I’ve watched every single Nicolas Cage film made so far. Here’s what I learned about him – and myself

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"Exploring Nicolas Cage's Filmography: A Doctor's Journey of Discovery and Connection"

I’ve watched every single Nicolas Cage film made so far. Here’s what I learned about him – and myself analysis cover image The Guardian 7.8
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/may/12/ive-watched-every-single-nicolas-cage-film-made-so-far-heres-what-i-learned-about-him-and-myself
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AI Analysis Average Score: 7.8
These scores (0-10 scale) are generated by Truthlens AI's analysis, assessing the article's objectivity, accuracy, and transparency. Higher scores indicate better alignment with journalistic standards. Hover over chart points for metric details.

TruthLens AI Summary

The author reflects on their journey of watching every film starring Nicolas Cage, a project that began during the COVID-19 pandemic while they were studying for medical exams. Initially drawn to Cage's latest film, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, they decided to explore his extensive filmography, which consists of over 100 films, by watching them in chronological order. This endeavor was not just about enjoying cinema; it became a structured project with self-imposed rules, such as only watching Cage movies at home and prioritizing them in social settings. Throughout this three-month experience, the author developed a newfound respect for Cage, appreciating his diverse range of performances, particularly in romantic comedies like Moonstruck and It Could Happen to You. They noted that while Cage has appeared in some critically panned films, his unique acting style often gets misinterpreted by audiences who are more familiar with the meme culture surrounding him.

Moreover, the author discusses how this film-watching project positively impacted their life, providing a creative outlet amid the pressures of their career as a general practitioner. They found joy in sharing their Cage enthusiasm with patients and friends, even getting a tattoo of a quote from one of his films, which sparked conversations about Cage during consultations. The project also served as a means of social connection, as many people have strong opinions about Cage, making it an engaging topic for discussion. After completing the Cage project with the release of Dream Scenario, the author continued to explore other film-watching challenges, although they remarked on the uniqueness of Cage's filmography, suggesting that no other actor could inspire such an immersive experience. The overall takeaway from this journey was that engaging with films can enhance personal well-being and foster connections with others, transforming entertainment into a meaningful part of life.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The article explores the author's personal journey of watching every film starring Nicolas Cage, ultimately leading to reflections about both the actor and the author's own life choices. The narrative reveals how a deep dive into Cage's filmography provided insights not only into the actor's career but also into the author's perspectives on personal growth, expectations, and the nature of art.

Intention Behind the Article

The purpose appears to be a blend of personal reflection and cultural commentary. By recounting the experience of watching Cage's films in chronological order, the author illustrates how film can influence one's understanding of self and societal norms. The article aims to foster appreciation for Cage's work beyond the memes and viral moments that often overshadow his talent, thereby challenging readers to reconsider the complexity of his career.

Public Perception and Community Impact

This narrative seeks to reshape the public perception of Nicolas Cage. While many view him through the lens of internet memes and his eccentric performances, the author emphasizes his craft, suggesting a deeper appreciation for versatility in acting. This can create a more nuanced understanding among audiences and fans, encouraging discussions about the value of artistic expression.

Potential Concealments

There seems to be no overt concealment of facts or issues within the article. However, one might argue that the author glosses over the more controversial aspects of Cage's career, including the negative reception of some of his films and his financial struggles. By focusing on personal growth and appreciation, the article may divert attention from these complexities.

Manipulative Elements

The article does not exhibit strong manipulative tendencies. It utilizes a personal narrative style that engages readers, allowing them to connect with the author’s journey. However, the choice to focus primarily on the positive aspects of Cage's work could be seen as an attempt to elevate his status without addressing the criticisms he has faced, which could influence readers’ perceptions in a specific direction.

Truthfulness and Reliability

The article is largely truthful, as it reflects the author's genuine experience and views. It draws on personal insight rather than sensational claims, which supports its reliability. The insights offered about Nicolas Cage’s filmography are grounded in the author’s firsthand observations, enhancing credibility.

Cultural and Economic Implications

The article's cultural implications are significant, as it contributes to the ongoing dialogue about the value of actors in popular culture. Economically, there might be impacts on Cage’s film projects, as renewed interest could lead to increased viewership or even revivals of his less popular works. The film industry often thrives on public perception, and a positive reassessment of Cage could lead to potential financial benefits.

Target Audience

This piece likely resonates with film enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate deep dives into actors' careers. It may also appeal to individuals who have experienced similar journeys of self-discovery through art, fostering a community of fans who value nuanced discussions over superficial judgments.

