Nicolas Cage, the eclectic and often enigmatic Hollywood star, recently shed light on the driving force behind his diverse and sometimes questionable filmography.
The 59-year-old actor, renowned for his roles in critically acclaimed films like Leaving Las Vegas - for which he won an Academy Award - has also been known for his participation in a variety of less-celebrated movies.
In a candid interview with 60 Minutes, Cage revealed the financial motivations behind his choices in recent years.
Cage's acting career is nothing short of remarkable - spanning over 100 movies.
With a journey that includes action-packed blockbusters such as Con Air, The Rock, and Face/Off, Cage also s established himself as a versatile and enduring figure in the film industry with roles in movies like he charming 1994 rom-com It Could Happen to You.
However, some of his more recent roles in lesser-known films like Bangkok Dangerous, 211, and Outcast have raised questions about his selection criteria. (Let's be honest, have any of you seen any of those movies?) Watch Cage explain why he made so many bad movies:
The answer, as Cage disclosed, lies in his past financial struggles. Despite once being one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors with a net worth exceeding $150 million, Cage faced considerable financial turmoil.
His penchant for extravagant spending, including purchases of European castles, Rolls Royces, and unusual items like a dinosaur skull, eventually led to significant issues with the IRS over unpaid taxes. The economic crash of 2007/2008 further exacerbated these problems, decimating many of his investments.
Reflecting on this challenging period, Cage shared: "I was over-invested in real estate. It wasn’t because I spent $80 on an octopus. The real estate market crashed, and I couldn’t get out in time. I paid them all back but it was about $6 million." He acknowledged this time as a "dark time" in his life but proudly stated that he avoided bankruptcy, crediting his continuous work in film for his financial recovery.
"No doubt work was always my guardian angel. It may not have been blue chip, but it was still work," Cage remarked. He also emphasized his commitment to each and every role, stating: "Even if the movie ultimately is crummy, they know I’m not phoning it in, that I care every time."
Addressing the 'Cage Rage' phenomenon - which celebrates his more over-the-top performances - Cage noted that fans shouldn't expect that style in every film. "There are those folks who think the only good acting I can do [is] the acting I chose to do by design, which was more operatic and larger-than-life, the so-called 'Cage Rage'. You’re not going to get that all the time," he added.
Cage's financial situation was humorously mirrored in the 2022 action comedy The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, where he plays a fictionalized version of himself.
In the movie, he accepts a $1 million offer to attend a billionaire's birthday party in Majorca, reflecting his real-life need to take on work. The film was well-received, boasting an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, further proving Cage's enduring appeal and talent - and proof that he certainly has many incredible roles left in the tank.
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