How Pig Shows the Depth and Nuance of Cage’s Performances, Challenging the Memeification of His Work
The internet’s memeification of Nicolas Cage, from his infamous lines like “How’d it get burned?” in The Wicker Man to his dramatic moments in Vampire’s Kiss, has led to both adoration and mockery. While these moments showcase Cage’s audacious, larger-than-life style, they risk distorting his true acting craft, reducing him to a punchline rather than acknowledging the depth of his performances.
Yet his latest project, Pig, offers a powerful reminder of Cage’s range as an actor. In the film, his portrayal of a reclusive truffle hunter is a masterclass in subtlety and restraint, showcasing his acting philosophy of “Nouveau Shamanic”—a technique where the character takes over his body and soul. Far from being a caricature, Cage’s performance in Pig demonstrates his ability to fully inhabit a role, with a depth that challenges the assumption that his career is merely defined by over-the-top moments.