

[@GlennDavey]

Eh you're thinking of Jeff Goldblum. Nic Cage is a far more creative animal.

[@jamesmerritt5562]

I agree. While I have enjoyed some of Nicks movies, I have always felt that he is the same character in every movie. As another person comments about Jeff Goldblum, I disagree....Goldblum, at least, portrays far more intelligent characters AND, much more believable, I might add. Except for the time hes fighting aliens...or is it when he was an alien...oh, never mind.

[@aprildannette3816]

@@jamesmerritt5562 Camron Poe rocked he was an ordinary man who got screwed by the system and became the hero and kept his decency

[@iggypopisgod9]

Thats Christopher Walkins

[@djpunyer8762]

Ghost Rider: sorry what

[@LB-ou8wt]

He truly is a cinephile and extremely knowledgeable about film history and it clearly affects his acting choices. Major respect for that.

[@LostJasmine26]

I had no idea he was so well informed tbh.

[@TheFortressMaximus]

He's a genius level actor.

[@andyofzz]

lol not sure about the acting choice part, unless he’s also a performance artist

[@bumblebee3489]

Jabroney I think he was actually saying Vampire’s kiss is his favourite movie

[@kaine3805]

it's not nice to call people names

[@mybootscamewithoutstraps]

As a single father, I appreciated Nick talking about how he took every weekend he could to be a father to his son.

[@jperickson7737]

Impressive. Clearly an actor who knows his craft, its history and its potential. And loves the medium. A pleasure to listen to

[@JHSmithmusic]

Every time Nick Cage speaks, I just keep waiting for him to say "I'm going to steal the declaration of Independence"

[@generalobiwankenobi8265]

Why did I laugh so hard at this?

[@wvnovello]

I hear "Not the bees!!"

[@luciadilazzaro2285]

@@generalobiwankenobi8265 'Ello. Bobies. Haggis.

[@donnyshurtz319]

“Carla was the prom Queen”

[@willowandluka5302]

“A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z”

[@burnttoastburt1467]

Could you imagine walking into his trailer to see a drunken man in the fetal position spouting drunken philosophy whilst nicholas cage is going apeshit on the bongos.

[@rocker4577]

I can actually!

[@65MaX73]

that deserves a whole another movie

[@precumming]

Yep, seems about right - not surprised

[@jacobyrassilon]

Yup, we call that Tuesday in Nick Cage land....

[@dias5456]

i lol'd so hard

[@PhantomLAM]

Please somehow get Winona Ryder to do one of these, I’d love to see her break down all the roles she’s been in and talk about what worked and didn’t and what she’s super proud of.

[@iadorenewyork1]

There are several actors in this series. No women, as far as I know …

[@itchybumstinkyfingers9463]

You gotta respect the mans dedication to always being maximum Nic Cage. What a brilliant actor. There could be 10 more iconic movies in this list

[@LuisMartinez-di8yq]

"He was curled up in the fetal position in my trailer as I'm playing bongos." How is Nicholas Cage even real?

[@Blashmack]

What really gets me is the reason for playing those bongos. It was "to get some sort of syncopated rhythm, some sort of music for the character." Incredible

[@Kinobambino]

Lol idk

[@randycalzone8023]

Greatest artist of the century

[@YellowTwerker]

Nicholas Cage in the bongo cat biography confirmed

[@NakeyJakey]

what an artist. love this man

[@jasonlara7523]

Whoa, it's NakeyJakey!!! Love your stuff you Hot boy! Nic Cage is truly amazing! #DogBless

[@Goldendie1]

Seeing you everywhere hotboy

[@dylanalcarese968]

Spotted Jakey in the wild

[@N93000]

It must be a Coppola trait.

[@darkidz24]

Gamer girls

[@vasu1130]

His performance in matchstick men....and the movie itself are massively underrated

[@iadorenewyork1]

I LOVE that performance, which is of an obsessive-compulsive, sensitive man. I agree, that entire film is quite good.

[@vasu1130]

@@iadorenewyork1 totally agree! He's so good at playing roles that are off kilter. Such a natural talent.

[@roberthall573]

I've watched this over a dozen times. Love to listen to him describe ANYTHING

[@skankhunt-wy9wy]

The "super 8 feeling" explains why he does like 5 indie films every year. And his passion for the job explains why he always kills it in those movies.

[@tassadar1977]

No, that's his crippling debt

[@businessashusual]

@@tassadar1977 either way, as long as he keeps cranking them out, im a happy Chappy.

