This has me baffled! This man looks EXACTLY the same when he's happy, sad, angry, confused, contented, irritated, baffled, sexually aroused, etc. Doesn't matter what the situation, this guy has the exact same expression on his face!
I saw him smile in some movie once and it was so sad! I mean to see this normally pathetic-looking face trying to smile, it just looked so forced!
So, how did he get to be so popular with only one expression that looks natural on his face? I mean, he's a good actor and all, but geesh! He can't fake any other expression than sadly confused and depressed?
[question posted by mentalward]
responses and comments:
If I had to guess, I would have to say that the sad underdog look makes women want to take care of him.rolleyes [savak03]
Not me! I'd want to get him into therapy! lol [mentalward]
LOL---I hear ya gal. Not only does he have one facial expression but his acting is rather wooden...I do love him in The City Of Angels, and the National Treasure movies..but as a great actor..nah.lol At the risk of having wet noodles flung at me...another actor I could never "get" as being a great one...do I dare say his name? How about if I just give the intials...C.H. recently died and was in a lot of epic movies and was "gun" ho...literally... [pyewacket]
Oops, sorry, I meant 'Soylent Green', not Solent Green. [mentalward]
hi, mentalward lol now that you said it, i realize that he does have just one facial expression LOL! and i do not have an answer to your question because i am also baffled! um, he starred in many great movies though? but then again, why huh? have a nice day! cool [Rainegurl]
I thought acting was all about creating different facial expressions. Well, not ALL about it, but it has a large role in it. He definitely couldn't pull off, oh, let's say, a 'winning a billion dollars' expression! He'd make an excellent poker player, though! [mentalward]
I enjoy Nicholas Cage, and yes you are right, but then he has a way to tell a story and relay it to you. Its the VOICE, the timing, and the scripts he chooses. Always good to watch in any movie. HICCUP/ [hiccup]
Well, I wasn't impressed with him in movies where he 'gets the girl' at the end. He has the same expression on his face when he's about to kiss a woman (and right AFTER he's kissed a woman) as when he's facing a bad guy with a gun pointed at him! He'd be awesome in a movie where he played a poker player, though! lol [mentalward]
I really like Nicholas Cage but now that you mentioned it you are right about just one facial expression. I like that he can play in a comedy (It Can Happen to You) and suspensful type movies(Face Off). Not everybody can do that. BTW its good to see you posting, I haven't seen you much unless I just am not getting all my notifys.?????crysad [muscles4me]
I definetely agree with you!and hedid a very goodjob in Face Off.just like Muscles said,not every one can do that! [seared]
That look is part of his personality!!! I think I'm the only person in the world who hated Raising Arizona!!! I kept hearing what a GREAT movie it was. Well, I waited a few years & went back to watch it again thinking I had just missed something. OMG, it was WORSE than I had remembered!!! I always asked...WHY is Nick Cage so popular??? I must say as the years have gone by, I am one of his biggest fans. He is NOT good looking, he has MINIMAL personality, yet he is GREAT in what he does!!! Examples....City of Angels & ConAir...just to name a couple. He is well connected in Hollywood via his family. Apparently someone (probably his uncle) taught him how to choose scripts that fit his personality. I can't imagine anyone else doing the National Treasure series!!! But then again, I couldn't imagine anyone else being James Bond beside Sean Connery only to find that several did a good job!!! happy happy happy [LadyMarissa]
Oh, definitely! He's an awesome speaker and knows exactly when and how to say his lines, when to add a pause, etc. [mentalward]
Hello Mental For me personally, the man can have any expression he wants to have..I would be happy with his face anywhere near mine..I think he is hot. hehehehehhehe xoxoxoxoox [OceanTiara]
{{{{{Mental)))))xo [OceanTiara]
haha! never thought of it that way. maybe it's because his movies are good, he became popular? [hey_baby]
confused And now that you mention it I can't think of any of his movies besides Conair even though I've seen several, but you're right, I don't ever remember him smiling at all. Still, I like him as an actor, so maybe that's what makes him special! Funny, huh. [mechanicNOT62]
