Nicolas Cage is known for his bold and extravagant acting style. From embodying the expressionist acting of German films in “Moonstruck” to modeling his voice after the Claymation character Pokey from “Gumby” in “Peggy Sue Got Married,” Cage has never been afraid to go big. Even changing his name from Nicolas Coppola to Nicolas Cage, inspired by the comic book superhero Luke Cage, allowed him to create a personal mythology that matched his grand ambitions. “When people think of ‘Nic Cage,’ I want them to expect something unpredictable and a little bit scary,” Cage expressed during an interview in Beverly Hills.
However, over time, audiences began to expect and predict Cage’s larger-than-life performances. Supercuts on YouTube compiled his most extreme and intense moments, and memes based on his wide-eyed expression in “Vampire’s Kiss” only solidified his reputation for outlandishness. Cage could sense the shift, but felt powerless to stop it. How does a star react when the public’s perception of them changes so drastically?
In “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent,” Cage parodied himself by playing an exaggerated version of his own persona. But he found even more depth to explore in his latest film, “Dream Scenario,” set to release soon. Produced by Ari Aster and written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli, the A24 film stars Cage as Paul Matthews, a modest college professor who inexplicably starts appearing in people’s dreams. At first, Paul embraces the newfound fame that comes with being viral, but as the collective dreams turn into nightmares, he becomes helpless against the public’s backlash.
“For me, this movie is an intriguing exploration of the fame experience,” Cage explained. He considers “Dream Scenario” to be one of the best scripts he’s ever read, alongside films like “Leaving Las Vegas,” “Raising Arizona,” “Vampire’s Kiss,” and “Adaptation.” Despite Paul being portrayed as a well-meaning but ineffective academic, Cage’s portrayal adds a fascinating and humorous dimension to the character. Watching Paul navigate through scenes in oversized parkas and hiking boots, responding to each new indignity with a pinched voice, is a delight.
The film received positive reviews at its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, and combined with Cage’s critically acclaimed performance in “Pig” (2021), it seems he’s on an upward trajectory in his career. However, Cage rejects the notion of a renaissance, emphasizing that he has always approached his material with the same passion and process. “Perhaps it’s more of a rediscovery,” he reflected.
During the interview, Cage discussed his experience with fame and his initial confusion when people sought his autograph. He never pursued acting for the sake of fame or accolades, but rather for telling compelling stories and connecting with audiences on a deeper level. He acknowledged that fame comes with its challenges, such as people treating him differently and taking covert pictures in restaurants. However, he remains grateful for his fans and is comfortable engaging with them now.
Cage also touched upon the evolving nature of fame in the digital age, where people are eager to capture viral moments and ride the coattails of others’ notoriety. He recounted instances where he had been unknowingly recorded in bars and the videos ended up on TikTok, causing him to reconsider his public outings. Despite the challenges, Cage appreciates that “Dream Scenario” reflects these contemporary issues and remains relevant in today’s world.