“Beyond an old uncle’s praise”: Francis Ford Coppola has the Most Heartwarming Words for His Nephew Nicolas Cage
Francis Ford Coppola recently took to Instagram to shower praise on his nephew and actor Nicolas Cage. Coppola lauded Cage’s performances in recent films Pig and Dream Scenario, calling them “beyond an old uncle’s praise.” The Godfather director’s supportive words come despite the complex history between the two cinema icons. While Coppola helped launch Cage’s career, their relationship was complicated by family tensions.
What Did Francis Ford Coppola Write About His Nephew, Nicolas Cage?
Francis Ford Coppola took to his Instagram to give his nephew all his appreciation for his successful performances in his new movies, Pig and Dream Scenario. He wrote :
“My nephew Nicolas always pulls a wonderful performance out of his hat, even as a little kid he could imitate a computer. His work in Michael Sarnoski’s “Pig” and his most recent performance in Kristoffer Borgli’s “Dream Scenario” is beyond an old Uncle’s praise.”
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How Did Coppola Help Nicolas Cage’s Early Career?
According to Lit Hub, Coppola gave Nicolas Cage his first major roles, casting him in Rumble Fish, The Cotton Club, and Peggy Sue Got Married in the 1980s. After losing money on One from the Heart, Coppola pivoted to lower-budget films, needing quick money.
By hiring fresh young talent like Cage, Coppola could film fast and cheap. So despite family drama, Coppola helped a young Cage gain valuable experience. Though related, Cage grew up distant from Coppola’s wealth and fame. He observed his uncle’s opulence as an outsider.
Cage also witnessed his father, August Coppola, live in Francis’ shadow despite his own accomplishments. This brewed jealousy in young Cage. As a teen, Cage challenged his uncle, telling him, “You were great, but I hold the mantle now.” This ambition to surpass Coppola caused friction.
How Did Nicolas Cage Initially Feel About Coppola’s Success?
According to Cage, growing up he felt like “the poor Coppolas.” He stayed with Coppola but knew the lavish lifestyle didn’t belong to him. Cage vowed to one day buy a mansion in San Francisco to rival his uncle’s. He said Coppola’s wealth made him feel “like Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights” in his jealousy. Even when finding his own success, Cage wanted to distinguish himself from the Coppola name.
Despite past tensions, Coppola now beams with “an old uncle’s pride” over Cage’s recent work. Perhaps age and perspective have softened old grudges between the family members. Or Cage’s undeniable skill in recent roles has overcome past slights.
Whatever the case, Coppola’s glowing praise shows the bond between an uncle and his nephew endures, despite a complex history.
