Superstar actor Nicholas Cage is back on the big screen with new meta-comedy The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. And this time the cultural phenomenon is starring in the role he was born to play - himself.
Cage plays a fictionalised version of himself as part of an all-star cast that also features Pedro Pascal (Narcos, The Mandalorian), Sharon Horgan (Catastrophe) and Neil Patrick Harris (Gone Girl). The film had its world premiere at the South by Southwest festival in Texas in March and has received largely positive reviews from critics.
What is The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent about?
The synopsis for the film reads: “Unfulfilled and facing financial ruin, actor Nick Cage accepts a $1m offer to attend a wealthy fan's birthday party. Things take a wildly unexpected turn when a CIA operative recruits Cage for an unusual mission. Taking on the role of a lifetime, he soon finds himself channelling his most iconic and beloved characters to save himself and his loved ones.”
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It starts with Cage living in a hotel, separated from his wife Olivia (Horgan) and resented by his teen daughter Addy - played by Lily Mo Sheen. After he decides to take the fee to appear at the party of Javi Gutierrez (Pascal), the CIA informs him that the billionaire plutocrat is a dangerous cartel gangster - and Cage is asked to use his privileged access to bring him down.
Is the film real?
The movie is pure fiction but is being described as a ‘meta-comedy’ because of its self-awareness and self-referential style. Directed by Tom Gormican, who also co-wrote the script with Ghosted collaborator Kevin Etten, it name checks several of Cage’s previous films - weaving in memorable quotes as it goes on.
Cage is a Hollywood legend and has been described as one of the finest actors of his generation - yet he is also criticised for taking any role to pay for his lifestyle - including the purchase of a $250,000 dinosaur skull at auction. This contradiction has given him cult status - and The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent shows that he is in on the joke.
When is it released?
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is out in UK cinemas on Friday 22 April. Its runtime is 1hr 46mins.
