Nicolas Cage explains why he doesn’t consider himself an actor. One of the most recognized performers of his generation, Cage’s formidable career has spanned three decades with roles in iconic films. These include Adaptation, National Treasure, Face/Off, and Leaving Las Vegas - the film that snagged him an Oscar win.
Noted for his eccentric personality, Cage has developed a reputation for his extreme method acting. Occasions of Cage immersing himself into experiences to relate to his onscreen characters have included eating a steak-only diet for months, removing teeth without anesthesia, and snorting saccharin to embrace the mindset of a drug addict. The Con Air star’s quirky style of perfecting his craft has also translated to his personal life. Recently, Cage delivered a compelling performance in the thriller drama, Pig, which has been hailed as one of the actor's best of his career. Now, Cage opens up about why he doesn't call himself an actor.
Speaking on the Variety’s Award Circuit Podcast, Cage explains why he doesn’t prefer to use the term "actor" when referring to himself. Cage reveals that he considers himself a thespian and thinks the use of the word "actor" can imply that someone who is deemed an actor is a “great liar.” Read Cage’s full comment on why he doesn’t consider himself an actor below:
For me it always implies, ‘Oh, he’s a great actor, therefore he’s a great liar,’ So with the risk of sounding like a pretentious asshole, I like the word ‘thespian’ because thespian means you’re going into your heart, or you’re going into your imagination, or your memories or your dreams, and you’re bringing something back to communicate with the audience.
Addressing his performances throughout the years, Cage says he prefers to take a naturalist approach and admits he experimented with operatic style performances with his roles in Prisoners of Ghostland and Vampire’s Kiss. Slated to star as Dracula in Universal’s Renfield, Cage shows no sign of slowing down. The thespian will soon unveil a new range of creative freedom with his upcoming meta-drama film, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, which stars Cage as himself. Considered a legend in the industry, Cage has certainly made a string of films that have flopped, but he revealed he has no plans to retire and could have a long career ahead of him.
Cage’s career has witnessed highs and lows, but there is no denying he is constantly looking for his next mark. No doubt, Cage continuously surprises his audience and appears to have a surplus of real-life experiences to incorporate into his characters. Cage may prefer to be called a thespian instead of an actor, but he is a staple performer in the entertainment industry, regardless. For now, Nicolas Cage continues to captivate his audience with unique choices when it comes to his career.
Source: Variety