THN’s Top Ten Nicolas Cage Performances

This week sees the return of Johnny Blaze, the Ghost Rider. Yes that’s right, ol’ horsey-chops himself, Nic Cage, is back on the big screen. Whether you love or hate him (and there’s little doubt – Cage divides opinion) there’s no denying he has incredible screen presence and an eclectic back catalogue of movies. To celebrate the release of GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE, THN has taken a look back at its favourite Nic Cage performances…

10. THE WICKER MAN (2006)

Rightly described as a pile of tripe, the film is only watchable for Cage’s over-the-top and wild performance as Edward Malus, the sheriff investigating the disappearance of a young girl in a neo-pagan community. Any man who will happily run around in a bear suit gets our thumbs up!

9. DRIVE ANGRY (2011)

Another outrageously exaggerated Cage performance. This time he hams it up as an escapee of hell who begins hunting down his daughters’ killer. Yes the film loses its way when it gets semi-serious towards the end but the first half hour or so is delightful trash.

8. CON AIR (1997)

The first of a few Jerry Bruckheimer collaborations in the list, Cage stars as Cameron Poe, a man released from prison who gets caught up in a mid-air escape attempt by other prisoners. Wearing nothing but a dirty old vest for the majority of the film and kicking a whole lot of con ass, Cage brings it all in only his second action role.

7. FACE/OFF (1997)

Traversing roles through the film with John Travolta Cage again proved his action metal in John Woos 1997 action epic. Yes it’s dated now but seeing Cage look like he’s actually losing his mind on screen is still a joy.

6. RAISING ARIZONA (1987)

Alongside Holly Hunter in the Coen-directed RAIZING ARIZONA, Cage shows his comedy credentials in the 1987 classic. Cage excels in playing H.I McDunnough, who along with his wife kidnaps a baby to raise as their own . Given a script by Joel and Ethan Coen and free reign to act the fool it’s humorous with a heart from start to finish.

5. WILD AT HEART (1990)

David Lynch and Nicolas Cage were seemingly made for each other. Sailor Ripley, the Elvis impersonating lover of Laura Dern’s Lula is a part only Cage could bring to life. Released in 1990, this chase movie revolves around the relationship between Ripley and Lula as they flee town and are tracked by killers. This was the first role Cage gave that showed his truly crazy side, something he now has trademarked.

4. NATIONAL TREASURE/NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS (2004 & 2007)

Cage’s most successful films at the box office; lacking in originality they may be but it’s another Bruckheimer collaboration that works. Playing Benjamin Franklin Gates, Cage largely goes through the motions but is eminently watchable. Plus he gets to tell a woman to shut up whilst passing her the declaration of independence. How Disney has changed.

3. LEAVING LAS VEGAS (1995)

Oscar glory beckoned the minute Cage stumbles into shot in Mike Figgis’ 1995 film about an alcoholic screenwriter who aims to drink himself to death in Vegas. Fortunately for us, Elizabeth Shue’s Sara, a prostitute, turns up to add some comedy. Okay that last bit isn’t true. The film is an extraordinarily tough watch but the two lead performances keep us hooked.

2. THE ROCK (1996)

Cage, Connery, Harris and too many recognisable faces to mention? Welcome to THE ROCK. This Michael Bay-directed action epic shows Cage’s versatility and ability on screen. Surrounded by the previously mentioned cast and equally strong supporting roles he holds his own with ease. Given this was Cage’s choice to follow up LEAVING LAS VEGAS it’s a revelatory performance.

1. BAD LIEUTENANT (2009)

Starring as Terence McDonagh, the role is, like Ripley in Wild At Heart, seemingly written for Nic Cage. Given a script full of dark humour and its manic director, the film is tremendous entertainment and though dark in places, has a fun edge. Cage’s performance exemplifies everything that is good about him he’s crazed, in feeding his drug addiction, but has a huge heart shown in his relationship with Eva Mendes’ character.

GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE is released in UK cinemas Friday 17th February.