http://www.tv3.ie/entertainment_article.php?locID=1.803.874&article=108758

Friday, 19 July 2013

Nicolas Cage: Hudgens is hard-working

Nicolas Cage says his The Frozen Ground co-star Vanessa Hudgens is "amazing" to watch in action.

Vanessa Hudgens is "ultra serious" about her acting, says Nicolas Cage.

The two actors star in upcoming thriller The Frozen Ground, which is based on the real-life '80s Alaskan hunt for serial killer Robert Hansen, played by John Cusack.

Vanessa plays Cindy Paulson in the movie, a young prostitute who escapes the clutches of Hansen's violence.

Nicolas was impressed by his co-star's commitment to the role.

"[She's a] great lady. Ultra serious about the work. The relationship [we had on set] was completely about the work," he gushed in an interview with BBC Radio 1.

"I was amazed at her depth and emotional honesty. I didn't see acting; she had all those emotions at her fingertips. It was amazing to watch her."

The movie's subject matter affected Nicolas, so he'd find ways of forgetting it outside of the set.

The 49-year-old star would turn to something fictional when he got home.

"It's true that when you play something that is real and terrifying it can get in your head," he explained. "Instead of The Simpsons I would go home and watch Godzilla or something with a three-headed monster to take me into the world of fantasy and childlike charm."

Nicolas revealed the moment he decided he wanted to appear on the big screen. The Hollywood star says James Dean's performance in East of Eden made up his mind for him.

"I didn't know what I wanted to be. I wanted to be a boxer, a fisherman, a rock star. All true," he smiled.

"I was 15 at this time. I knew in that moment, I wanted to be a film actor. I was bawling. I was emotionally racked by his performance. I said, 'Now I know that film acting is the most powerful art form.'"

Nicolas also joked about the heat wave England is currently experiencing. The star is promoting his new movie around the world and was hoping to seek solace from the warm weather while in the UK, which is renowned for its gloomy weather.

"I like a bit of mist and poetic gloom; it does wonderful things for my soul," he quipped.

"I was hoping to get a break from that. I wanted some mist."