Nicolas Cage Once Revealed Stars Who Shaped His Legendary Acting Style

by

Despite Nicholas Cage’s reputation for unconventional acting roles, many people are unaware of the influential actors and artists who have inspired him throughout his career.

During a Reddit AMA in 2022, Cage discussed a praise he received from his “Lord of War” co-star Ethan Hawke. Hawke is said to have commented that Cage has introduced something innovative to the craft of acting since Marlon Brando, marking him as one who’s made significant strides in this field.

In a modest manner, Cage admitted, “Ethan’s praise is incredibly gracious, and it’s worth mentioning that we worked together in Lord of War. I’ve always been awestruck by his talent. My creative choices have been influenced not only by modern film stars but also by artists from the silent era, such as Kabuki performers, and legendary actors like James Cagney. Honestly, I can’t claim to have brought anything new to the table because those artistic influences are constantly in my thoughts.

Reflecting on Cage’s artistic journey, it’s apparent that his more emotive and unconventional performances were significantly influenced by the traditional theater of Japan.

Though not immediately apparent, Cage claims that he’s been influenced by James Cagney’s acting style and vitality across his entire career.

In his preparation for the 2010 superhero movie “Kick-Ass,” where he portrayed Big Daddy, Cage drew inspiration from Adam West, a well-known figure in pop culture, best recognized for his role as Batman.

As a devoted cinephile, I’ve got a fun story to share. Once upon a time, I had the pleasure of crossing paths with Adam West. I reminisced about our shared past on screen and jokingly mentioned, “Hey, didn’t you notice I was trying to emulate your style?” He retorted with a witty comeback, “I saw you attempting to channel me!

In a unique fusion, Cage’s works seamlessly integrate timeless film techniques, traditional cultural performances, and offbeat pop culture allusions, resulting in a distinctive style all his own. As he puts it, his artistry is a blend of various inspirations, which gives his performances an air of the unexpected and grandeur that transcends the ordinary.

Read More

2025-09-11 13:45