Nicolas Cage Rewatches National Treasure, Moonstruck, Dream Scenario & More | Vanity Fair

Nicolas Cage takes a walk down memory lane as he rewatches scenes from his classic works including 'Moonstruck,' 'Leaving Las Vegas,' 'National Treasure,' 'Dream Scenario,' 'Face Off,' 'Con Air' and more. Nic dishes on the full background story behind his missing teeth in 'Moonstruck,' getting into Albert Finney's character for 'Leaving Las Vegas,' becoming a meme through 'National Treasure' and so much more.
Director: Funmi Sunmonu
Director of Photography: Dominik Czaczyk
Editor: Cory Stevens
Talent: Nicolas Cage
Producer: Juliet Lopez
Coordinating Producer: Sydney Malone
Line Producer: Romeeka Powell
Associate Producer: Emembeit Beyene
Production Manager: Andressa Pelachi and Kevin Balach
Talent Booker: Lauren Mendoza
Camera Operator: Lucas Vilicich
Gaffer: Osiris Larkin
Sound : Justin Fox
Production Assistant: Philip Arliss and Lauren Boucher
Set Designer: Leah Waters-Katz
Post Production Supervisor: Edward Taylor
Post Production Coordinator: Jovan James
Supervising Editor: Kameron Key
Assistant Editor: Lauren Worona
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[@joejohnson5051]

I think Nic Cage may not realize that most people that poke fun at his performances are also fully aware he’s one of the greats and our lives are enriched when Nicholas Cage is being Nicholas Cage on screen. He’s lucky to be one of those actors we love in a role worth his time. Just keep doing precisely what you are doing now and keep spinning that gold. You’re a legend Nic Cage

[@Pendragon667]

Well said!

[@danholmesfilm]

true but i wish he would have a true award worthy renaissance since we know he's fully capable of it. Like I wish Tarantino, Scorsese or Nolan would write a role for him :)

[@ArunaKamble.]

​@@danholmesfilm Absolutely, Like how Brendan Fraser made his wonderful comeback

[@arunhii]

Even for Indiana Jones since Harrison Ford sir replacement Nicholas Cage sir could be positioned if it happens

[@StayFractalesque]

He knows.

[@mattvsmetaverse]

The fact that Cage is so self-aware of his most "out-there" performances is what helps them avoid being ridiculous. There aren't many actors out there like Nicolas Cage. We could use more like him in today's movies, who put as much thought into their craft, and throw caution to the wind. "Safe" is not how you leave an impression.

[@osmanyousif7849]

He’s basically accepted that he’s a walking meme.

[@96rincon]

He's in movies every year

[@mikeb3172]

He was being safe by knowing what he's doing... Being an unhinged killer robot/chicken/zombie is not how you leave an impression

[@icytonyc87]

Thats why hes one of my favorite actors. Every movie he does, hes trying something. There is a grand vision to it all. Does it always resonate with me personally? nope. But at least he had the balls to express his vision and take a risk

[@gregfaber3417]

That's what makes him so amazing. He's already in on the joke and he doesn't take himself too seriously

[@atfsgeoff]

Nic didn't just star in National Treasure. Dude *is* a national treasure.

[@dallinorr6929]

Mic. Drop.

[@maxperez4405]

International treasure, I'd say

[@mariahlehman9777]

“I had a drinking coach….well, a family friend who was always drunk.”

[@rothkoschapel]

'He was a poet"

[@raphaelfp]

What amazes me the most about Nicolas Cage is there is a well design method for everything he does, even the most absurd scenes or lines. I could listen to him commenting his own performances for hours

[@carrisagrace1]

I’ll tell ya, almost all of us do that (even us little guys at the very back of the line. Acting is so creative. We love it!!!

[@WanderFeetChronicles]

Does he do many movie commentaries on Blu-ray/DVD?

[@smashingpumpkin1986]

Peach. I could eat a peach for hours

[@Melina-fi3sc]

Same here 😃

[@MrHospoda96]

Nic Cage is one of a kind national treasure❤

[@Magooch86]

Nic Cage was the national treasure all along

[@joeno-say5504]

He's such a massive talent... it must be an unbearable weight

[@Persephonenoele]

Nic isn't only IN on the joke he has precisely crafted the joke. Thats why it works!

