Nicolas Cage

There is a misperception, if you will, in critical response or even in Hollywood, that I can only do exaggerated characters. Or what they would call over-the-top performances. Well, this is completely false.

Guy Pearce is very precise and clear about understanding the rhythm and the music of a scene.

If I could have been a marine biologist I would have, but I didn't have that kind of intelligence. Numbers were never my strong point.

I think what makes people fascinating is conflict, it's drama, it's the human condition. Nobody wants to watch perfection.

I don't want to just do independent movies and I don't want to just do adventure films. I enjoy both, and I think both are cogent.

When I won the Oscar, I made a point of actively going against that and doing adventure films like 'Con Air' and 'Gone in 60 Seconds,' not what would be expected.

I'm the first to admit that I like going to, or my memories at least of going to Clint Eastwood movies or Charles Bronson or James Bond.

Most of my favourite moments in film have been when I've had an opportunity to say something from scratch, something original, whether I jotted down a few lines or it came out in improvisation.

I like fantasy. I like horror, science fiction because I can get avant-garde with those performances in those movies.

I loved 'Fantasia' as a kid because it filled me with wonder, enchantment and awe. It was my first real introduction into classical music. It was totally inspiring to me.

It's no secret that I've always had an interest in mythology. Whether it's Arthurian or ancient Greek or even Marvel universe. I've always connected with it on some level.

I've always had an interest in Louisiana, especially New Orleans.