Is Nicolas Cage crazy, or just misunderstood? According to the actor, it's the latter -- though he admits he gets why people think it's the former.
In an interview with UK's the Guardian, Cage addressed his public persona, telling the paper that there are a host of misconceptions about him floating around.
"There is a misperception, if you will, in critical response or even in Hollywood, that I can only do exaggerated characters," Cage said. Other misperceptions plaguing him, he said, include that he does movies only for the money, he's obsessed with comics, and that films that hit video on demand -- such as his latest, "The Frozen Ground" -- are automatic failures.
As for his reputation for frivolous spending -- he once owned European castles, an island in the Bahamas, and mansions in Rhode Island and New Orleans -- Cage summed up the public's perception of him thusly: "For a while there, it was the three Cs: castles, comic books, and cars. I just can't get that stuff off of me."
So what's a tortured actor to do with all these false rumors flying around? Cage said he's become resigned to his fate as a Hollywood punchline (and Internet meme), and is determined to laugh it off and play along as best he can.
"The Internet has developed this thing about me -- and I'm not even a computer guy, you know? I don't know why it is happening," Cage said. " ... Lemme say this: I'm now of the mindset that, when in Rome, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
