Mandy - 2018
"Mandy" is a 2018 action horror film directed by Panos Cosmatos, produced by Elijah Wood, and co-written by Cosmatos and Aaron Stewart-Ahn. The film stars Nicolas Cage, Andrea Riseborough, Linus Roache, Ned Dennehy, Olwen Four, Richard Brake, and Bill Duke. The story revolves around a couple, Red Miller and Mandy Bloom, who lead a peaceful existence in the Pacific Northwest in 1983 until their lives are disrupted by a cult led by the sadistic Jeremiah Sand, leading to a journey of bloody vengeance and surreal experiences
The film has been praised for its style and originality, with particular acclaim for Nicolas Cage's performance, Panos Cosmatos' direction, and the action sequences. It has been described as a "blood-soaked revenge caper" and has been compared to the work of directors like Kubrick and Lynch for its fully realized worlds and characters that operate within their own laws of physics. Additionally, the film has been noted for its visual spectacle and its potential to become a cult favorite.
Nicolas Cage's performance in "Mandy" has been a subject of discussion. In a UK Guardian interview, Cage described his performance's inspiration, stating that just before shooting started, his 14-year marriage had ended, which he used as a source of inspiration for his character
"Mandy" has been described as a visually stunning and surreal experience, with a unique style and a potential to become a cult classic. The film's blend of action, horror, and surrealism, along with Nicolas Cage's performance, has garnered attention and praise from critics and audiences alike.