[@mrs.h.l.g-b5814]

Probably having zero fun, unlike Mr Cage.

[@ryanmichaelangelofavale5863]

@@tassadar1977 lol lol lol lol lol

[@topgeorge6908]

@@tassadar1977 that he already paid off? Yeah no

[@kingofschnitzels]

Kind of frustrating to watch a 21 minute interview, where an actor goes into incredible detail about how he approached his roles, his inspirations, methodologies, and rationale, and 50% of the comments are "huurr he just acts like himself lol".

[@mish375]

Cage is far more intelligent than people give him credit for.

[@charliebrown9489]

Stop caring so much about what "they" r doing and focus on said actor maybe?

[@H_WLL]

I mean he does act himself most of the time

[@theknuckleheadsguidetomarr6455]

I can't get past the rings... Why?

[@danshaw6047]

I'd love to see a longer version of this interview. Feels like he was cutoff for every character's walkthrough.

[@McSMACKthe1st]

Going over his career and they don’t mention David Lynch’s “Wild at Heart”?!? This isn’t a complete list of his great characters without including that role.

[@HALFSQUASHED]

My favourite Nic Cage film and probably my favourite David Lynch film too.

[@rino1983]

Thank you for pointing out the obvious !

[@dishappywithlife2556]

Nicolas Cage; I love how he “goes there” in the places where most of us are to scared. 👏🏽🎬

[@tiffsaver]

Did anyone notice how he never takes credit for a performance, but always praises the director in every case? This is the kind of person Nick Cage really is. Authentic and humble. I had the pleasure of working with him for only a brief period of time, in a nothing part. But six months later, when I ran into him at the premier of "Honeymoon in Vegas," not only did he remember me, BUT EXACTLY WHAT I WAS WEARING!! I attributed this to only three possible things. First, that he was incredibly impressed with my acting. Second, that he had a photographic memory. Or third, that he was just an extraordinarily thoughtful person. I think it was just his super human memory and attention to detail, but I like to fantasize that it was all three. This is a truly fine actor and sweet man, a rarity in Hollywood.

[@MakeLifeExtraordinary]

tiffsaver are you still doing anything acting-wise?

[@RenegadeShepard69]

Great story man. In a way, reading of people like him make movies so much better for me.

[@RR-bn5wo]

I love fictional stories!

[@polykov798]

dude what a great fairy tale im going to tell this one to my kids

[@seand5627]

I love this story! Always wondered what kind of person he is. With being s fan of his for many years

[@FatherKisame]

Nick Cage for main villain in John Wick 4

[@theoneandonlyspook1312]

My 2 fav actors Keanu Reeves and Nicolas Cage yes !

[@dreamthedream8929]

@@theoneandonlyspook1312 no no. Reeves should get togehter with Phoenix and make a movie together! Another Reeves and Phoenix movie. Only this time with the brother!

[@OompaL0ompa]

Wick 3 was trash. Even Cage could not help to make wick 4 good. Nothing against Reeves,i love him since point break, but wick 3 was a nightmare. Even the fight scenes were trash

[@RV-vx9ek]

@@OompaL0ompa naaaaah you buggin.

[@OompaL0ompa]

@r v look at the fight scenes again.they are out of sync. Not fluid

[@eddyrocks]

I have such a huge amount of respect for this man. You can tell just by the way he talks how much passion he has for the craft. It's a beautiful thing.

[@ebbanjenkins5960]

Cage is easily one of the most watchable charismatic and sometimes unintentionally funniest actors ever..he could make the most boring character on paper become entertaining on screen

[@olivianoel5169]

Funny thing is, Nic Cage was just in this room talking to himself and a couple of guys with cameras decided to go in there and film it.

[@pahmts6547]

You could say he was CAGED in there

[@monotoned9233]

Then ads popped up without the KZbin premium....

[@nicolascage3173]

Wow you are so awesome. Thanks for the comments, like,support and love over the years . I would love to keep in touch with you, write me; [e-mail] Hope you’re keeping safe?

[@aeonlincoln5474]

Everyone loves him, they just don't want to admit it.

[@babayaga1767]

ok, but when they come for the car, save the radio

[@YoshionoKimochi]

Dude I love Cage

[@nonofyourbusiness7631]

He deserves to be in every movie filmed. Background character

[@reneeturner3575]

I admit. lol

[@bretellis]

I’ll admit it! Cage is the best

[@PokemonHunters-]

I would love another national treasure movie with all the same cast members. Such a great movie and such great chemistry between the cast members and full of adventure.

