Acting for almost 30 years, Cage has been responsible for producing and starring in some of hollywoods most entertaining films. Spending his early days on the TV as a presenter, Cage rose to fame with early hits such as Wild At Heart and Raising Arizona. Wild At Heart is definately one of my own most memorable films from Cage, mostly for its strange and eccentric plot line which is consistently on a twist throughout the film.
One of my all time favorites from Cage has got to be Lord of War. This film is not only a great story line, but Cage brings many different emotions and faces to one role. I find this something which actors dont often have the chance to do in a film, as most roles are very one sided. I particularly like when cage loses the plot in Africa after his brothers death, and he takes a hit of “brown brown”, a mix of cocaine and gunpowder. The incredibly vivid dreams he has at this point of the film are brilliant. This and the bit where Cage’s character tells the officer how he wont be imprisoned for very long…genius.
As well as this, I think some of Cages best films have got to be:
Face Off
Starting out in the film as Caster Troy, a sophisticated and dirty villian, Cage has to flip his acting nature to become a committed, straight down the line cop. Spending most of the film playing Sean Archer, Cage is superb as he uses those around him to try and get his old life back. Most memorable moment of this film? Its got to be the shoot out from the funeral at the end. An excellent scene in particular is when Cage pulls out the golden guns. Buy Face Off
City of Angels
Warm and affectionate, Cage plays Seth, an angel that looks over the living and guides them through difficult times. The living cant see him, touch him, or feel him. When Seth is looking after a hospital patient, he comes across Maggie (Meg Ryan), a doctor in the hospital. Unable to control the feelings he is experiencing, Seth decides to take a jump and become mortal, so that he can be with her. A heartfelt tale of love and devotion, I have always enjoyed this film since the first time I saw it. I think its probably to do with the on screen connection between Cage and Ryan which makes the film and its plot so powerful, and also so tragic. Buy City of Angels
Captain Corelli’s Mandolin
Based on the novel but known to many for deviating away from it, Captain Corellis Mandolin stars Cage as Captain Antonio Corelli, an irrepressibly jovial captain who has a natural passion for the mandolin instrument. When he and his soldiers land on the greek island of Cephallonia the captain meets and falls in love with a local by the name of Pelagia (Penelope Cruz), daughter of the village doctor. Cages character grows fond of the woman, and as the war progresses, both must decide where they stand and whats most important to them – their love for each other or their love for their countries. The film, noted for having a potentially better ending that the book, apparently didnt sit well with many viewers. I for one think its one of Cages best films and am sure you guys will agree. Buy Captain Corelli’s Mandolin
Matchstick Men (2003)
Cage plays Roy, a con artist with a lot of mental health issues. Screaming “Pygmies” everytime something disturbes him, Roy realises he needs help to control his problems and to be happier within himself. Discovering he has a long lost daughter, Roy realises that all he nees to live well and be happy is her. He contemplates changing his lifestyle to accomodate her, and with regret takes her under his wing to show her how to con. Here unfolds a fantastic story which tells of Roy being double crossed by those around him that he trusts as his nearest and dearest. Excellent film that led me to read the book. Buy Matchstick Men
All great films by Cage. If you have read this and dont really know where to start, Id reccomend you first get Lord of War or Matchstick Men as these are my personal favorites.
