To celebrate the release of LONGLEGS (were you at our exclusive advance screening tonight?), join The Reaper as we trot down memory lane to revisit some of the best genre performances from one of my favourite actors.
Cage has made so many films and he ALWAYS gives it his all. Never more so than in this selection, so in no particular order…
In MANDY, Cage’s grief-stricken Red Miller goes from soft and tender to violent and determined in Panos Cosmatos’ searing vision of a man avenging the murder of his beloved.
COLOUR OUT OF SPACE sees Cage meet H.P. Lovecraft and the result is a spectacular performance. As the patriarch of a family at the mercy of a fallen meteorite and what it contains, Cage changes his speech as the film progresses and the organism takes hold of him which leads to good old body horror and aggression.
VAMPIRE’S KISS is completely elevated by Cage’s turn as Peter Loew, who may or may not be turning into a vampire. No piece of scenery is left unchewed as Cage rampages through the film and ensure we’ll never hear the alphabet in the same way ever again.
Oh yes, I’m including THE WICKER MAN. Nothing can compare to the original, but Cage absolutely goes for it and delivers an all-timer performance. Without that, this would be simply another forgotten remake of the 00’s. Some would say to take those lines and create such a lasting impact is the mark of a genius at work.
MOM & DAD sees Cage playing house with Selma Blair in a world where parents turn homicidal against their own children, and Cage relishes playing the bad dad terrorising his offspring.
Honourable Mentions –
BRINGING OUT THE DEAD, WILLY’S WONDERLAND, DREAM SCENARIO
