Nicolas Cage’s remarkable makeover for the part of a demonic serial murderer in “Longlegs” demonstrates his dedication to his craft. After reading the script, he was very excited about the project and worked closely with makeup artists and writer-director Osgood Perkins to make the unsettling persona come to life. The makeup and prosthetic design were informed by Perkins’s vision of the antagonist as a “pathetic-ish guy,” a sort of eerie clown image. As part of his commitment to the part, Cage embraced hefty prosthetics for the first time in his career in an attempt to really inhabit the character.
The major physical makeover for “Longlegs” required intricate sculpting by Amazing Ape and Harlow MacFarlane to get the desired appearance. A significant aspect of the character’s look was the indication of poor, low-quality plastic surgery, which contributed to the villain’s ugly and unnerving appearance. To further set the character apart, Cage not only underwent bodily alterations but also acquired distinctive mannerisms and a sing-song voice. By putting himself entirely into the part, he aimed to develop a character who was both unsettling and unforgettable.
Cage drew inspiration for his portrayal of Longlegs from his late mother Joy Vogelsang’s battles with schizophrenia and sadness. When he was younger, he remembered seeing her speak to the walls, an experience that was more inspiring than unsettling to him. In an effort to comprehend the factors that contributed to his mother’s mental illness, Cage integrated these recollections into his performance. He characterized the position as being quite personal, reflecting his own experiences with his mother’s difficulties.
Cage’s experience growing up middle class around wealthy peers served as fire for his ambition to be successful in Hollywood. In sharp contrast to his peers’ wealth, his family lived in modesty, even though his father was a writer and professor. He felt disadvantaged and misunderstood, especially in terms of relationships and social standing. But after spending time with his uncle, Francis Ford Coppola, he was exposed to a different way of life, which made him want to achieve that degree of success—not just for the money, but also for the prestige and sense of accomplishment it brought.
Cage’s commitment and skill are evident in the final Longlegs character, which is mostly hidden in trailers. He completely inhabits the role of the unsettling serial murderer thanks to the prosthetics and heavy makeup that make him unidentifiable. Given his personal connection to the character’s hardships and his desire to delve into the darker facets of human nature, Cage is sure to provide a stirring and memorable performance.