I don't know maybe it has to do with being a Coppola and having a famous uncle. Kind of like all the attention Drew Barrymore got for ET because of her famous name when all she did in that movie was scream. I know what you mean about his facial expressions. Some movies its worked to his benefit. [irishidid]
There is just something about his face and his acting that captivates you! I just saw a movie last week with him. I read that he said that all good actors had recognizable voices, so he worked to make his one. And I think he has accomplished that task very well. [Barb42]
My grandson and I are watching Natural Treasure now. He is a great actor! [Barb42]
This guy was born with a 10 million dollar expression! Would you smile and take a chance? Damn if I just had a 1 million dollar expression I'd have my face frozen rather than take the risk.I think Cage is a Great actor, and easy to look at. Hes not going to scare anyone anytime soon with a funny face! [barehugs]
Well, THAT'S the truth! [mentalward]
it's is voice, really, think about it... he's not even handsome, but is a great voice actor. what he lacks on facial expression he get's on voice acting, [jonhcarmo]
Personally, I don't feel that he has much inflection in his voice, either. Much more than his face, of course, but still, not much. He's definitely someone we'll all remember, that's for sure! [mentalward]
Yeah, I don't get it either. He has that same long-faced, hangdog look all the time. And his voice always reminds me of Elvis Presley. (Maybe that's why he ended up marrying Elvis's daughter). Of course, he got his start in the movie biz because of his family connections--he's Francis Ford Coppola's nephew. [Idlewild]
Yeah, it sure doesn't hurt to know the right people! Like I wrote below, my late step-father used to say, "It's not what you know or how much you know but WHO you know that gets you places in this world." There are exceptions, of course, but they are few and far between. I never thought of this before but it just might be his face that directors want. I mean, when you hear the name 'Nicholas Cage', you automatically see that face in your mind! Recognition might have more to do with it than I had realized! [mentalward]
I don't know Marti but someone out there love him. Just like Tom Cruise, how did he get to be so famous? I mean, yeah, he's good looking and all but I don't see what all the hoop and hollering is about. lol He's just another ordinary good looking man like so many others that are out there. All it takes is for a group to make a big deal out of one person then they become rich and famous and for what? To live a life of solitary confinement? [CatsandDogs]
Small world isn't it? lol rasp [CatsandDogs]
ROFL -- you're right! You know, I never even thought about it! I've loved a lot of movies he's been in, but I guess it's the plots and the writing, not the look he's got on his face. Thinking back, his face is just not that animated or expressive. Funny. [CremeAndSugar]
I think the reason that he is still over with many people is the fact that he can still bring out great movies. I mean i still watch many of his old films like `con air' and 'gone in 60 seconds. Mock him for his facial expressions but as far as im concerned if he is still making great films then it doesnt matter. [sion316]
Personally I can't believe he won an Oscar. I never saw Leaving Las Vegas, but perhaps that movie only required one expression. I tried to watch Ghost Rider a couple of weeks ago, but it was too painful. I just stared at him on screen with wonder. This man gets paid millions of dollars. He must have gotten hit with a lucky stick. [AmbiePam]
lol I adore him. I think he is precious and charming. I find him adorable and I dont think he is confused at all. He just likes being a bit mysterious. lol He 's my honey man, you all know I love this guy lol [eaforeman6]
Heloo Mentalward, My younger daughter has a real crush on him and I love him in The City Of Angels. Think the worst film I have seen is Ghostrider but there issomething about him but can't say what. Huggles. Ellie :D [ellie333]
Gone in sixty seconds is an excellent movie. [ellie333]
LOL..I never thought of that before and now that you said it i can see what you mean..I've watched alot of his movies and liked them but wasn't so impressed to ever give him an award..I like the one where they have to get all those cars or his brother will be killed with Angelina jolie..forgot the name.. but that one was good.. [Rosekitty]
