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Exploring the enigmatic world of ”Longlegs”: A deep dive into the serial killer thriller
Nicolas Cage and Maika Monroe star in the chilling new film “Longlegs,” a psychological thriller that has captivated audiences with its intense performances and gripping narrative. Directed by Oz Perkins, the movie delves into the dark and twisted mind of a serial killer, with Cage and Monroe delivering standout performances that elevate the film to new heights.
The unique approach to character interaction
One of the most intriguing aspects of “Longlegs” is the director’s decision to keep the main cast members, Nicolas Cage and Maika Monroe, apart for most of the filming. This creative choice was designed to heighten the tension and authenticity of their on-screen interactions, particularly during a pivotal interrogation scene near the film’s climax.
Maika Monroe shared her experience of this unconventional method, explaining how it added a layer of realism to her performance. “The whole lead-up to that was crazy,” Monroe said. “They had been filming with Cage for five days at that point, and it was his last day, probably three weeks into filming. The director chose to not have me see anything, not meet him, not see what his face looked like. He created this character, this thing, so I was so nervous.”
The result was a powerful and genuine reaction when Monroe’s character, Lee Harker, finally comes face-to-face with Cage’s menacing persona. “The cameras start rolling on me and the director calls ‘action.’ I opened the door and what you see is all very real, and it was incredible. He’s unrecognizable, and so I didn’t feel like I was in a room with Nic Cage. I was in a room with Longlegs.”
Nicolas Cage’s admiration for Maika Monroe
Nicolas Cage, known for his method acting and intense dedication to his roles, expressed his admiration for Monroe’s talent and unique energy. In a recent interview, Cage revealed that he had been following Monroe’s career since her breakout role in “It Follows.”
“I wanted to follow her after ‘It Follows,’” Cage said. “Especially the first opening scenes when she’s tied into that wheelchair, getting pushed around. I felt terrible for her, and she just kept it through the whole movie. It’s a different energy than other actors have. It’s what makes it uniquely her, and her own thing is that Maika has a personality and energy that separates her from everybody else. She’s not like anybody else, and that’s a big compliment.”
Cage also discussed the importance of their limited interaction on set, which contributed to the authenticity of their performances. “It was important to us, me and the director, that Maika and I not spend a lot of time together socially. He wanted the scene to be a surprise for both of us, which I thought was sage direction.”
The director’s perspective
Director Oz Perkins had a clear vision for how he wanted Cage to approach his role, allowing the actor the freedom to fully immerse himself in the character. “You get Nic Cage in your movie, and it’s like all of a sudden you have a tiger,” Perkins said. “You’re not like, ‘Hey, Tiger, I think you should do this this way’ or ‘Hey, Tiger, I think you should move like this’ or ‘Hey, Tiger, I think this should be what you want to eat.’ There’s such a power that comes with someone who’s such a titan of the industry and one of the greatest all-time movie stars ever.”
Perkins’ decision to keep Cage and Monroe apart until their crucial scene paid off, resulting in a performance that is both raw and compelling. “It worked to my advantage in the sense that I could keep him away from Maika and then have them only be together in the one scene they had.”
A deeper understanding of “Longlegs”
“Longlegs” is more than just a serial killer thriller; it is a study in character dynamics and the power of performance. The film’s success lies in the meticulous planning and execution by the director and the dedication of its lead actors. The tension and authenticity achieved through their unique approach to filming create a captivating and unforgettable cinematic experience.
For those interested in exploring the world of “Longlegs” further, you can watch the trailer and find more information about the film at https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/longlegs.
Reflecting on the journey
As we reflect on the journey of “Longlegs,” it becomes clear that the film’s success is a testament to the power of creative collaboration and the dedication of its cast and crew. The unique approach to character interaction, combined with the raw talent of Nicolas Cage and Maika Monroe, has resulted in a film that is both haunting and mesmerizing.
“Longlegs” leaves us with a sense of awe and admiration for the art of filmmaking, reminding us of the magic that can be created when vision and talent come together.
