7 Reasons Why Nicolas Cage is Actually the Best Actor of All Time

In an industry that often prizes form over substance, Nicolas Cage is an anomaly, a misfit, a renegade. His acting style, his choices, and his attitude toward his craft might not fit the traditional Hollywood mold, but that's what makes him special.

While his performances have often been polarizing, there are some actual valid reasons why this enigmatic character is, in fact, the greatest actor of all time.

Versatility

Nicholas Cage is like a human chameleon on set. From playing a suicidal alcoholic in 'Leaving Las Vegas' (which earned him an Academy Award, mind you), to a reckless treasure hunter in 'National Treasure', to a soul-selling stunt motorcyclist in 'Ghost Rider', Cage has shown an unparalleled range of roles. He can make you cry, laugh, gasp, and question your sanity, often in the same scene. His portfolio is so diverse that it makes a United Nations summit look like a neighborhood watch meeting.

Commitment to the Craft

Cage is renowned for his method acting, often blurring the line between the actor and the character. Remember his deranged, cockroach-eating stint in 'Vampire's Kiss'? Yes, he actually ate a live cockroach. Now, I don't know about you, but any man willing to down an insect for his art deserves a standing ovation or, at the very least, a lifetime supply of mouthwash.

He's a Risk-Taker

In an industry that often typecasts its actors, Cage stands out for his refusal to be pigeonholed. He has taken on roles that many actors would deem career suicide, yet Cage comes out on the other side, grinning wildly beneath a bear suit (yes, that's a 'Wicker Man' reference). His fearless approach to character choice has led to a filmography that could be considered a rollercoaster – one that's often off the rails, but never, ever boring.

His Acting Style – "Nouveau Shamanic"

Cage doesn't follow the crowd when it comes to his craft, opting for a unique acting style he dubs as "Nouveau Shamanic". Inspired by past tribal shamans who would put on masks and act out stories, Cage incorporates a similar ethos into his work, often resulting in performances that are raw, unrestrained, and hauntingly compelling. Who needs Stanislavski when you've got a Neolithic acting method that borders on the supernatural?

He's a Memesmith

The internet loves Nicolas Cage. From his unnerving maniacal laugh in 'Face/Off' to the infamous 'Not the bees!' scene in 'The Wicker Man', Cage's eccentric performances have birthed countless memes. They've made him a cultural icon, breathing life into the internet culture in a way few other actors have. It's an unconventional accolade, but being the internet's darling does add an extra feather to his overflowing cap.

He is Unpredictable

If there's one word to describe a Nicolas Cage performance, it's 'unpredictable'. One moment, he's calmly discussing a business deal, and the next, he's screaming about a stolen teddy bear in 'Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans'. This trait makes every film he's in an edge-of-the-seat experience, as viewers are left wondering what crazy antic he's going to pull next.

Passion

When all is said and done, when the memes have been shared, the cockroaches eaten, and the teddy bear recovered, what remains is Cage's passion for his craft. His enthusiasm is palpable, radiating from the screen in every scene he's in. He may overact, underact, or simply 'Cage-act', but he never just 'acts'. His performances are fuelled by an intense passion that is rarely seen in Hollywood. Whether it's his Oscar-winning performance in 'Leaving Las Vegas' or his outrageously over-the-top role in 'Vampire's Kiss', Cage imbues each character with an infectious energy that is quintessentially him.