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Pop Classics #5
National Treasure: Nicolas Cage (5)
A celebration of Nicolas Cage ― the man and the meme Nicolas leading man or character actor? Action hero or goofball comedian? Internet joke or one of the greatest actors of his generation? Beyond the gif bait and easy punchline, Nicolas Cage continually frustrates easy categorization or understanding. In National Treasure, pop culture writer Lindsay Gibb studies Nicolas Cage’s acting style and makes sense of the trajectory of his eclectic career. In the process, Gibb debunks the common claim that Cage makes bad choices. While his selection of roles is seemingly inscrutable, Cage challenges critics and audiences alike by refusing to be predictable or to conform to the Hollywood approach to acting. Much like one of his mentors, David Lynch, Cage aims for art in movie-making. Is there a method to his madness? Is he in on the joke? In this clear-eyed and well-argued volume of the Pop Classics series, Gibb answers both questions with a resounding hell yes.
90 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2015
6 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
Lindsay Gibb
3 books16 followersLindsay Gibb is a librarian and journalist with a specific interest in zines, film, and comics. She co-programs the Toronto Comic Arts Festival’s Librarian and Educator Day and her writing has appeared in Shameless, This Magazine, and Playback. She was the editor of Broken Pencil magazine and co-founded Spacing magazine. Lindsay lives in Toronto, Ontario.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 20, 2015
I have to admit, I really haven't seen many Nicolas Cage films and had been pretty indifferent to him as an actor before reading this book. I had seen the memes and heard the criticisms of him as a supposedly over-the-top actor and took the general public's word verbatim. However, Gibb's critical analysis of Cage was compelling to say that least. Gibb provides a thorough overview of Cage's work so that readers aren't necessarily required to be well-versed in his repertoire of films, and yet she is concise. I especially appreciated how seamlessly Gibb aligned Cage's experimental acting styles to visual abstract artists' work. What's more, Gibb had me questioning my own views of what defines good acting and writing. I found this book so intriguing that I read it in one sitting, which is something I rarely do.
June 14, 2025
I truly love Nicolas cage and am perplexed by his brilliance. If you feel that way you’ve got to read this short book. It goes through Nic’s acting methods, his career and puts forward a perspective of why Nic is so controversial, why people can’t pin him down. I’ve watched a lot of Nicolas films (52 and counting) and it’s striking the variety in his roles. No matter how small or silly his role is, he’s just as earnest in his performance as his biggest starring roles. He consciously seeks out new territory to expand on his skills and learn from different directors and actors. In 2014, Cage was asked why he picked his roles and he said ‘always stay a student, never be a maestro’.
His performances are always shocking and exciting. When I first saw moonstruck I thought it was just going to be another rom com. But Nic starts screaming and flipping tables. Its delightful. Gibb puts it well in this book when she says ‘cage is experimental in the decidedly unexperimental terrain of Hollywood feature films’.
I also found it interesting learning about how nic had to fight for his strange acting styles and performances. He was never satisfied with just being told what to do, always bringing so much creativity to his roles and not backing down even when it could risk him his career.
This book was written in 2015, and since then I think we’ve seen Nicolas in some ways become a ‘maestro’. Not to say he has given up seeking out new roles and experimenting, but his experience has built up and he has given some truly masterful performances. Dream scenario, Mandy and long legs for example.
I also learnt he did ‘happier’ films for his grandma to enjoy and got into children’s film so his son could watch them 🥹 adorable
I truly admire Nicolas as an artist and I’m excited to see where his career goes next as always.
His performances are always shocking and exciting. When I first saw moonstruck I thought it was just going to be another rom com. But Nic starts screaming and flipping tables. Its delightful. Gibb puts it well in this book when she says ‘cage is experimental in the decidedly unexperimental terrain of Hollywood feature films’.
I also found it interesting learning about how nic had to fight for his strange acting styles and performances. He was never satisfied with just being told what to do, always bringing so much creativity to his roles and not backing down even when it could risk him his career.
This book was written in 2015, and since then I think we’ve seen Nicolas in some ways become a ‘maestro’. Not to say he has given up seeking out new roles and experimenting, but his experience has built up and he has given some truly masterful performances. Dream scenario, Mandy and long legs for example.
I also learnt he did ‘happier’ films for his grandma to enjoy and got into children’s film so his son could watch them 🥹 adorable
I truly admire Nicolas as an artist and I’m excited to see where his career goes next as always.