Market Influence

While the article may not directly influence stock markets or specific companies, it could have implications for film studios and streaming services that feature Cage's work. A revitalized interest in his films may enhance their marketability, potentially impacting their financial performance.

Global Context

In the broader context, this article reflects ongoing themes in popular culture regarding celebrity and artistic merit. As audiences increasingly seek depth in storytelling and character development, Cage's work, particularly through this lens, aligns with current cultural shifts towards authenticity and complexity in art.

Use of Artificial Intelligence

There is no clear indication that artificial intelligence played a role in crafting this article. The personal narrative style suggests human authorship, and the reflections provided appear to stem from genuine experiences rather than algorithmically generated content. If AI were involved, it might have influenced the structure or language used, but the heartfelt nature of the writing suggests a human touch.

The analysis reveals that the article serves as a thoughtful exploration of Nicolas Cage's impact both personally and culturally, inviting readers to engage with his films in a new light.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/may/12/ive-watched-every-single-nicolas-cage-film-made-so-far-heres-what-i-learned-about-him-and-myself

When I was growing up, I always told my parents, “Don’t expect me to become a doctor.” But in high school I really liked the TV show House and I really liked solving problems. So I never knew what else I wanted to become except for a doctor. I’ve been a practising GP for years now.

This means that, for a lot of my life, I’ve been science-focused. And I wasn’t always a film watcher. I only really started watching movies seriously when I was living in the Gold Coast and studying for my fellowship exams during Covid.

One day I sat down to watchThe Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, the film in which Nicolas Cage plays a fictional version of himself. I got about 20 minutes in and thought that the movie would benefit from having watched Cage’s other films. So I turned it off then I went and did just that: I watched every single one. He’s made more than 100.

I had rules about how I watched them all. I had to watch them in chronological order. I was allowed to watch other movies during the Cage-watching period but never at my house – if I was home, I had to watch a Cage. If I was with friends and one of them asked me what we should watch, I had to name the next Cage movie. That was a crazy rule, probably. I watched them all in about three months.

I grew to really respect and appreciate their star. I was only interested in his craft: for someone who has spent so much time with him, I know shockingly little about his personal life. I’ve been asked a couple of times if I’d want to meet him, and of course I would. But I don’t know what that meeting would be about apart from discussing his movies.

The vast majority of people have been exposed to the meme version of Cage. With the rise of YouTube that became what he was known for: the freak-outs. Which, when taken out of context, are ridiculous. But if you watch the movies those scenes are in it’s notthatcrazy what he’s doing. It makes sense.

Cage has obviously made some famously bad movies. He got into a lot of debt in the 2000s and had to take most of the jobs sent his way. The one film I really hated was 211, a politically troubling cop drama.

But overall I loved watching them all. I discovered that Cage is a really good romcom lead – he’s so good inMoonstruck, and a movie called It Could Happen to You, which not as many people have seen. I’d love to see him make a romcom again.

As I was watching all the films my friends were wondering whether it was some kind of sign of mental deterioration. It was the opposite, really. It was so good for me to have a project. It was an easy way to spend time with people, too. Everybody has an opinion about Cage. It’s a really great way to talk to people.

My job means I have to have a work persona and a personal one. As a doctor you’re expected to be warm and personable without necessarily having a distinct personality. You’re there to help. You’re not there to share your life. But during this project, my Cage interest spilled over into my work persona. I have a Cage tattoo – a quote from his filmVampire’s Kiss, one of my favourites – on the back of my arm, where it’s often visible to my patients. So people would ask about it and the Cage project would come up.

I never felt embarrassed about it, or worried about what patients would think. I discovered how warmly people feel about him when I was a contestant on the quiz show Mastermind. Cage was my specialist subject, naturally, and everybody at the TV studio was so excited to talk about him with me.

When I started the project, the latest film he had made was Dream Scenario, which was the last one I watched. When it came out in cinemas, I got all my friends to come and watch it with me. I was sort of sad that my project was over.

I’ve embarked on other film-watching projects since then. I saw Joker: Folie à Deux 10 times in cinemas. This wasn’t because I was a big fan of the first Joker – I didn’t even like it that much. Folie à Deux is better – four stars. This project wasn’t about the movie itself so much. It was about watching the same film in as many formats as I could: I saw it in a drive-in, at the Imax, with friends, alone, once twice in a row.

Peoplereallyworried about my mental state during that project. But it was fun. There’s so much content in the world that it’s overwhelming to decide what to consume. These little projects make decision-making easier. And it’s really nice to turn creative consumption into its own creative act.

I have tried to watch the entire filmography of other actors since then but I never got all the way through. There’s nobody likeNicolas Cage, I guess.

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Source: The Guardian