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What Happened To Nicolas Cage | Full Biography ( Face/Off, Kick-Ass, Mandy)

Biographer・35 minutes read

Nicolas Cage's career and personal life have been marked by ups and downs, from significant roles in iconic films to personal relationships and financial struggles. Despite challenges, Cage has shown resilience and dedication to his craft, leading to critical acclaim in recent performances and a resurgence in his career, culminating in his fifth marriage and upcoming fatherhood.

Insights

  • Nicolas Cage's career has been marked by a blend of personal challenges, such as financial struggles and relationship complexities, alongside professional successes, including critical acclaim for his acting skills and dedication to roles, showcasing a resilient and multifaceted individual who navigates both highs and lows in his life and career.
  • Cage's filmography reflects a diverse range of projects, from successful blockbusters like "National Treasure" to critically acclaimed indie films like "Mandy," demonstrating his versatility and willingness to explore unique and unconventional roles that challenge traditional expectations, ultimately contributing to his enduring appeal and recognition as a talented actor across various genres and styles.

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  • Who is Nicolas Cage?

    An actor with a diverse career in film.

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Summary

00:00

Nicolas Cage: From Childhood Dreams to Stardom

  • Nicolas Cage, born Nicolas Coppola, was raised in a creative family, with his famous uncle being director Francis Ford Coppola.
  • Cage's childhood was marked by his desire to become an actor, inspired by idols like James Dean and Bruce Lee.
  • Despite facing bullying due to his famous surname, Cage cleverly handled the situation by adopting a tough persona.
  • His parents' divorce at 12 impacted him, with his father providing an intellectual influence and his mother an emotional one.
  • Cage pursued acting early on, attending the School of Theater, Film, and Television at UCLA.
  • He made his film debut in 1981, facing initial setbacks but eventually landing significant roles in films like "Valley Girl" and "Rumble Fish."
  • Cage's breakthrough came with "Peggy Sue Got Married" in 1986, directed by his uncle, Francis Ford Coppola.
  • He continued to excel in films like "Moonstruck" and "Raising Arizona," showcasing his versatility and dedication to his craft.
  • Cage's personal life saw ups and downs, including relationships with actresses Jenny Wright and Christina Fulton.
  • Despite facing box office disappointments, Cage's career remained active, with notable films like "Wild at Heart" and "Red Rock West."

14:14

Nicolas Cage: Actor, Husband, Philanthropist, Collector

  • Nicolas Cage was given a list of tasks to become an actress' husband, including getting a black orchid and an autograph from writer Salinger.
  • Cage fulfilled the actress' wishes, but she later asked him to stop. Eight years later, she called him to ask if he still wanted to marry her.
  • Cage broke up with his then-fiancée to marry the actress in 1995, but their marriage only lasted for six years.
  • Cage's career peaked in 1995 with the movie "Leaving Las Vegas," where he played an alcoholic in love with a call girl.
  • Cage extensively researched his role, including studying alcoholics, drinking in Dublin, and hiring a poet for inspiration.
  • Despite low expectations, "Leaving Las Vegas" received critical acclaim and awards, surprising Cage.
  • Cage continued his successful career with movies like "The Rock" and "Con Air," where he portrayed dynamic action characters.
  • Cage's love for comics led him to defend superhero movies and collect vintage editions, including a stolen Action Comics No. 1.
  • Cage's philanthropy included donations to Amnesty International and Hurricane Katrina victims, earning him a Humanitarian award.
  • Cage's personal life included a short-lived marriage to Lisa Marie Presley and roles in successful films like "Adaptation" and "National Treasure."

27:32

Nicolas Cage's Career: From Treasure Hunt to Resurgence

  • The film about a treasure hunt, despite not impressing critics, became popular due to a meme from the main character, Ben Gates.
  • The complex plot of the film required the input of either five or nine screenwriters, resulting in an original version lasting four hours.
  • The director of the film, Jon Turteltaub, had a long-standing friendship with Nicolas Cage, having attended high school together and participated in school plays.
  • Symbolic details in the film include characters named after Founding Fathers and the heroine's name being a combination of historical figures.
  • The film's unexpected popularity led to a sequel being produced in 2007, marking Cage's first sequel in his career.
  • Cage's interest in history and puzzles led him to search for the Holy Grail, eventually purchasing real estate in Rhode Island.
  • Cage's career took a downturn with a series of unsuccessful films, leading to financial troubles and debts amounting to $6 million to the tax service.
  • Despite financial struggles, Cage continued working on various films, some receiving negative reviews but showcasing his talent and dedication.
  • Cage's performance in the film "Joe" received critical acclaim, highlighting his acting skills and potential for a career resurgence.
  • The film "Mandy" in 2018 marked a significant departure from Cage's previous projects, receiving positive reviews for its unique style, directing, and Cage's powerful performance.

41:38

Nicolas Cage: Career Resurgence and Personal Triumph

  • Thrillist website named "Mandy" the best Nicolas Cage film in recent years, likening it to a mix of "Mad Max" and the Ironman competition.
  • Nick Allen from RogerEbert.com praised Cage's performance in "Mandy," highlighting the director's style and Cage's ability to embody unique characters.
  • Cage voiced Spider-Man Noir in the successful animated film "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," showcasing his versatility in voice acting.
  • In 2021, Cage married for the fifth time to Riko Shibata, expressing confidence in this relationship and expecting a child, while also receiving critical acclaim for his role in the film "Pig," signaling a resurgence in his career.
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