I don't understand why people still hire him to act in movies. He's so terrible at acting! And he's not even good looking AT ALL. [vanonas]
My drama teacher in sixth grade is related to Nicholas Cage. Mr. Michael Copolla. I think I may have spelt that wrong. Apparently Cage changed his last name at some point. My teacher was hilarious though. He would wear a blue robe (with his professional clothes under it) in class and unabusively hit students with random objects in passing. Everyday held a new joke in that class. But I didn't notice either until you said it. He really does have a stone face. It makes him... him though. I don't mind his acting. Its decent and he fits some of his roles. Funny though now that I realize he doesn't have many expressions on set. [Nubi505]
Haha, ya who knows why people like him so much. [chunijole]
Every actor has to have some sort of schtik or hook. For Cage it is his no expression look. He has a face that only two people could love; his mother and his agent! DCMerkle [DCMerkle]
Every actor has to have a hook and for Cage it's his no expression face. He has a face that only two people could love; his mother and his agent. DCMerkle [DCMerkle]
I really don't have a concrete answer either. However, it occurred to me perhaps he shares the same instant popularity as some others like Johnny Cash. He gained instant recognition just for sitting on a wooden stool all dressed in black, strumming a guitar once in a while. He also developed an instant bad boy image with his song "Folsom Prison Blues," even though he never spent a day behind bars. Sure, later on he may have had a few hits the required singing ability, but let's face it most of the time, he sat on a stool and told a story with the guitar in his hand. Nicholas Cage is also one of those people that has a certain charisma that draws people toward him naturally. As you've already pointed out we're certainly not drawn to him because of his looks, so I guess that leaves us with personality! Just another thought, I imagine if you only have one facial expression you probably won't need Botox! I mean think about it, he certainly won't have any wrinkles, laugh lines or crow's feet if his facial expression never changes. At least that way he will avoid Kenny Rogers fate of looking like a wax museum doll from the upper lip to his forehead because he's had so many plastic surgeries. I seem to have a thing tonight for picking apart classic country singers, oh well there you have it. That's my 2¢ worth. Happy Mylotting! [wheel416]
I think that and his tone of voice go hand in hand. It's true his expressions have always been a part of what makes his character so great.. no matter what movie. He's a great actor, but I guess I have to agree, one facial expression is better then a seemingly forced one. What movie was it that he forced a smile? [SomeCowgirl]
His acting is OK but I don't know why he is popular either. I mean he is neither attractive nor ugly although he can be funny sometimes. So compared to other good actors who are also good looking I really don't know in what way he is better than them. But he seems like down to earth personality, not much gossips surrounding him or maybe I missed it happy And I read somewhere that he is related to some Coppola person but he didn't want to use that name so that he can get up there on his own. I think that's cool for him to do that but yeah I don't know for sure if he does get any help or not. I'm not against family helping each other at all LOL just that he doesn't have to say about not using the name, because then it wouldn't matter he uses the name or not he is still family and they still help him anyway. [LittleMel]
Did he had just one facial expression?? I didn't know that........ [k1virus1978]
LOL yes i know what you mean, but i guess he has that factor in him that makes him popular, the way he talks, his voice, i enjoyed his movies even though he seems monotonous in so many ways hahaha [jazel_juan]
ok, this is funny. LOL I watched a lot of Nicholas Cage's movie and yes, he looked almost exactly the same in all of them. What made him popular? Let me see, he got this sad look on his face that is quite endearing to some women and he knows how to choose the right roles in the film. You got to admit that his movies have very interesting plots. [alindahaw]
