Top 10 Times Nicolas Cage Went Full Cage
8. Ghost Rider (2007)
I’m sure no one really knows what it would feel like to slowly and painfully transform into a burning skeletal vengeance demon. But, in Mark Steven Johnson’s second Marvel comic book adaptation (after the abysmal Ben Affleck starrer, Daredevil) Nicolas Cage gets to go full Cage once more in the pivotal Ghost Rider reveal scene.
With his flesh melting away, and the burning skull of the Ghost Rider emerging through, Cage is seen giving a cross between severe screams of agony, satanical laughter, and a slight look of ecstasy.
I mean, sure. Who are we to judge?
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7. Arsenal (2017)
If ever there was a sequel to a movie no one wanted, it would be Arsenal. Believe it or not, Arsenal is a direct-to-video follow-up to Nicolas Cage’s earlier cinematic stinker, Deadfall (which also makes the list). Here, Cage reprises the role of Eddy King, a ruthless crime boss, in this critically panned pseudo-sequel that saw Steven C. Miller (no I hadn’t heard of him either) taking over the director’s seat.
The only redeeming feature comes through giving Cage much more screen time than the previous movie did back in 1993, bringing back the fake nose and moustache of his earlier incarnation for full-on gangster Cage glory.
In a scene that has Cage reading aloud a hand-written letter to his dead criminal brother, Cage gives an impassioned delivery as his kidnapped victim sits opposite, wishing for the sweet release of death (I imagine).
6. Mandy (2018)
Okay, this one feels like a bit of cheat, because not only is this film really quite good, but Cage’s performance in this scene is pretty in-keeping with what had just transpired. After all, how would you react to your loved one being burnt alive before your very eyes?
Having witnessed the fiery death of his beloved girlfriend, Cage’s character eventually manages to untie himself of his restraints and does what most would probably do in his position…
Drink. Like, a lot.
After he starts guzzling down a whole bottle of alcohol, Cage then begins screaming like a crazed animal on a toilet seat in nothing but a bloodied t-shirt and his underwear.
Again, totally within reason.
Still, it’s one of the most fully ‘Cage’ moments on screen and more than earns its mention on the list.