[@sooperalex15]

I could watch 11 of these videos. Nic Cage's roles are a wild ride. He dives into odd characters without going for laughs, yet nails them. You can see his dedication, but he's always fighting expectations. He's a cinema enthusiast, battling to match his art with what people want. His commitment is a mystery that keeps his performances fascinating

[@Double979tv]

Love how in Face Off Castor is basically Nic Cage doing a Travolta impression, and Archer is Travolta doing a Nic Cage impression.

[@maybe183]

It goes one level deeper. It's actually Nic Cage playing John Travolta doing a Nic Cage impression, and John Travolta playing a Nic Cage doing a John Travolta impression. It's majestic.

[@allison_cloud]

they should’ve made a national treasure 3 about what was on page 47. Not the disney + show

[@Masada1911]

You said it

[@kmosher1834]

they said it

[@dbatteries1]

Apparently 3 is still happening

[@johnper2302]

They're making it

[@NadeemShekh-uy9zn]

Yes I want national treasure 3 and Ghost Rider 3

[@theclayagenda5162]

0:31 - Moonstruck 2:57 - Leaving Las Vegas 5:56 - National Treasure 7:52 - Dream Scenario 10:18 - Face Off 12:54 - Con Air 💖💫✨

[@holdmeclosertonydanza22]

I love you

[@andsewitis]

Thank you!!

[@nosleep268]

Do you have any idea why they didn't touch on Wild at Heart?

[@ochayethenoo]

​@@nosleep268Raising Arizona also.

[@MichtersRyefan]

​@@ochayethenoothat's what I was hoping to see

[@THEMARCKNIGHT89]

I love Nicholas Cage. I’m so happy he’s back on top and picking projects that are perfect for him. He is such a unique actor. Bet he gets an other Oscar one day.

[@markozbunjol625]

lol, you don't know Oscars and Nick. He won for Leaving Las Vegas. Facts!

[@ontherun5627]

@@markozbunjol625 and you don't know what "another" means

[@ElMountainMan]

If some studio is going to spend money on an oscar, you can bet it won't be for a nic cage film. Lets be real, oscars are bought, rarely earned on merit.

[@nicole_w_s]

Can't forgive the academy for snubbing him in Pig

[@laurarules3642]

@@ElMountainMan If he becomes super toxic woke and a radical feminist that hates his own gender he will get a lot of oscars

[@seancorrigan7448]

His performances in "Vampire's Kiss", "Leaving Las Vegas" and "Adaptation" remain three of the greatest performances of all time in my opinion. What an icon.

[@VanityOfEliCLee]

Yes Nick Cage is the internet's meme sweetheart, but also, I unironically LOVE his acting. I think most of us do

[@ZombieSarah07]

The fact that he is so knowledgeable with other legends of the craft is impressive. He has a real purpose when creating his characters.

[@ghostly1178]

National treasure was, in my opinion, becoming Indiana Jones of what was modern time. Benjamin Gates adventures were actually entertaining to watch. I loved the mystery, the clues, the thriller aspect. Also, face off is the most insane action film ever, and it's awesome.

[@tonypaella]

I liked the first national treasure movie. It was nice and entertaining without being vile or vulgar. Face off is awesome

[@doctor2m]

These were perfect examples to show how much effort he made for each single scene. That's how Nicolas became a legend.

[@indigokiller]

This needs to be every film in his filmography - I could listen to Cage for hours

[@cornbredx]

"...But its ridiulous and thats why I love it..." Thats why we love it, too, Nick Cage.

[@cwbrooks5329]

Nice reminder of what a wide range of roles Nicolas Cage has tackled. What a brilliant guy. Will definitely be giving all of these a rewatch.

[@carrisagrace1]

You guys! Make sure to watch PIG. So many emotional layers, unique story. He even said it’s his fav film he’s ever done . Should have been an Oscar movie.