It is probably because the movies he is involved in are very well scripted. And the roles he plays, are all well suited to a dead pan expression. Take for example, the recent role he played, Ghost Rider. That takes a weary face. And he suits the role to a tee. How about the character he plays in Next? That one also featured a weary man who is tired of being able to see a few seconds into the future. Even the one in Conair, where he plays a weary soldier. But there are shows that he does have more expression than a weary fella. Take for example, the show The Rock where he played a chemical specialist FBI agent. That was quite a good role actually. I also like to watch him in the movie Face/Off. That was a pretty good one too! [ahgong]
Where have you seen an actor who can portray happy, sad, angry, confused, contented, irritated, baffled, sexually aroused, etc. in just one facial expression? Only Nicholas Cage can do that. That is why he is such a great actor. Hehe. No wonder he is so popular. Of course I am just kidding. hehe. peace! [temujin143]
lol... u know i never relaized this until i read your post... well its that puppy dog expression of his that makes us women melt.. well no matter how many expressiions he can act, he has been nominated twice for an academy award and actually won once for his performance as a suicidal alcoholic in 'Leaving Las Vegas'.. so i guess, somebody thot his expressions were nice... [Nisha_Verghese]
He is a good actor. I don;'t like his face but I have always enjoyed watching his movies. [ronaldinu]
I think, this may be due to sympathy, sad looks generate among viewers. [suruchi86]
I have never really thought about that before and you are correct!! Personally he is is not one of my favorite actors. I do not find anything attractive about him although I do admit he is a pretty good actor. [whiteheather39]
This cracked me up. Maybe it's his puppydog eyes, it's certainly not his bad toupee! Just be a man and go bald like my hearts throb Sean Connery! Now THERE'S a MAN, what IS a MAN! lol [Irishfrndly65]
Because acting isn't only about facial expressions. How do they choose actors and actresses for cartoon type movies? Their voice. Cage uses his voice, he has his body language and he usually has some of the best movies. Except for that silly one where he dies in a huge basket like thing in the end. Is it the Basket Man? I can't remember the title and I don't believe I watched the whole movie. [patweber]
I like Nicholas Cage, and I've like most of his movies. Maybe he's just been lucky in selecting the right rolls for his look. Maybe it's his puppy dog eyes.... Another actor who'd gotten by with pretty much one look is Clint Eastwood. From his spaghetti westerns to his Dirty Harry movies, to the comedies he's done...all the same looks. [catdla1]
Hahaha! You have a good point, but he's been one of my favorites since I was still a bit young. The first movie of his that I saw was "the rock", I was still in grade school I think. LoL. One thing I won't forget is the way he raises his eyebrows, then the rest is all the same. Hahaha! This is a very fun thing to discuss. Hehe. lol [selece]
Nicholas Cage is definitely not one of my favourite actors. But in "Leaving Las Vegas" he was absolutely brilliant! I've seen the movie 4 times and I can assure you he had more than only one facial expression. There's no way you can play the role of an alcoholic with "delirium tremens" if your face can't express various intense emotions. He deserved the Oscar he received. As far as all the action films he did it's not my cup of tea. I don't find these kind of movies interesting, so I don't watch them. Things like "Family man" and other comedies he did are entertaining, but not because he's playing the main role. In my opinion he's better playing at playing drama. [dana234]
God! Am I not happy reading your discussion? I haven't come across a discussion in a long time that speaks the things lying dormant in my heart. I just have the same opinion about him. God I don't know what is wrong with the modern day actors. Cannot help thinking of Brando, Richard Burton, Oliver Reed, Jack Nicholson, Al Pacino and the other giants who enthralled us with their versatility. [balasri]
Geeeee, I didn't noticed it at all. lol I just finished watching on dvd 'National Treasure' 2 nights ago. Ok, I'll try to notice that the next time I watch one of his films. [newdawn8]
Now, since you mentioned it, i got this look of wonder in my face. LOL I swear there was something on his expression that has left me ummm speechless. I thought he was one of a kind man. haha Most of his movies are really good. I think he did portray them well. I dont think an action star requires different expression except one? LOL Poker face! It's probably why it makes him popular and i am one of the guilty fan who fantasize him. ha :P [sassyangelee]