[@spagetti5309]

One of my fav adventure movies!

[@Chris24_]

I can’t be the only one who REALLY wanted to hear him talk about The Wicker Man 😭

[@tdonahue3531]

Everyone does

[@justingarcia7722]

Nick Cage is a throwback to real Hollywood. The over top theatrics, homage to tradition as he quotes classic roles in his inflections, but most of all, an honest commitment to entertain and capture something larger than life in his roles. Dudes legend

[@Lebbz]

Man you really captured it. I know this may sound weird but I feel like Tom Cruise channels that too but in a different way. Where as Nic wants to grasp us in that old-school movie magic of acting and verbal performance, Tom is in my opinion the last of the Superstars who still believes in Movie Magic. That feeling when you're watching a film and just whisked away by the grandiosity of it all. Like in all the late 80s, early 90s blockbuster films. Today I feel like films and actors allow us to dissect them while they're in motion rather than after coz we're so taken away.

[@basedbattledroid3507]

Justin Garcia I agree 100%

[@maggiekarabel123]

He’s an anomaly to me. He’s one of the greatest living actors: Adaptation, Leaving Las Vegas, Matchstick Men, Raising Arizona; he’s incredibly intelligent and charming, and I love that he changed his last name so he wouldn’t coast on his famous family, it shows real integrity and motivation. And he also makes some of the worst movies ever. It makes no sense and somehow makes him even more interesting.

[@JaNuShAn]

This is the first one of these videos in the series where the actor really delves into their thought process behind the acting vs telling just telling funny anecdotes on set.

[@TorrellesEdit]

And I'm absolutely loving it. So thankful about it!

[@unsuccessfullyjari]

Yes! So true.

[@ARK9WLF]

The Ethan Hawke one is also great

[@jose_s_bam7938]

because Nic is a real actor.

[@HotStrange]

John Segura Everything with Ethan Hawke is great lmao. But I agree.

[@zatozatoichi7920]

Ah, yes, Face/Off. When he got out of the Caddy on the runway at the beginning, and the wind blew his long black coat upwards, then he started to walk towards Pollux, I just KNEW this movie will be awesome. He and Keanu Reeves are my favorite actors for 20+ years now, and I'm glad he seems so pleasant to interact with when he's not shooting a movie. Truly a class act, in every sense of the word.

[@swampghost835]

oh god, i did not know that moonstruck was originally going to be called “the wolf and the bride.” i got chills when he said that!!

[@PiersonFode]

He is THE “National Treasure”

[@TheDirvish]

He IS the National Treasure

[@ena9330]

And that's facts

[@somewhatsomething4882]

I think Benjamin Franklin's remains and coffin are interred inside a huge solid gold slab because that way he thought it would be too heavy for the "natives" to retrieve his corpse. For some reason 😳🤔 he was worried they would defile it, and in doing so impair his progress in the afterlife.

[@guitarman64100]

unironically yes

[@annedrieck7316]

Ghost rider

[@MrTakoMask]

He's so literate about his craft, all memes aside the things he's saying actually make sense so there you have it...Nic Cage is a misundestood genius.

[@D9Billy]

MrTakoMask Lmaoo “ all memes aside “

[@ApexHong]

more underrated then misunderstood

[@sha12310]

Well, he does have an oscar

[@markdodson5866]

He seems to really take it seriously and his eccentric nature only seems to make it more interesting

[@leorickt.9604]

Hes not, really. Hes name dropping and making pretentious statements that dont really mean much. He's not a good actor.

[@Chatterbox-94]

Moonstruck is my favorite performance he’s ever done and one of my favorite rom coms of all time. I wish they still made rom coms like that.

[@Infamous1991]

8mm is so underrated one of his best movies and performances

[@DenkyManner]

This is the final proof that Cage knows exactly what he's doing. All the over the top, non naturalistic performances are 100% deliberate.

[@theMosen]

That doesn't make him a good actor.

[@TheDantheman12121]

I have alwasy liked nic cage and always thought he acted very good. everyone in the world pulls weird faces that they might not be aware of. That is what i always thought he was doing.

[@Nautilus1972]

Bangkok Dangerous et al would tend to disagree.

[@ronnyreagan9320]

@@theMosen it also doesn't make him a bad one. You aren't the yard stick for measuring acting skill, dingbat.