July 1, 2017
An excellent essay on Nicholas Cage and his acting talents. I thought this was a good book. It was funny and well-researched. The arguments for why people should admire Cage's acting skills were compelling.
I'm really interested in this pop culture classics series, and will definitely be reading more of these books.
I'm really interested in this pop culture classics series, and will definitely be reading more of these books.
December 10, 2015
In 'National Treasure: Nicolas Cage,' Lindsay Gibb makes the argument that Nicolas Cage is an actor of genius who has made deliberate choices to pursue his art.
Nicolas Cage and his acting roles can inspire great debates among film fans. Some are fans of certain films he has made, and some of others. With a wildly diverse range of roles and characters that act out of the normal range, people can be put off by the way Nicolas Cage portrays them. He's been a leading man, and deliberately picked supporting parts. He has played Elvis and cops and lowlifes and drunks. Just when you think you know what he's going to do next, he jumps to another form, or stays with what he's been doing. His acting style has ranged from realism to Western Kabuki.
As a fan of Nicolas Cage, I have sometimes found myself defending that, but Lindsay Gibb is a true fan. Her arguments are backed up with quotes and notes. She even held a Nicolas Cage film festival to help research for this book.
I love the Pop Classics series by ECW Press and this is another in a series that has talked about Elvis Costello, Showgirls, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They are fun, short books to read and I've enjoyed the few I've gotten to review.
I received a review copy of this ebook from ECW Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Nicolas Cage and his acting roles can inspire great debates among film fans. Some are fans of certain films he has made, and some of others. With a wildly diverse range of roles and characters that act out of the normal range, people can be put off by the way Nicolas Cage portrays them. He's been a leading man, and deliberately picked supporting parts. He has played Elvis and cops and lowlifes and drunks. Just when you think you know what he's going to do next, he jumps to another form, or stays with what he's been doing. His acting style has ranged from realism to Western Kabuki.
As a fan of Nicolas Cage, I have sometimes found myself defending that, but Lindsay Gibb is a true fan. Her arguments are backed up with quotes and notes. She even held a Nicolas Cage film festival to help research for this book.
I love the Pop Classics series by ECW Press and this is another in a series that has talked about Elvis Costello, Showgirls, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They are fun, short books to read and I've enjoyed the few I've gotten to review.
I received a review copy of this ebook from ECW Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
November 5, 2015
Making art can be terrifying.
You are both exposing more of yourself than you would normally be comfortable with, and exposing truths about yourself in what you're choosing to expose. It's a telescoping effect of honesty and pretension and vulnerability.
Whenever I make something, whenever I truly pour myself into music or writing or jokes or drawing, I often think of Nicolas Cage and the volition with which he practices his craft.
I don't believe in cynicism or irony when it comes to my admiration of Cage, so it was very vindicating and gratifying to read Lindsay Gibb's defence of Nicolas Cage's body of work, despite not telling me too much I didn't already know - though she shrewdly notes the projects Nicolas Cage says no to as evidence of what a strategic and deliberate artist he is, something that never occurred to me when I try to justify my appreciation of him to skeptical friends.
Truthfully, as I get older, and more tired, and more hurt, the more I understand and value the work ethic of someone like Nicolas Cage, who gives the best of himself to anything worthy of or arguably beneath him.
That's the kind of artist, and person, I want to be.
Lindsay Gibb fucking gets it.
You are both exposing more of yourself than you would normally be comfortable with, and exposing truths about yourself in what you're choosing to expose. It's a telescoping effect of honesty and pretension and vulnerability.
Whenever I make something, whenever I truly pour myself into music or writing or jokes or drawing, I often think of Nicolas Cage and the volition with which he practices his craft.
I don't believe in cynicism or irony when it comes to my admiration of Cage, so it was very vindicating and gratifying to read Lindsay Gibb's defence of Nicolas Cage's body of work, despite not telling me too much I didn't already know - though she shrewdly notes the projects Nicolas Cage says no to as evidence of what a strategic and deliberate artist he is, something that never occurred to me when I try to justify my appreciation of him to skeptical friends.
Truthfully, as I get older, and more tired, and more hurt, the more I understand and value the work ethic of someone like Nicolas Cage, who gives the best of himself to anything worthy of or arguably beneath him.
That's the kind of artist, and person, I want to be.
Lindsay Gibb fucking gets it.
June 4, 2021
A breezy yet enlightening look at the career of one of the most ironically beloved actors of our generation. Gibb presents a strong argument for taking the sprawling and varied career of Nicolas Cage a little more seriously, casting him as perhaps the most interesting performer alive today. If you know Cage only for the memes spawned by his most outlandish work, you will undoubtedly come away from this book with a greater appreciation for what Cage is actually trying to accomplish, and perhaps even grow to love him (unironically).
