MovieChat Forums > Kiss of Death (1995) Discussion > Cage's character a weakness in this film

Cage's character a weakness in this film

posted 13 years ago by Consul_Incitatus
9 replies | jump to latest

On the whole, not bad, but I thought John Cage's character was a major weakness. The movie needs him to be menacing; instead he's slightly ridiculous and not especially convincing. Its hard to tell if his oddball behavior is intended to be funny or is a failed attempt to make him a scary psycho, but either way it doesn't fit with an otherwise serious movie.

Man, that thing about him having the acronym BAD, for 'Balls, Attitude, Direction', so sounds like something one of my dumb friends back when I was 15 would have come up with, I had to laugh.

Richard Widmark in the original 1947 movie was a lot more effective; of course, then there's the fact that 40s were just a lot cooler looking than the 90s, at least from a crime movie perspective.

[–] anders-puschel 13 years ago

I think the whole movie is rather weak. The story is hopelessly contrived, and the acting stiff. Most of the actors seem like 15 year olds play-acting a lot of the time. Caruso is no better as the devoted father put in a tight spot, than Cage is as the badass mafioso.
Although the first part of the movie is better, it seems to be intended only as a set-up for the rest of the story, where Caruso is released from jail and becomes a mole for the police. But that's 40 minutes into the movie. Maybe it should have started there?

[–] damocles_sword 12 years ago

Totally agree! Nicolas Cage is a fat, bloated non-bad-ass infantile mafioso. Caruso totally unconvincing. A '2'!

[–] mloessel 12 years ago

The movie has its moments but as a whole all characters need some work. For me the strongest most effective was Cage. Unfortunately that's not saying much for the remainder of the characters/actors. the final scene was ok and left me scratching my head.

[–] BoSoxRule 13 years ago

John Cage?

I'm happiest...in the saddle.

[–] Consul_Incitatus 12 years ago

lol whoops

[–] vitinha_abu 12 years ago

i think he was good in this movie,he embodies the chartacter pretty well to me,i dont see nobody to play his character and do it better,he is a good actor,he has some crappy movies but he has more haters than he deserves

[–] shawn_381 12 years ago

I liked this movie, and thought Nicolas Cage was just right. Like all the casting in fact, Stanley Tucci, David Caruso, Helen Hunt, Sam Jackson and all the side players as well.
Good movie - underated.

[–] Mrpinkeye 12 years ago

i agree. this movie was in a list of cages top 5 crazy roles. i just thought he was lame

[–] andersaberg87 11 years ago

Well, part of it I think is intentional.
Cage is supposed to be a psycho fifteen year old given a mafioso job.
It's appearent in his relationship with his dad and also his behaviour in full.

But, it's not pictured very well, the film lacks the finer touches both in this matter and in others, and it becomes more comic relief and screwball.