Nicolas Cage reveals how he built a legendary career by embracing unconventional artistic choices and risk-taking—then had to navigate becoming a meme. The Oscar-winning actor discusses his philosophy of pushing performance beyond realism, his Spider-Noir television debut, and reconciling the mythology he cultivated with the internet age. Cage synthesizes elements from painting, music, and film history into performances—using Bruce Lee camera work, Francis Bacon visual language, and Stockhausen sound design to create postmodern acting that transcends traditional realism.