[@clauderain4888]

I couldnt do it. Something about the first 10 minutes made me think it was gonna be too heavy for me to handle

[@Masked2024]

It's really beautiful, if you can make it through. I definitely cried, though. @@clauderain4888

[@ComedyBros5]

@@clauderain4888 Absolutely not. You HAVE to finish it. It's really quite the unique journey.

[@BeyondDictation]

One thing that always gets me about Nick is how into the art he is, he is a real artist not just an actor. Art is a risk and some people will get it, some people won’t and that’s what makes it great

[@meganchichester9000]

Nic Cage is one of the greatest actors of our time. No one can convince me otherwise. The TRUE national treasure

[@user-oc1np9ck5e]

There's never enough interviews with Cage tbh, I like how he speaks about his career, truly a professional

[@an-qo6by]

I just watched Moonstruck for the first time. It was such a perfect movie. It was surprisingly humorous, well written, and filled with EMOTION. With HEART. Nicolas Cage and Cher's chemistry was sooooo beautiful

[@Carlos44]

Ugh?

[@clauderain4888]

Moonstruck is maybe my fav Cage movie. He is great and somehow plays off cher beautifully even tho she is over 20 years older than him

[@vla8806]

I love the movie city of angels. With him and Meg Ryan

[@ccriders2824]

And Cher’s red dress ...timeless 😊

[@liljeff39]

I think Con-Air was Nic’s ultimate character transformation. He was completely out of his comfort zone and I never felt I was watching Nicolas Cage. He was Cameron Poe.

[@shootinputin6332]

It was his Edward Norton moment, or should I say, that was Norton's Cage moment. Con Air and American History X - two skinny white guys getting absolutely ripped for a role that would be quickly followed by them going back to skinny white guys

[@RyanRumbles434]

This should be on TV every week. I'd watch Cage "watch" his movies 😄

[@quietearthMT78]

I wish we got to hear his comments on making "Raising Arizona". One of my favorite Cage performances!

[@kellybrown740]

I also appreciate his love of the craft, and his knowledge of classic film. It's neat hearing where he gets some of his inspiration for certain scenes.

[@MrKajithecat]

Just a thought but Cage is an older style of actor who hits the highs and lows with much more of a punch, super physical before sound was incorporated, however having dialogue and sound just supercharges his style. He's a one of a kind and knowing that he exists will get us through the ever inching closer apocalypse.

[@lukewilliam3601]

I love how thoughtful he always is with his acting decisions. Even the smallest actions or way of saying things.

[@hightreason7934]

I love Nic's portrayal of Professor John Koestler in "Knowing" (2009). A very underrated and serious performance.

[@dollarsaurus01]

Cage has always been one of our greatest and most versatile screen actors. I feel like his range and talent often get overshadowed by all the memes and the more over-the-top roles he’s played

[@garystevens3506]

Surprised that Adaptation didn’t make the list. Such a sublime movie with amazing performances. Or perhaps even a personal favorite performance as H.I. McDunnough in Raising Arizona. Possibly not shown due to rights on use of footage, but still 2 solid performances.

[@tylerharkness6655]

i could listen to him for hours talking about acting and his thought process into all he does.

[@Czechbound]

A very thoughtful, articulate actor. I wish there was an "Actor On Actor" with him and, of all people, Colin Farrell : another articulate actor who has known the absolute tippity top of fame and film success, and both are acknowledged superb screen actors who have a demonstrated range. *I can't wait to see "Dream Scenario"* . Mr. Cage elevates everything he is in.

[@---l---]

Thanks to Nicholas Cage for sharing all the stories

[@TOMMYOOST]

i wouldve never thought he works so methodically, he's very much aware of everything he does in context to the past. did not see that coming.

[@RumbleFilthskin]

I love his reaction to himself on leaving Las Vegas. It is indeed a very intense moment. And a very intense film. Amazing.

[@MossOGraves]

The fact that they didn’t do Mandy or vampires kiss is sad. Two of his best pieces

[@jimmygillard]

Pig, Mom & Dad and Color out of Space also all great

[@01kaluks24]

Defo agree with Mandy

[@carrisagrace1]

Watch PIG. He even recently said it’s his fav film he’s ever done

[@perrodetokio]

And Wiild At Heart and Bad Lieutenant!

