10 Unexpectedly Intense Performances In Horror Movies
9. Nicolas Cage - Longlegs
Nicolas Cage has really embraced horror in recent years, starring in Mandy, Colour Out of Space, Renfield, and many others. Though these films showcased Cage's zany side, they feel like they were building to the Oscar winner's most twisted performance to date (which is saying a lot).
In Longlegs, Cage portrays Dale Kobble, a Satan worshipper who's eluded the authorities for over a decade. Despite being the main villain, the Zodiac-inspired psychopath only appears for 12 minutes, with his face obscured in all but one scene. And yet, Cage is the most memorable thing in the entire movie.
Nic plays Kobble with an otherworldly demeanour, merrily singing, talking in riddles, and shrieking like a bat. Although his dialogue sounds like gobbledegook, Cage speaks with uncompromising conviction, highlighting that Kobble is a highly intelligent man and everything he says has a deeper meaning. Even when he's not speaking and his face is obscured, the actor uses subtle body language to highlight his character's depraved intent.
Though Dale Kobble could've been depicted as a wacky caricature (especially with Cage's track record), Longlegs' big bad is among the most unnerving horror villain seen in recent years.