Nicolas Cage is back. In the Panos Cosmatos directed Mandy, Cage turns in a performance that harkens back to the old days when he was a well respected, Oscar winning actor. Audiences have become accustomed to seeing a classic Cage freakout moment and this movie is no different. In one heartbreaking scene, you laugh at the absurdity of his reaction, and immediately after cry at the gravity of his situation. This is the turning point for the film, when you realize that Cage still has that Leaving Las Vegas actor in him. He shows that, whatever you may think of him as a person, you can’t deny his ability to completely draw you in and go on a ride with him. And what a ride this film is.
This film is a cinematic successor to Cosmatos’ Beyond The Black Rainbow, showing off his very distinct style of filmmaking. We’re treated to an absolutely gorgeous movie from beginning to end. When you want to show someone a masterclass in cinematography, you put on this film. Vibrant, lush colors combined with breathtaking, beautifully framed shots makes the viewer feel like they were slipped hallucinogens before the title appears on screen. And that’s definitely a good thing. The music for this film adds another layer of suspense and drama, perfectly placed and sometimes coalescing with what’s happening on screen like an 80s metal music video. Cosmatos is very open about his love for that period of music and even throws in one of the main characters wearing a Motley Crue shirt just to hammer the point home.
Taking a step back, the film is your basic revenge plot. Loving couple in the throes of a cosmic, connected relationship broken up by a religious cult that needs the girl. Guy goes on a revenge killing spree to avenge her. But even though this story has been told hundreds, if not thousands of times, Cosmatos puts his acid soaked touch to it, making something truly original and leaving the audience walking out asking “What did I just watch?” Sometimes that can be a bad thing, but this time, it’s a great thing. Ethan Hawke once said “A truly great movie starts after you leave the theater” implying that the following conversation about what you just witnessed is the good part. In the case of Mandy, this is absolutely true. With the performance Nicolas Cage turns in, the absolute brilliant directing, a cosmic, spiritual take on the revenge movie genre, and the stunning visuals, this movie has earned it’s place in film history and will be talked about for years to come. The buzz for this film shows that audiences want something new, fresh, and exciting. They’re excited for genre bending, boundary pushing filmmaking that makes them think. In the age of larger than life, super hero blockbuster movies, this film is a breath of fresh air. This is the movie to see in 2018. The only question to ask is “What will Cosmatos do next?” I, for one, am extremely excited to find out
William Guess 