[@theMosen]

ronny reagan, neither is Nicolas Cage. 1920s Germany called, they want their acting back. These days people expect naturalism, expressionism feels fake to most. Mainly because it lacks subtlety and skill; if I want expressionism I'll go watch an elementary school play.

[@ldesaes]

In some movies, he's absolutely brilliant; in others, completely absurd, but he's always fun to watch. ALWAYS! The world would be a much duller place without Nic Cage. Love the guy!

[@Rambat-ib5ie]

I'm a shexy caht

[@toddrobertson1398]

Perfect description lol

[@darklazerx7913]

The thing about him is that he docent try to act "realistic" but in a way that is impactful and true to the storytelling. And it is sometimes more realistic, because people are unpredictable and act in silly and weird ways.

[@midnightlilac4170]

My parents and I LOVE Raising Arizona. Whenever we talk about the movie to each other, we always seem to do the high-pitch yodel in the middle of describing our favourite scenes to each other and just laugh out loud after

[@kewalagrawal1492]

Oh man! My heart cried when he said one day he would like to re-do face off... The hope in his eyes

[@Highbudget]

I'm inclined to assume that Nic cage interviewed Nic cage while Nic cage filmed this interview

[@starttherebellion9146]

lol, so true!

[@zoesmybaby]

That’s high praise

[@MrPicklecopter]

Don't forget about the editor, Nic Cage.

[@starttherebellion9146]

Jollyman83 - And even us the viewers! - Cause let's face it... isn't there a little bit of Nic Cage in all of us? :o)

[@abluejayc3503]

In the cage with nic cage

[@EthalaRide]

Knowing now that Nicolas Cage is such a stan of German Expressionism makes *everything so much clearer*

[@waterandafter]

And when he was so young too.

[@RobotReg]

Yeah, it actually makes him seem less crazy and it actually makes sense

[@philportellos7456]

Hahah I felt the same, it almost ruins his mystique though.. I like to think that in his first role he lost his mind mid performance and a German co-actor confronted him and said “zat right thar vas so German Expressionist!” .. and Nic Cage just decided then and there to roll with it haha

[@aliciabell6688]

Ikr! Unless that's his excuse for his pre-sobriety years....☺

[@Loftipixels]

The difference is no one else got the memo. German expressionism was a movement. Cage is a delusional sociopath. The most telling part of this interview was when he couldn’t quite explain why Joel and Ethan were laughing at him. He’s Tommy Wiseau with an actual knowledge of film.

[@johncreighton908]

His ..lost my hand ..monologue is one of the most brilliant pieces of acting in American cinema..also Ben in Leaving Las Vegas...brilliant..

[@nyx436]

I'd love another part with him, I'd love to hear him talk about his character in both Drive Angry and the Ghost Rider. Amazing movies and he was amazing in them.

[@Tobio88]

When he started to talk about bringing german expressionism into some of his performances, I started to understand his acting more

[@dontbefatuousjeffrey2494]

Me too. And the Jean Marais reference.

[@lutze5086]

I bet it wasn't his intention, but someone praised him for it and it's a validating comparison so he just runs with it now

[@obnoxiouspriest]

Absolutely, I totally agree.

[@ianbarry2301]

Pp

[@jarreldoomis3502]

Lu Tze considering his knowledge and love of film, I really doubt it.

[@tommylj]

He just seems like a good guy with a genuine love for movies

[@robertgowdey]

I hope that it goes the way of Keanu Reeves. The public was so down on the guy and now everyone loves him again.

[@austenproctor5027]

Nobody really hates nicolas cage. He's just a meme, and his style of acting makes for really strange and hilarious moments.

[@RobbieLeffel]

Yeah, this was not at all what I was expecting!

[@darthXreven]

it's a trip right??? seeing a normal person rather than a stark raving madman?? go see Raising Arizona, it's about his most normal role....well that and The Family Man in 2000 [he plays a corporate exec, a sort of Scrooge type character who wakes up living the life he could have chose] family Man I figured would be dumb, it was in a list of 5 movies I was gonna see and good gods I watched it 2X back to back cus it was that good.... one of my other absolute fave Nick Cage flicks not mentioned here is Lord Of War, great performance there and awesome film all around

[@God-mb8wi]

@@darthXreven leaving Las vegas is his best role it might be his only good one

[@ntombifuthigumede]

I remember watching this phenomenal actor in City of Angels with Meg Ryan. There was just something special and enthralling about him❤️ He was awesome in Renfield. He was literally made for that role

[@spika_.]

