As a long-time fan of horror films and Nicolas Cage‘s extraordinary acting prowess, I was absolutely blown away by his performance in Osgood Perkins’ masterpiece, Longlegs. The movie serves as a testament to what happens when you let an artist like Cage loose on a role, and the results are nothing short of terrifying and mesmerizing.
Caution: This article may reveal major plot points of the movie “Longlegs”. Proceed with caution if you haven’t watched it yet!
Looking back on 2024’s cinematic landscape, my mind constantly drifts back to Nicolas Cage’s mesmerizing portrayal as the terrifying protagonist in Osgood Perkins’ “Longlegs.” Much like he’s done throughout his illustrious career, Cage delivers an electrifying performance, this time as the satanic serial killer Dale Kobble. It’s a chilling portrayal that leaves you trembling. But how did such a standout role come to be? According to Perkins himself, the secret was simply letting Cage work his magic without interference.
Today’s Halloween theme has triggered thoughts about one of the most terrifying films this year, and my summer chat with director Osgood Perkins and actress Maika Monroe during the movie’s virtual press day. In our discussion, I inquired about Perkins’ collaboration with the actors in bringing his script to life, and specifically mentioned Nicholas Cage’s performance. Perkins analogized his directing style to attempting to control the actions of a dangerous, untamed beast when working with Cage. The director himself explained this comparison.
Instead of making him read a text that explains my viewpoint on this matter extensively, I don’t insist or try to force my ideas onto him. It’s similar to trying to guide a tiger in a zoo to behave differently, which obviously doesn’t work. So, at some point, I choose to step back and watch instead of pushing for immediate action. I often refer to this approach as being an observer and a curator. Does that make sense? It’s about letting things unfold naturally rather than forcing a certain outcome.
In the screenplay by Osgood Perkins, Nicolas Cage was tasked with uncovering the identity of Dale Kobble, and the performance that ensued was undeniably intense. Not only did Cage undergo a remarkable physical transformation, but his distinctive high-pitched voice, which seemed to be an attempt at being endearing, and his dramatic emotional fluctuations made him stand out in a captivating way. It’s impossible to look away from him on screen because he is unpredictable and capable of anything, and let’s not forget his eccentric aspirations as a musician.
Osgood Perkins stressed that filmmaking is more than just directing actors; it’s a collective effort where numerous skilled individuals collaborate towards a common objective. While he acknowledges that as the director, he has the ultimate authority in crucial decisions, he encourages everyone on his set to take charge, make their own decisions, and contribute significantly to the project. He further explained this by saying that he values initiative, agency, and impact from every team member.
Ultimately, everyone contributes to the creation process, but at the end of the day, someone has to make the decisions about whether something is accepted or rejected. In essence, I have that power to decide ‘yes’ or ‘no’. It’s a matter of choosing between one path or another. Yet, much of what transpires is driven by others. Is it clearer now? Picture a movie set where countless individuals work tirelessly, and you allow the process to unfold naturally.
It’s tough to disagree with the success of the movie ‘Longlegs.’ I rated it highly (a five-star review) on TopMob, but it garnered universal praise from critics and became one of the most successful films of the summer. If you haven’t watched it or are eager for another viewing, this could be a perfect Halloween choice, and you can now conveniently watch it at home. Unfortunately, the movie isn’t on any subscription streaming platforms, but it is available in 4K UHD and Blu-ray formats. You can buy or rent it digitally from various outlets like Prime Video, Google Play, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV.
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2024-11-01 04:07