Laura Dern and Nic in Wild at Heart (1990)
Nicolas Cage: while the world laughs, we clap! (Can’t wait to see Bad Lieutenant …Herzog!)
- “Cage has two speeds, intense and intenser. I like both speeds. I find him an intriguing actor because he takes chances. He’s an actor without speed limits. You want an Elvis who parachutes into Vegas? A weatherman whose viewers throw fast food at him? An explorer of the national treasures buried far beneath Washington? He’s your go-to guy.” – Roger Ebert on Knowing (2009), The Chicago Sun Times
First, a highlight reel of respectable films:
- Knowing (2009…totally underrated)
- Matchstick Men (2003)
- Adaptation (2002)
- Bringing Out The Dead (1999)
- Leaving Las Vegas (1995)
- Red Rock West (1993)
- Wild at Heart (1990)
- Vampire’s Kiss (1988)
- Moonstruck (1987)
- Raising Arizona (1987)
- Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)
- Birdy (1984)
- Rumble Fish (1983)
- Valley Girl (1983)
Secondly, a highlight reel of guilty pleasures:
- Ghost Rider (2007. Come ON. A bikeriding skeleton!!!! My bad: a bike riding Nic Cage skeleton!)
- Con Air (1997…this film is an essay in 90’s-era action film cliches)
- National Treasure (2004)
- Gone in Sixty Seconds (2000…thankyouthankyouthankyou! So much material for excellent Nic Cage impersonations. See video below.)
..And, never mind the absolute schlock, all great movie stars have ‘em.
- “I have great affection for Harrison Ford, George Clooney and Brad Pitt. But can they go rockabilly like Nic did in “Wild at Heart?” Not that I liked the movie, but it’s a good question. With him it’s a lion-tamer on a high-wire. Anybody can play the ringmaster.” - Roger Ebert, The Chicago Sun Times“
Nic in Peggy Sue got Married
Nicolas Cage as Fu Manchu- a mock trailer shown during the intermission of Grindhouse (2007):
- “There are often lists of the great living male movie stars: De Niro, Nicholson and Pacino, usually. How often do you see the name of Nicolas Cage? He should always be up there. He’s daring and fearless in his choice of roles, and unafraid to crawl out on a limb, saw it off and remain suspended in air. No one else can project inner trembling so effectively.” – Roger Ebert on Adaptation (2002), The Chicago Sun Times
Hats off!
Did you know that Nic’s snakeskin jacket from Wild at Heart was his own and not from wardrobe? Do you love him even more now, Goodwyn?
Love this one!
Erin,
What makes you an excellent friend is that you know what’s important in life. Thanks for sharing! My adoration is amplified. My eyes are blind to any creepiness or unsavory personal life stuff- the jacket eclipses all.
and he is especially remarkable in this little ditty:
Then I’m sure you’ve seen this one, Mike!
[...] In praise of Nicolas Cage (he is so deserving) [...]