[@thanatoast4389]

@@perrodetokioBad alt is incredible

[@christinanavarre8389]

I'm 66, close enough to Nicolas Cages age....to say he has given wonderful days, afternoons and evenings of funny, sweet, intense, lovely, masterfully done entertainment. Up until this moment Thanksgiving time 2023, Nic has never disappointed me. Because he is true to himself, Nicolas Cage❣️👏

[@robgaming2638]

National Treasure is my all time guilty pleasure movie, Its infinitely rewatchable for me. I hope one day we will get a 3rd installment.

[@plutoniumcore]

We need a part 2,3,4,5

[@mordinsolus161]

I will never get enough of this legend. I truly enjoy listening to him talking about anything. His dedication is just so catching.

[@marekstruhar5574]

I love Nick Cage. We are not laughing at him, we are laughing with him. Never change.

[@thinkforyourself828]

Moonstruck is a masterpiece. A perfect movie.

[@nathancarter6017]

Is everyone out to lunch here? This may be Nic Cages best performance to date. This is a hilarious and on the nose look at his own film career through the lens of self-awareness and comedy. this is really brilliant.

[@ferashdaib7674]

wow Nicolas Cage still remembers the story behind each scene he was in ,and how he came up with each line is mindblowing

[@jermainehaslam5634]

His scene in Face Off when he gets pissed off with seeing his enemies face on his face is one of his best acting moments in the movie.

[@mita6010]

Nic Cage is a national treasure. Think I’ll start my own Nic Cage film festival in my living room, of course it might take a while 😄 but worth it. Put the bunny back in the box, I’ve quoted that a bazillion times.

[@corybuckle944]

Me and my friend have a movie night...called Nic at Night

[@Gamma2224]

I love how genuine he is. It's beautiful

[@DirtyFrigginHarry]

Finding out the bunny in the box scene was entirely Nick's idea just makes me love Con Air even more which I didn't think was possible.

[@jplonsdale7242]

Great scene

[@vincer7824]

We need this to be its own series.

[@ComedyBros5]

I can't believe it's not. Think of all the legendary actors and actresses out there that could offer us some amazing iconic role breakdowns. Daniel Day Lewis, Jeff Bridges, Leo DiCaprio, Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Sam Jackson, Joaquin Phoenix, John Goodman, Brad Pitt, Kurt Russell, Kevin Costner, Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, Robert DeNiro, Sandra Bullock, Helen Mirren, Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchet, Tidla Swinton, Judi Dench, Sigourney Weaver, Viola Davis...the list is endless!

[@vincer7824]

@@ComedyBros5 Yeah that's exactly what I meant lol, not just Nic Cage going through his entire filmography *nervous sweating*

[@ComedyBros5]

@@vincer7824Hahaha, I'd be okay with that too!

[@Anwelei]

This was amazing. No wonder he can be ridiculous and yet so heartfelt. He truly loves his craft.

[@mickbanner]

This is the most Cage way of signing out the video. 😂❤

[@PokhrajRoy.]

He’s so cool! Also, criminally underrated comic timing!

[@amandabillings6881]

I love this so much! We need another one with six more of his films.

[@leespiderpod]

Leaving Las Vegas has to be Nic’s best performance imo

[@jplonsdale7242]

It's based on a true story which I didn't know until recently

[@shootinputin6332]

I think Adaptation is his best performance, but Leaving Las Vegas is absolutely fantastic. Can't go wrong with both.

[@chrisstephenson8311]

All I can say is..”Raising Arizona” love that movie what a classic

[@dennyawright21]

I'm sure this has been said: Nic Cage is a National Treasure. The difference between over the top and overacting is brilliance.

[@ruk2023--]

Probably my favourite actor. Certainly without giving it a lot of thought. He's a fascinating, talented, humble and self-aware person.

[@explicitbanana]

I love Nick Cage. He's capable of laughing at himself and it makes him seem so down to earth. Genuinely a great actor too.

