Nicolas Cage recently attended the premiere of Neon's 'Longlegs' at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood in Los Angeles, California. In the horror thriller, Cage portrays the character of Longlegs, a demented criminal who has evaded authorities for over three decades. The film also stars Maika Monroe as FBI Special Agent Lee Harker, who is tasked with capturing Longlegs.
Surprisingly, Cage revealed that the inspiration for his unsettling character came from his late mother, Joy Vogelsang. While the character in the film is far from his mother in terms of satanic worship and occult practices, Cage found elements of his mother's persona that he incorporated into his portrayal of Longlegs.
Additionally, Cage cited Federico Fellini's 'Juliet of the Spirits' as another source of inspiration for his character. The film showcases Longlegs as a chilling figure with long white hair, white face paint, and pink lipstick. Cage's transformation for the role allowed him to delve into a character vastly different from his usual roles, drawing comparisons to Heath Ledger's Joker and Tiny Tim.
Despite not being a fan of serial killer movies, Cage approached the role with a focus on the emotional and psychological aspects of the character. He aimed to find empathy and compassion for Longlegs, understanding the internal struggles that drive his actions.
'Longlegs,' written and directed by Oz Perkins, son of the late Anthony Perkins, is a unique horror film that keeps the title character hidden in its marketing material. Cage's performance as Longlegs is haunting, with his voice alone sending shivers down the audience's spine.
The film, also starring Blair Underwood and Alicia Witt, is currently showing in theaters nationwide, offering a fresh take on the horror genre. Cage's dedication to the role and his unconventional approach to portraying Longlegs have garnered attention and praise from audiences and critics alike.
