Action REPLAY

Nicolas Cage,who has completed three decades in Hollywood,reminisces about his early years,his action-hero image and what drives him even today.

Nicolas Cage,who has completed three decades in Hollywood,reminisces about his early years,his action-hero image and what drives him even today.

Season Of The Witch is a supernatural thriller. At this stage of your career,why did you plan on taking up such an unconventional subject?
I was in the right place at the right time in my mind,for this kind of role. I wanted to make a movie that was really scary,play a knight and hang out in the forest. It was also another chance to work with Chuck Roven. We made City Of Angels together,and I wanted to go back into the supernatural with him.

What are the most challenging aspects of bringing a period piece like this to life?
I think the challenge was really trying to be authentic and commit to the idea of myself as a knight,and the two ways into that were the horseback riding and the sword fighting.

Those were the elements that had to be authentic,otherwise I dont think it would have worked. But,the fun of it really is just this opportunity to bring to life this childs dream that I have,and also the awe and mystery of invisible forces at work,that may or may not exist.

You have been very popular in the action/adventure genre.
Honestly speaking,I am really tired of holding a gun and entertaining people. For some time now,I have been doing movies that dont exhaust me too much. These are roles that still entertain. But having said that any of my personal beliefs or opinions run the risk of impinging on my relationship with the movies that I have done so far.

How was your entry into the industry 30 years ago?
My start in Hollywood wasnt such an easy thing. I played the role of an extra in Brubaker and till The Outsider,I wasnt seen as an actor but as the nephew of Francis Ford Coppola. It was only after Valley Girl did I really start to work as an actor.

Which of your films served as a turning point in your career?
My turning point came about when I changed my name from Nicolas Kim Coppola to Nicolas Cage. It was an industry murmur that I had got it easy because of my uncle Francis Ford Coppola. It wasnt until I changed my name and went into the audition for Valley Girl that I felt liberated. But in terms of movies,Leaving Las Vegas most definitely will be the turning point or rather the motivating point of my life.

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Has age slowed you down as an actor?
I am just as passionate as I always was because Im eclectic and I like to keep my interest levels high,and the only way to go about it is to do new things. Thats why youre seeing me make so many movies right now that are in the fantasy and supernatural genres. I havent really done it before.

Whats next on the agenda?
Next is Drive Angry,which is a 3D action/thriller film. I play the role of a father who wants to avenge the killing of his daughter.