[@Cafeman_2D]

We love the National Treasure films. Not ridiculous to me! I love the line "Its another CLUE!" by his dad. :D

[@brianlagrant9757]

Too bad they didn't talk about Raising Arizona. That's one of the funniest movies of all time. I'd really like to hear Cage's thoughts on his character and how he was developed.

[@ComedyBros5]

Yes! It's such an iconic one for him that is always overlooked!

[@jplonsdale7242]

​@ComedyBros5 not s comedy but nobody ever mentions red rock west which I think is great

[@brianlagrant9757]

@@jplonsdale7242 That is a great movie. I forgot that one.

[@foma42]

This was great. Cage is one of a kind, and I love the love that he has for his craft.

[@faieziabubakar207]

His choices of films always interesting that's why i love his works

[@bobbfredd]

This was really amazing .. just hearing the wonderful process of the bunny in the box ... love the surrealism and creative flow

[@Quirkywatch]

I really appreciate his callbacks to these legendary scenes

[@Cindyalibaster]

this couldve been an hour! love nic

[@Rob-sk1im]

Nick did awesome giving further insight into those scenes.

[@jamesmellish3874]

Feeling very nostalgic hearing Nicolas Cage reminisce about Dream Scenario

[@stephfelis7355]

Nic is a great actor, one of the best. When I saw him in Moonstruck I was bewitched. Interesting he was influenced greatly by Albert Finney, also an incredible acting talent.

[@GGiblet]

Nicolas Cage is himself a National Treasure

[@mitchellmcbeain7882]

Gimme another hour of this please!

[@seltzertime2809]

Finally! A celebrity that doesn’t pretend they don’t know what a meme is.

[@himynamelscolin]

He’s honestly quite interesting to listen to

[@stephengallo5109]

Nobody does a better Nic Cage impression than Nic Cage😂😂😂 He’s the best❤️

[@Gloria7317]

if he started a film podcast i would watch

[@fabriciomendes460]

Every year até least once I rewatch the "Nicolas cage losing his mind" video and it rejuvenates me😂

[@GiovanniAlckmimRusso]

More actors need to be like Nicolas Cage.

[@wulfwood04]

the fact his still remember how many years poe was imprisoned was amazing

[@OmegaJuggalo]

I'll never call him a nepo baby just cause he's such a big nerd for movies, he's the best kind of person to be an actor

[@Butters159]

he will always be someone special to me. my first ever dvd was Con Air.

[@kristenhawkins7776]

He's in incredible actor! He is very intuitive about his awesome career, age has really served him well!!! Love him!!!!

[@AlbertusDeLosCorpus]

Nicholas Cage knows what memes are, and is cool with them. I count that as a win for humanity.

[@GovenorMcLovin]

I wanted to hear his take on that laugh in Valley Girl. I'm not sure why, but that scene has stayed with me.

[@smittygaming5322]

I could listen to him talk all day

[@jacobdehaan4114]

Face/Off is definitely my favorite Nicolas Cage movie

[@mohammedaasim9609]

The way that prepared for his characters it's so difficult and very deeply ❤

[@MithrilMagic]

I love Nick so much. I really wish he would have watched Raising Arizona as well.

[@alex_thecarguy]

I know they're already done with casting and working on one, but if a borderlands movie actually comes to fruition, Cage would be THE perfect fit for handsome jack. And he could bring that to the table like no one else.

[@catt4105]

We need many many more National Treasure movies.

[@jng99]

Such a legend! I hope he keeps making interesting and diverse films for many years to come.

[@kat66meow]

I love you Nic Cage!! You are my favorite actor ever!! Your latest movies are getting better and better like fine wine!! 🖤😻🖤🫶🏼🖤

[@sophie20001]

This was great. Thank you.

[@zanlancer4426]

One of the few actors alive that actually still sees acting as an artform.

[@danholmesfilm]

45 more hours of this please

[@GustavoBrunogustavobrp]

I'm a simple person, I see Nicholas Cage talking about movies and his career, I watch that video.

[@Korealignments]

This was great. Wish we could have seen a scene of Valley Girl, though. That movie is such a guilty pleasure.

[@TheRealSteveWilson]

We want a national treasure 3!