November 27, 2021
Cage is God, no doubt.
July 18, 2017
"National Treasure" by Lindsay Gibb is a great defense of Nicolas Cage's acting. I've long thought of Cage as "the best worst actor" but reading Gibb's well researched manifesto has me, if not totally convinced, at very least deeply curious. It's hard not to read this book without google on hand to reference the many startling, hilarious, and amazing moments in Cage's career.
What ultimately hits home is that Gibb's take-away says as much about the expectations of an audience as it does about a "Cagey" performance: "If art is fundamentally about generating a reaction, then Cage has been more successful than most actors. And his career, like his life, is his ultimate work-in-progress. It’s performance mixed with performance art, and with every film we see, every meme we share, we’re a part of it."
It's worth thinking about.
What ultimately hits home is that Gibb's take-away says as much about the expectations of an audience as it does about a "Cagey" performance: "If art is fundamentally about generating a reaction, then Cage has been more successful than most actors. And his career, like his life, is his ultimate work-in-progress. It’s performance mixed with performance art, and with every film we see, every meme we share, we’re a part of it."
It's worth thinking about.
December 20, 2017
this book unexpectedly changed the way i think about acting + was super informative on various schools of acting that i previously knew only by name. recc to anyone who's interested in pop culture criticism + looking for a light read
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October 23, 2020If you wanna know about the ancient techniques Nic Cage used to hone his performance in Ghost Rider, read this book. It's fascinating
March 5, 2025
What a ride this was. I don't know that I realized how polarizing Nicolas Cage is as an actor. The book explores the roles that land him in the category of good actor. He does things that other actors do not which is why he isn't for everyone. I liked how she explores what makes him interesting, what types of methods of acting he does, and the roles he chooses to explore his creativity in. I really enjoyed my read of this.
Check out a podcast that I host with my boyfriend where we talk books and book related things:
https://open.spotify.com/show/6Xjyht7...
and our Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/talkbooky/
Check out a podcast that I host with my boyfriend where we talk books and book related things:
https://open.spotify.com/show/6Xjyht7...
and our Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/talkbooky/
November 12, 2020
Nic Cage is, indeed, a National Treasure, and this book (which feels like something written by me... hehe), just proves it. His controversial (but interesting and original) acting choices, the different ways in which he has become a meme, but most importantly, precisely WHY he should be considered as a great actor, even a genius; everything is included in here!
If you're already a Nic Cage fan, this book will confirm all your beliefs. And if you're not... you just might be converted to the Church of Cage!
If you're already a Nic Cage fan, this book will confirm all your beliefs. And if you're not... you just might be converted to the Church of Cage!
November 1, 2015
I wish I could give a book more than five stars. This book is, essentially, a more thoughtful and well-researched version of #CageClub. I'm not really the target demographic here; I already know Cage is great, and one of our best actors. But this made me think in ways I hadn't already -- and I've spent A LOT of time thinking about Cage -- and introduced me to many, many great quotes and analysis I haven't seen yet.
Great work, Lindsay Gibb!
Great work, Lindsay Gibb!
June 24, 2024
This small book is excellent. Sure, I'm a sucker for all things Nicolas Cage, but Gibb articulates beautifully the reasons why Cage is unique, incredible, and - indeed - a National Treasure. Gibb weaves theory and fun, history and examples of Cage performances beautifully. Great read. A super helpful resource for my own Cage research!
May 29, 2017
If you're a fan of the one true god that is Nicolas Cage this is more than worth your time.
January 16, 2025
i did think this would be about national treasure but nevertheless she has convinced me that nicholas cage is the real national treasure.
March 29, 2025
This entry in the Pop Classics collection continues to blend the academic and conversational in tackling various pop culture subjects, and in this case, Nicolas Cage takes center stage. Gibb's passion for Cage is immediately apparent as she casually relays a thorough knowledge of his acting history, even referencing deep cut, early films that he only played bit roles in. This passion helps guide the reader through an examination of Cage as a celebrity with historic lineage, an actor that is arguably ushering the medium forward like no other, and a meme that dominated the early 2010s online space. If you lack a decent knowledge of Cage's filmography, you will be lost with some details, but Gibb does well to set the basis for each film she unpacks. The need to see most of his major films is my main criticism, along with some light repetition of plot points and general themes, but this is an intriguing, short read for anyone interested in unraveling one of our greatest Hollywood enigmas.
