Nicolas Cage's career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, with some roles standing out more than others. One such role is in the 1984 film 'Racing with the Moon', a drama that Cage himself has publicly disowned. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Cage expressed his dislike for the film, stating, 'I'm not a great fan of that film. It wasn't as cohesive as it should have been. I'm not really sure publicity would have helped it.'
The movie, directed by Richard Benjamin, follows two young men awaiting their draft into the US Army during the 1940s. It stars Cage, Sean Penn, and Elizabeth McGovern, with a young Crispin Glover making his second on-screen appearance. Despite the presence of a legendary cast and crew, including Cage's uncle, Francis Ford Coppola, the film failed to resonate with audiences and critics alike.
The film received a positive review from Roger Ebert, who praised its charm and the leading actors' performances. However, Cage's experience on the set was reportedly less than ideal. He felt the film lacked cohesion and didn't believe in its potential, even stating that he didn't want to promote it. The movie's box office performance mirrored Cage's sentiments, grossing just over $6 million against its $6.5 million budget.
Cage's disdain for 'Racing with the Moon' is evident in his public statements and his subsequent career choices. He quickly moved on to more prestigious projects, including his uncle's 'The Cotton Club' and 'Peggy Sue Got Married'. By 1987, Cage had already forgotten about the film and was on his way to becoming a stalwart movie star, with his leading role in 'Moonstruck' garnering significant acclaim.
This incident highlights the challenges of navigating the film industry, where personal preferences and professional success can sometimes clash. Cage's willingness to speak openly about his dislike for a film is a testament to his honesty and transparency, even if it may have been a difficult decision to make. As an actor, he has undoubtedly learned from this experience and continues to make choices that align with his artistic vision and career goals.