Perhaps, mentalward, you're being just a tad too hard on Nick Cage.lolHe got to be so popular because he does what he does very well - most of the time. I've seen him in some very good movies and a couple of losers, too. All in all, though, I think he is a fine actor. Just my opinion. [worldwise1]
The same could be said of Tom Cruise! Nicholas has an odd voice too. But I prefer people like him who are normal looking to those that are so good looking. I think people relate more to them. [rocketj1]
w00tHe got to be so popular is his eye's and his voice and then for us women look below the neck line. That man has a nice body and there you have it. A strong man with a great voice and great arms and chest to match. Better then Mr. beer belly on couch. lolYou have a great day. [onlydia]
Say whaaaaaaaaat? He is a SEXY man! and he does have more emotion than that. A good example that comes to mind is in Face Off, costar John Travolta. He did "insane" QUITE well lol. [candymarie]
You are right but is an extremely good actor. He plays his part as if it were his real life and not just playing. He is good! [messageme]
Tell us how you really feel. I think you're right though, it took him marrying Elvis's daughter for people to know who he was. I could same the same thing about Keanue Reeves, he's too deadpan for me. Now I'm going to have to have a Nicholas Cage movie marathon just to see how stone faced he really is. [gitfiddleplayer]
i have no idea! for some reason he really annoys me but a lot of people love him.. but your right he can only seem to look and act one way and yet he gets all kinds of roles which makes no sense!! i wonder if he is like that in real life or if he is lively etc [moonlitmagikchild]
He annoys me too ... I can't work out why, but he does. Maybe he auditions really, really, really well. [penny64]
you know I never noticed that before but you are absolutely right. I don't think I have ever seen him smile or show anything but a black face. [winterose]
because that one facial expression can be used in many different types of characters, anyone from the dazzling handsome man in a suit and tie to the washed up drnk who falls in love with a prostitute. he is not exactly a character actor but I agree he can'treally be a chameleon either. Either way I think he is a hot little number. [taface412]
True he does have quite the cute caboose.drool [freedomg]
I love Nicholas Cage. I have followed his career. he is an excellent actor and plays his roles well. As for "Raising Arizona", your right that movie sucked. I thought it was good when it first came out. But to watch it now. Nope, I think it sucks. I espically like him in "Con Air". He smilies in that movie. He is also great in "ghost Rider". [rusty2rusty]
ROFL!lol I love it I thought I was the only one that noticed that. My hubby loves his movies and I just stare at him the whole time wondering how many shots his plastic surgeon gave him to paralyze his whole dang face.confused [freedomg]
yes i agree with you.bad or good he is soooo amazing how did he managed the way he is.i love his movies so much! [bombshell]
He got to be so popular because he is such a good actor. He doesn't have to depend on his facial expressions as they will always be the same but every role he plays he seems to pull off quite well. If you ever notice he plays basically the same type of character that is why he is such a well known character actor that is very sought after and he is eccentric in real life so he is not going to have to beg to be in a role that makes him look like a fool, he has his specialty, spending many years to develop it and uses it very well. There are a lot of actors/actresses out there that always try to go out on a limb to do a "different" type of role and as a general rule they bomb so if you have a good thing going then go with it and you just may end up with an Oscar one day without having to compromise. [sagesunicorn]
Hello mentalward, I think because he has good films that fits his only one facial expression. He won't a Best Actor award once on this one facial expression he has. He might not be able to get another one. You know I never noticed it, but since you mentioned it, I realized you are right. Anyway, I like his movies because they are mostly entertaining. Regards. ninjaninjaninja [robert19ph]
I like him and he is the the foreign actor that I admire. I am not sure about his unchangeable expression though. I think his brows made the difference. [adoremay]
Don't you know? He's really smiling inside. (at you!) :-) cdrxo [commanderxo]