Prolific actorNicolas Cageis always moving on from one project to the next, taking on new characters across all genre types to give fans a variety of performances. People will have their own opinions on which particular Cage-led films are the best of them all, and Cage himself has his thoughts on that as well. Recently, the actor took part in aReddit AMAto promote his latest movieThe Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.Here was what he said to one fan asking him to pick just three films of his to save for posterity.
“Bringing Out the Dead. Pig. Leaving Las Vegas.”
When another fan ofLeaving Las Vegasasked him to share more thoughts about that film, Cage reiterated that it’s one of his top three movies, right up there withPigandBringing Out the Dead.
“I think Leaving Las Vegas, Pig and Bringing Out the Dead are my three favorite performances of my own body of work. I have not seen Leaving Las Vegas recently, however that movie and Elizabeth Shue’s work in that movie are what I aspire to continue towards, and did continue towards with Pig, which is why I am always going to be up for small budget, independent, dramas.”
In another response, the actor specifically states that thecritically-acclaimed moviePigfeatures his favorite performance, and considers that to be his very best movie, on par with the Martin Scorsese-directedBringing Out the Dead.
“Again, Pig is my favorite performance of mine, and I think that movie, along with Scorsese’s Bringing Out the Dead are arguably my two best movies as a whole.”
Related:12 Best Nicolas Cage Films, Ranked
Pig Is One of Nicolas Cage’s Highest-Rated Films
Michael Sarnoski made his directorial debut with 2021’sPig, featuring Cage in the lead role. The film starred the actor as a truffle hunter whose pet pig is kidnapped, setting him on a journey to rescue his animal friend. The movie drew widespread acclaim and had served as the highest-rated live-action movie of Cage’s on Rotten Tomatoes at 96%. It was just recently surpassed byThe Unbearable Weight of Massive Talentwhich currently has a perfect 100% score.
Bringing Out the Dead, released in 1999, was directed by Martin Scorsese and starred Cage alongside Patricia Arquette, John Goodman, and Ving Rhames. In the film, Cage plays a depressed paramedic whose mind begins to unravel after years spent witnessing gruesome deaths and suffering. Unfortunately, the film bombed at the box office, but it was not without its critical acclaim. Legendary critic Roger Ebert even awardedBringing Out the Deada perfect 4-star rating.
The 1995 filmLeaving Las Vegaswas written and directed by Mike Figgis. Cage starred opposite Elisabeth Shue and Julian Sands, playing a suicidal alcoholic who moves to Las Vegas and develops a rapport with a prostitute. This film was also met with critical praise and even earned Cage the Oscar for Best Actor for his performance. It was also nominated for Best Director for Figgis, Best Actress for Shue, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
