An Interview with Nicholas Cage (continued)

Do you consider your famous Coppola family a national treasure?
I'm proud of my family - I think it's loaded with creativity. But the flip side is the eccentric or bizarre behaviour that goes along with that.

Do you like being called an eccentric?
I like just keeping it interesting. I don't want to be trapped or calcified in one type of movie. I do like to set trends for myself and I hope other people enjoy that as an audience.

Did you share the same eclectic sensibility as Harvey Keitel in National Treasure?
Harvey and I worked extremely well together as we both have an odd take on life. We share a playful perception that I think mixed well for the two of us.

You've played so many different types of characters. Why do you mix it up so much?
I have eclectic taste. I enjoy doing adventure movies and independent movies. I love Clint Eastwood, James Bond or Charles Bronson movies and Bruce Lee was a huge inspiration for me, too.

Have you tried on your Ghost Rider costume yet?
I haven't. I'm still in talks about that particular movie.

Are you attracted to playing comic book characters?
Comic books, for me as a young man, were one of the ways I learned how to read. I was always fascinated by the mythology of them. They're a wonderful alternative world to lose yourself in.

You've been attached to Ghost Rider for so long, what's holding it up?
People are still in talks about the script. These things are very sensitive. It's a bullseye and you really have to hit it, otherwise it may not work.

If Ghost Rider doesn't pan out, is there another comic book character you'd like to portray?
I can't think of anything. I'll just sort of enjoy my nostalgic memories of them as a boy.

Didn't you try on the Superman costume? Weren't you in talks to do Spider-Man?
I was never going to play Spider-Man. They talked to me about playing the Green Goblin but it was at the same time I was offered Adaptation. I did try the Superman costume on but Warner Brothers wasn't ready to go with the script because it was getting incredibly expensive.

Are you surprised by your success?
I don't really look at myself as a successful person. I'm always trying to find the next thing to discover or improve upon. I have a difficult time looking at the cup half full - I always look at it half empty.

What is the secret to good acting, in your opinion?
It's impossible not to take a look at yourself on the set. I'm still in the backyard playing like I'm a treasure hunter. It's the spirit of playfulness that children have - and a great way not to have to grow up.

Speaking of growing up, has turning 40 changed you at all?
I always add a year to my age, so I'm prepared for the next birthday! I don't want to say I'm feeling happy - that's too fragile a word - but I'm definitely content and hopeful about the future.