Writer-director Osgood Perkins said Nicolas Cage, who played the evil title character in Longlegs, gave his best in the role. Perkins described Cage’s portrayal of the diabolical serial killer as “pivotal” and called it both provocative and dignified.
Cage’s dedication to playing the character adds authenticity to the film, increasing its depth and drama. His collaboration with Perkins showcased his flexibility as an actor and greatly improved the film’s creepy and compelling plot.
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Nicolas Cage: Dedication and precision in Hollywood
According to Osgood ‘Oz’ Perkins, who spoke to PEOPLE, Nicolas Cage’s involvement in the entertainment industry is often in contrast to its usual rejection and challenges. He said actors will sometimes look at a script and say, “I’d love this, and I’d want to do it.”
Perkins praised the actor’s remarkable hard work and speed, and compared him to a machine for his ability to memorize every performance, film, and even song lyrics. Cage’s approach reflects his unwavering dedication to his craft, which makes him a standout amongst the uncertainties and setbacks that define Hollywood.
Perkins claims that Nicolas Cage’s depth of knowledge and sophistication became apparent early in the production of the lead role in Longlegs. Perkins recalled, “He had no interest in improvising. When I suggested he could say whatever he wanted, he firmly replied that he wanted to perform the words as written without any changes.”
Intended to be a light-hearted homage to the 1991 film The Silence of the Lambs, Longlegs stars Maika Monroe as an FBI agent comparable to Jodie Foster’s Clarice Starling and Nicolas Cage as a serial killer reminiscent of Anthony Hopkins’ legendary character Hannibal Lecter.
Perkins envisioned Nicolas Cage’s character in Longlegs as adaptable and able to fit into different situations. He saw the antagonist as a man who appears sad, like a clown, arrives unexpectedly at a child’s birthday party but also has a dark side. Cage’s fidelity to the script shows how serious he is about playing the role well, and capturing different aspects of it in different stories.
The character was gradually shaped by Perkins, Cage, special effects makeup artist Harlow McFarlane, and Vancouver, Canada-based Amazing Apes. In the case of Longlegs, this also meant real “sculpting,” according to Perkins.
Transformation of Nicolas Cage in Longlegs
Nicolas Cage said he was excited for the change and that he really wanted to play the character disappearing. Although he had never used prosthetics extensively in a film before, he expressed genuine interest in the concept of the role.
As filming progressed, Cage began experimenting with creepy mannerisms and a singing voice. During pre-production, director Osgood Perkins commented on how well they worked together and how in sync they were.
When Perkins said something unexpected, such as mentioning the T. rex influence in the film, Cage excitedly told him about his recent experience teaching his child the reverse guitar solo from Cosmic Dancer in Electric Warrior.
Longlegs is one of the most terrifying villains in recent cinema, and he is largely hidden throughout the film, further increasing his menacing presence. Director Perkins deliberately kept Longlegs’ face hidden or barely visible until the film’s climax, a strategy also mirrored in promotional materials, where Cage’s appearance was conspicuously absent due to a decision by distributor Neon.
Cage explained that his late mother Joy Vogelsang, who suffered from depression and schizophrenia, served as a strong personal inspiration for the role. He added, “I approached it from the perspective of understanding what really contributed to my mother’s mental health struggles.”
Also read: ‘Really scared me’: Nicolas Cage reveals this childhood memory inspired him for Longlegs role
