The unbearable wait of massive torment is over.
Hot on the heels of the exquisite and exhilarating EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE comes another surreal sensation,
THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT.
This is Nicolas Cage uncaged, reclaiming his rightful spot as one of the preeminent practitioners of the motion picture performance. In THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT he plays an actor, Nic Cage, deep in debt, cast adrift with castings, despairing of his relationship with his daughter.
From the go get we are in Cage county, as he pitches an impromptu audition to a movie maker in public. What balls.
The pitch is unsuccessful and the only other offer on the table is an invitation by a besotted billionaire fan, Javi, to attend his exotic hideaway and just “be” Nic Cage. Reluctantly, he agrees.
Unbeknown to the actor, Javi is under surveillance by American intelligence and his presence necessitates reluctant recruitment into the secret service.
Fact and fiction become blurred with screen persona and real life colliding in an off script caper that is exceedingly funny and eminently entertaining. Massively so.
Directed by Tom Gormican who co wrote the script with Kevin Etten, THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT is homage writ large without a hint of hubris, a humbling homage, somewhat akin to ‘Adaptation’ for which Cage was Oscar nominated.
This Charlie Kaufmanesque romp has Cage playing Nic as well as his younger self inner voice made carnate, Little Nicky, a truly inspired retro creation.
This is not Being John Malkovich, this is being Nic Cage. Although a case could be made that Paco Leon as Lucas comes close to Malkovich if you’re referencing Con Air.
Pedro Pascal as Javi, filthy rich peachy keen film fan of Nic Cage, is charming, cherubic and playfully challenging.
Sharon Horgan as ex wife Olivia, Lilly Sheen as daughter Addy, Neil Patrick Harris as Nic’s agent manager, Richard Fink, and Alessandra Mastronardi as Javi’s girlfriend, Gabriela, all consummately colossal supporting cast members.
Shot in Croatia, the scenery is stunning, the location exotic, sparkling sea and craggy coastline, all this and Nicolas Cage displaying THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT.