Cage is such an amazing artist! He's beyond acting ~ and as he says he's a performer. The way he always gives his everything in everything he does in a free and genuinely way really inspired me to be more open and appreciate more what I perceive in movies and in art in general. I'll love to sit and talk about movies with him, exchanging opinions, points of view, etc.

[@Old-ded-memes]

“I had a drunk guy in the fetal position in my trailer as I was playing bongos.” Nic Cage

[@blackbasterdvideo3082]

I hope they release the version where Nic talks about all 90 of his films.

[@JasonFeng]

You Don’t Say.

[@armwrestlingfan6804]

I would pay

[@judahofjudea4601]

I wanted to hear him talk about Superman.

[@MacTavish37]

watch "The Death of "Superman Lives". Director of this documentary recently passed away.

[@plusyourmomequals]

Like #667.

[@sophie7780]

moonstruck is my fav movie and i don't see nicholas cage talk about it often, this was such a delight ❤️❤️

[@hidef_official]

He’s such an amazing actor. Would’ve loved to hear him talk about 8 Millimeter and working with James Gandolfini!

[@HarperIsHere]

His love for German expressionism explains so much about his acting style. He's an American expressionist who happened to become a movie star and I love that for him.

[@HarperIsHere]

@Daniel Garrett Thank you for that *enthralling* insight. It wasn't at all pretentious or condescending. ☺️

[@mb-dz4ph]

you sick satanic pos

[@HauntedHarmonics]

@@mb-dz4ph lmao what?? tf are you talking about dude

[@buiphong4553]

Every time Nick Cage speaks, I just keep waiting for him to say "I'm going to steal the declaration of Independence"

[@SaintMartins]

0:27 Moonstruck (1987) 2:39 Raising Arizona (1987) 4:25 Leaving Las Vegas (1995) 7:59 Con Air (1997) 9:16 Face/Off (1997) 11:48 Bringing Out The Dead (1999) 13:25 Adaptation (2002) 15:21 National Treasure (2004) 16:28 The Bad Lieutenant: Port Of Call: New Orleans (2009) 18:14 Mandy (2018)

[@sbentsen2714]

thank you! :-)

[@bethanybarrett73]

No Valley Girl? I would have loved to hear about that one. I think it’s his best film.

[@paigesanders2026]

Bethany Barrett watch the knowing. That’s the best one! Tell me what you think if you watch it. Love that movie

[@paigesanders2026]

Bethany Barrett it’s called knowing

[@captaindreadeye6264]

Awww, no Lord of War?

[@leontiefmodell650]

A "drinking coach" curled up in a fetal position, in Nic Cages trailer, with him playing the bongos, because he wants to get a syncopated rhythm with his character, is definitely a Nic Cage movie I would watch. 👌

[@joshuabaker67]

Pig is my favorite movie. Seriously. Made me cry at the end. I loved the depth in the characters and the writing. Well done!

[@felipedandrea124]

21 minutes of nicolas cage talking about himself? Yes please.

[@clauderain4888]

Cage explains his craft better than most actors in interviews, he totally loves film and acting

[@dustinh1583]

I ways thought of him as a big budget mediocre actor but this actually really showed me a lot about his personality and skill. Very interesting

[@rippindrummer666]

His whole family is in the movie business so it doesn’t surprise me how much he knows

[@Revan-eb1wb]

@@dustinh1583 nicholas cage is part of the Coppola family. He is italian

[@Revan-eb1wb]

@@rippindrummer666 most do not even know that coppala is his real surname

[@dustinh1583]

@@Revan-eb1wb what does that have to do with my comment?

[@dynjarren8355]

He is brilliant in many films. I particularly liked his portrayal of an off the hook criminal in Face Off. He had a wild look in his eye like he enjoyed the dangerous lifestyle he led. And the laugh was contagious. And I always liked him as a lead actor going all the way back to Valley Girl. He’s very charming. And at times strange in some roles. I even like to see him in films that were duds. He’s always interesting and taking chances. It’s hit or miss but it’s exciting to watch. He’s like a tightrope Walker without a Net. Con Air is great! I enjoyed that movie even though Malkovich stole the film. He was great as Cyrus the Virus. I’ve watched it repeatedly.

