Owen G.’s A- review of Nic Cage in Bad Lieutenant says, for once, the mannerisms fit the role:
Except that Cage is now doing his operatic bug-eyed intensity thing because the role actually calls for it. As Terence McDonagh, a homicide cop who is always high on coke and heroin, Cage walks with a crooked slouch and a barely visible tilt of the head; he gives this rogue officer a touch of Igor. McDonagh whips himself into adrenalized states beyond doubt or fear, but he also uses his addictions to be a better cop. He’s a crackhead undercover agent in hell.
And Ebert’s four star review (we already knew he loved the film out of Toronto):
No one is better at this kind of performance than Nicolas Cage. He’s a fearless actor. He doesn’t care if you think he goes over the top. If a film calls for it, he will crawl to the top hand over hand with bleeding fingernails. Regard him in films so various as “Wild at Heart” and “Leaving Las Vegas.” He and Herzog were born to work together. They are both made restless by caution.
So there you have it. Yet another actor to consider in this very crowded race. The Oscar race is truly a Darwinian exercise when a category is as crowded and competitive as this one – if there were twenty slots, no problem filling them. But with only five? Films that are more beloved may trump singular performances in badly reviewed, or “just okay” films. But beloved actor in great performance can trump all. Where does Nic Cage fit into this? One thing is for sure about this film and this actor: he’s getting a strong push by the studio, which, in this case, will make all of the difference.
18 Responses for "Nicolas Cage in Bad Lieutenant"
I’m going to be absurdly political and say that much as I can’t wait for Bad Lieutenant, I don’t want Cage to be nominated.
This isn’t his fault, and I know it sounds unreasonable, but the fact that Harvey Keitel wasn’t nominated for his brutal, uncompromising, brilliant performance in 1992 is a travesty. Especially when you consider the winner that year (Pacino doing Hoo-ah? Really?) Had Robert De Niro given the same performance, he would’ve won every major award that year, but sadly Keitel had to settle for cult status for, I don’t know, bearing his soul.
I’m sure Nic Cage gives some of his best work in this film but I’d be surprised if the genius of Herzog will even come close to Abel Ferrara’s underrated masterpiece.
I thought I read that this movie was going to DVD…In fact I’m pretty sure I read it either here or over at In Contention….
I had Cage as my wild card for Best Actor…not looking so wild anymore.
Nicolas Cage is superb in “Bad Lieutenant”. It’s his best poerformance since “Leaving Las Vegas”.
I agree. Nic Cage could very well be included in the short list. I would not be surprised at all.
Go Nic Cage, Go!
Herzog is a genius in his own right. Just watch Aguirre, Wrath of God with Klaus Kinski. I don’t think there is a basis for comparison here. Ferrara and Herzog are both good. End of Story.
Oh I agree. I’m sure Bad Lieutenant is an excellent film, and one of the few functional remakes, and I agree that Herzog is a genius. But seriously, Keitel was robbed, and if Nic Cage is nominated, he better acknowledge Keitel and Ferrara.
True…
Incidentally, have you seen Herzog and Kinski’s remake of Nosferatu? Obviously it’s not as good as the Murnau film but it’s a damn haunting companion piece. On that basis alone, I’m looking forward to Bad Lieutenant.
Yes. Love Isabelle Adjani to death. Terrific actress.
Such range…..
Cage was so snubbed for the Wicker Man….
Nicolas Cage needs a comeback after many years of crap movies. This is his chance.
Do it, Academy!
Hey Sasha/Ryan…
How about Cage for a Best Actor in a Musical/Comedy for the Golden Globes ? I know B.L. isn’t an outright comedy, but there will be laughs from his performance don’t ya think ?
what the what?!? 89 on Rottentomatoes out of 47 reviews, with an additional 89 for 16 out of 18 top critics?!? But… we were all so ready for this to be the ulimate Cage-crapfest! What happened?
Noah, Hoo-hah! It takes two to tango.
I am telling you. This film is so bad, it is brilliant. I am agog at all the 4 star reviews. This is “DeathWish” , which is one of the greatest guilty pleasures of all time. I will watch this film over and over and over again on HBO, but to be serious when calling it great makes me chuckle.
Although – maybe I just need to understand that guilty was what Herzog might have been going for in the first place and take it on that accord….
The title of this piece misspells Nicolas’ first name.
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