If you want to hear my more conversational thoughts on this book, check out the March 31st, 2025 episode of the Talk Booky to Me podcast that I cohost with my girlfriend, Felicia.
If you want to hear my more conversational thoughts on this book, check out the March 31st, 2025 episode of the Talk Booky to Me podcast that I cohost with my girlfriend, Felicia.
March 14, 2023
This is my shoutout to @ecwpress for publishing these snappy quick pop classics on all the pop culture topics we all love or hate or love to hate!
Personally, Nicholas Cage is one of those actors I don’t quite understand but reading this outline of his career really opened my eyes to how polarizing his movies, and him, are. I really appreciate this glimpse into society’s and the movie industry’s perspective of Cage. Dare I say this shifted my perception of his acting, privilege and fight against his privilege, into a new light. The one thing we know for sure is that Cage is entirely unpredictable.
Can’t recommend Pop Classics enough, 4✨! Thank you @ecwpress for sending me a copy from a giveaway I won.
June 19, 2025
i just want to say that Nicolas cage is my all time fav actor out there, i love how is so different from all the other actors in the world, and not just in the acting world too, he is just so interesting. he really inspires me to be who i want to be even though people will judge you for it, and this book really shows how Cage was treated differently because he wanted to have a wider variety of approach on his roles, and the criticizing didn't stop him from doing what he loves and values in life. I love me a good book about nic cage. the book itself is alright its decent.
December 3, 2018
While reading this book, I definitely quotes Nicholas Cage to a lot of people, including the bang on quote "never become the maestro, always be the student."
But like the other books in the series I have read, I love reading about things other people love and definitely gained a new understanding of Cage, as I had been lumping him into the "off the rails" category when he is anything but.
Loved the ending and analysis!
But like the other books in the series I have read, I love reading about things other people love and definitely gained a new understanding of Cage, as I had been lumping him into the "off the rails" category when he is anything but.
Loved the ending and analysis!
June 6, 2017
I never thought I'd read a cohesive, well-thought out argument defending Nicholas Cage unironically and yet - here I am.
Both scholarly and humourous, Lindsay Gibb analyses Cage's acting career, his performances, his choices in roles, and why he fits the definition of advanced genius. This is the book for any Nic Cage aficionados out there!
Both scholarly and humourous, Lindsay Gibb analyses Cage's acting career, his performances, his choices in roles, and why he fits the definition of advanced genius. This is the book for any Nic Cage aficionados out there!
September 22, 2018
A quick (too quick) study on the acting and meme life of Nicolas Cage. IT was alright. It was nothing bad or wrong. It just didn't give anything new. I liked the hour or so I read it, but I was left wanting more. I love short books. But this was too short. Or as my wife said , "They only gave Valley Girl a sentence, then it can't be good."
January 5, 2025
My second in this lovely little Pop Classics series. Highly recommend. Not as biographical or detailed as Age of Cage by Phipps but a great essay on the thing that is Nicolas Cage. My favourite story in this was that when he was being bullied at school, he created a cousin character to tell the bully to stop. And it worked!
June 28, 2017
Illuminating, insightful , and devilishly funny. A thoughtful meditation on art, celebrity, and Nicolas Cage. Takes as long to read as it does to watch the average Cage flick so you really have no excuse.
July 7, 2019
I loved it. I think Nicholas Cage as well as other actors and actresses who don't go the rom com way or always choose block busters are often under appreciated. Loved Lindsey Gibb's take on this. It took about 2 hours to read. Quick and interesting. :D
March 28, 2023
Focusing primarily on Cage’s acting choices and style, this book will mostly appear to Cage die hards, but it’s short length could make it accessible to a wider audience as well. It’s even got a chapter about his meme status for people wanting to read about the Nicolas Cage Extended Universe. 😝
April 23, 2025
Possibly the most compelling argument about why Nicolas Cage is one of, if not, the greatest American actors since Marlon Brando. It's very hard for anything to make me want to pop in the DVD of Drive Angry followed by Deadfall, yet this has somehow done it.
July 27, 2025
Very interesting, I loved this kind of like bio on Mr. Cage from a fan / movie analysis of his characters. How he seems like he is all over the place acting wise it's it more art pieces too him like how different art styles have different names throughout history.
November 3, 2020
Nic Cage is my hero.
July 5, 2021
I had fun. And now have a bunch of Nicolas Cage movies to watch
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews