In conjunction with the publication of UW alum Keith Phipps’s illuminating book Age of Cage: Four Decades of Hollywood Through One Singular Career, the Cinematheque celebrates one of Hollywood’s truly singular talents: Nicolas Cage.  Whether he’s portraying an action hero, a conflicted headcase, or a romcom leading man, few performers have bent such a variety of major productions to accommodate their unique, uncompromising creative vision. As seen in past Cinematheque and Wisconsin Film Festival selections like Mandy, Joe, and Red Rock West, Cage is a transformative screen presence with the capacity to surprise in all manner of roles.  Our tribute focuses on the first decade of Cage’s career, where he established his wholly unique persona in a series of bona fide knockouts: the blown-out 80s comedy Valley Girl; the Coen brothers’ first masterpiece Raising Arizona; and David Lynch’s road-trip/head-trip Wild at Heart. Phipps will join us in-person at the 2022 Wisconsin Film Festival for a screening of the unhinged Vampire’s Kiss, which is perhaps the ultimate expression of Cage’s gonzo performance style and must be seen to be believed. (MK)