10 Amazing 2014 Performances That Changed Your Mind About Actors You Hate

4. Nicolas Cage - Joe

Is there any actor in the world who is more fascinating that Nicolas Cage? What a wonderful, strange career he has had. He changed his name from Nicolas Coppola to avoid nepotism early on and proceeded to turn in some seriously off-the-wall performances in some quirky films like Raising Arizona, Wild At Heart and Vampire's Kiss. Cage won an Oscar in 1995 for his portrayal of an alcoholic in Leaving Las Vegas. Post-Leaving Las Vegas Cage enhanced his popularity even more with action films Face/Off, Con Air and The Rock. They haven't all been hits, mind you, and Cage has become known in recent years for churning out some seriously questionable performances in mediocre (if not downright awful) films. Movies like Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance, Stolen and Tresspass have seriously damaged Cage's reputation. Sure, Cage has shown flashes of brilliance in supporting roles in films like Kick-Ass and he was back to his best in Werner Herzog's Bad Lieutenant. But Bad Lieutenant was six years ago and people have short memories: you're only as good as your list film. Fortunately for Cage, his last starring role was in David Gordon Green's excellent backwater drama Joe. Cage is as good as he's ever been as a man trying to escape his trouble past while mentoring a young kid whose seeking support and shelter from his abusive step-father. The eccentric Cage has been the butt of many jokes in recent years thanks to his bizarre behaviour and poor film choices but nobody was laughing when they'd finished watching him in Joe. If you have any doubts about Cage's ability, watch this film now.