[@tlmota]

Loved the interview, but I was really expecting to see him talk about '8 mm', my favorite film of him. Such a great actor with so much great movies.

[@danielmcmanus2398]

Imagine getting put into an ambulance and Nic Cage is in there

[@BrodyxBrown]

One of the worst days of my life, would turn into the very best day of my life

[@eduardovillagomez3675]

Considering one of his roles was an angel who took dead people to heaven, I’d be extremely worried

[@SMELLTHECHEEZ]

And he keeps trying to put his hand in your mouth in order for you to not choke

[@vanessabanales3689]

oooof

[@andrewbruning414]

I’d make myself flatline right then and there. Because nothing else afterward would be able to compare to the experience of dying with Nicolas Cage by my side.

[@glyph2011]

This has just popped up in the youtube algorithm again. So I’ve watched it again. I’ve seen a fair few of these “break down’s” and this, by far is the most in depth and fascinating of the lot. Nic Cage is an icon. He is humble and so dedicated to his craft. He has never, ever “phoned it in”. Every performance is 110 %. And he can perform perfectly in any medium of movie. He is one of the few Actors who goes beyond Oscar status.

[@peakadventures84]

Leaving las Vegas is a masterpiece, if you not seen it...buy,stream it, you'll not regret it

[@OzymandiasWasRight]

First, great username. Second, it IS a masterpiece and one everyone should see....but be prepared for a dark dark movie.

[@benkei7530]

The weirdest guy in Hollywood and the only one I actually understand when being interviewed and the guy is actually a movie fan

[@MausOfTheHouse]

@dayum son this sentence makes a lot of sense

[@EverydayJ1786]

Nick isn't as weird as Jeff goldblume 😂

[@ST-kr7hz]

Gary Busey has entered the chat

[@mgaamerica9185]

I agree he is weird, but a great actor.

[@jerryofswords3502]

Do be fair weird in hollywood mean pervert 90% of the time or mentally unstable.So neither of them are weird by hollywood standards just really nice.

[@pamcake958]

His obvious love for the movie-making process is infectious. He seems like an actor that ‘becomes’ the character completely. That has to be difficult not only for the actor but also for their family to lose themselves so completely in their roles. He has made so many great films. All my best to Nicolas Cage that his career sees a resurgence.

[@nicholascage173]

Hello gorgeous 🌹 Thanks for the beautiful comment, I'm so delighted to hear you speak about me like that💕🌹😘🍀🤗

[@annedrieck7316]

@@nicholascage173 nicolas cage😀

[@nicholascage173]

@@annedrieck7316 Hello gorgeous, how you doing?

[@nicholascage173]

@@annedrieck7316 Are you a fan too?

[@annedrieck7316]

@@nicholascage173 absolutely, what a charismatic actor u are😁

[@jbrock76]

This guy could teach an acting masterclass. And he knows so much about film! I would love a two-hour long interview of him just talking about film and acting.

[@apseudonym]

Nic Cage is his own genre

[@mahmoudgamal8044]

2021 : Nicolas Cage playing Joe Exotic Tiger King

[@be-happy]

It's going to be epic

[@broken1394]

@@be-happy hoping it'll turn out his goat performance! So nuch potential. 🗡

[@Rev792]

Yesssssssss i freakin want to see that !!!!!! Carol !!!! F******* baskin lmao

[@marcellogenovese199]

Wait, is this a thing thats happening?

[@REKLAW-ART]

Where tf is ghostrider

[@Chiknoom]

People forget that this man got Johnny Depp into acting...

[@ThatOneRandomSteve]

That makes WAY too much sense

[@brianc6163]

I just read about that due to your comment, wow that's so interesting

[@AceDeclan]

People don’t forget

[@OakLawnSpeedShop]

Cage’s real last name is Coppola. His uncle is Francis Ford Coppola.

[@redseaford9426]

How?

[@GeekdOut]

I love how he pulls such old films and takes pieces of the performance to inspire his acting of a character

[@wwef6lr]

Gotta do a part 2. So many great films not covered.

[@joshuamcdonnell8401]

He really just is a movie nerd that loves to act.

[@boomboombilly342]

Joshua McDonnell completely agree.

[@rbeck3200tb40]

His family is in the movie business. His uncle is Francis Ford Coppola

[@robdcollector2808]

Joshua McDonnell ...i heard he does any movie...any price....because hes Bankrupt

[@dmchunter7772]

Robd collector bruh look at that jacket