In a recent interview with WIRED, Hollywood icon Nicolas Cage opened up about his discontent with being transformed into internet memes and supercuts, expressing frustration at the lack of context in these representations. Cage discovered the extent of his online meme presence a few years ago after Googling himself, leading him to reflect on the stark contrast between his early career in the 1980s and today's meme culture.
The interview delves into Cage's latest film, "Dream Scenario," where he plays Paul Matthews, a university professor thrust into sudden global fame as people start dreaming about him. Cage discusses the movie's exploration of the trappings of celebrity and the challenges of dealing with a public image that surpasses one's true identity.
One intriguing aspect of the conversation revolves around the concept of "egregore," a term brought up by the film's director, Kristoffer Borgli. Cage explains how his public persona as Nick Cage has evolved beyond his true self, creating myths and perceptions that may not align with his actual personality.
The actor emphasizes the importance of mutual agreements and contracts when it comes to the use of his likeness, expressing concerns about the inhumane application of AI in Hollywood. Cage raises questions about the lack of control over his image after death and the potential for AI-generated performances that lack emotional authenticity, describing such a scenario as "very scary."
While acknowledging the potential value of AI in communicating with other species, Cage remains skeptical about its use in appropriating works of art. He questions the heart and authenticity in AI-generated performances, expressing discomfort with the notion of his iconic characters being fed into a computer for robotic replication.
The interview also touches on Cage's deliberate absence from social media, a choice driven by his romanticism and a desire to preserve the mystique of Golden Age movie stars. Cage believes that maintaining a degree of mystery adds to the allure of movie stars, contrasting with the oversharing culture prevalent on platforms like Twitter.
In a world where fame is often synonymous with memes and AI-generated content, Nicolas Cage's insights provide a unique perspective on the challenges faced by iconic figures in navigating their public image and the potential dangers posed by advancing technologies.
