Pig is so much richer and stranger than the Nicolas Cage revenge thriller it appears to be
This is much more than a movie where Nic Cage hunts down the men who kidnapped his beloved hog
Film Reviews Pig
In bare description, Pig sounds simple, straightforward, almost inevitable. How did Nicolas Cage get this many years into his long, eccentric career before finally taking on the role of an angry hermit pursuing the assholes who stole his beloved pet porker? Whatever form you might imagine such a movie would take, however, it’s not even remotely what Cage and fledgling writer-director Michael Sarnoski have in mind. From this superficially goofy, lowbrow premise, they’ve crafted a quasi-philosophical odyssey—one that, while not devoid of violence or humor, largely focuses on exploring the nature of creativity, passion, loss, and love. It’s at once ludicrous and deeply felt, anchored by a lead performance that balances manic intensity with uncharacteristic restraint in ideal proportion. Not since Drive, perhaps, has an apparent action film swerved so far from its designated lane, to such unexpectedly magnificent effect.
Those who saw this spring’s documentary The Truffle Hunters will already be familiar with Pig’s initial dynamic, which sees a grizzled, heavily bearded guy named Rob (Cage) search the Oregon woods in which he lives for valuable fungi, assisted by his sole companion in life. He then sells the truffles to Amir (Alex Wolff), an irritatingly yuppie-ish kid who shows up once a week in a yellow Camaro and attempts in vain to engage Rob in casual, innocuous conversation, as if the latter isn’t clearly about one step removed from being Ted Kaczynski. Amir does come in handy as a chauffeur, however, after unseen figures assault Rob and steal his pig, leaving him bereft not so much of his livelihood but of the only thing in his life about which he still gives a damn. The two of them head to Portland in an effort to track down the purloined animal, interrogating various members of the city’s fine-dining underworld, all of whom seem to know Rob by sight, name and/or near-legendary reputation.
Wait—“fine-dining underworld”?! Pig’s milieu isn’t quite what you’d call fantastical, but Sarnoski (who conceived the film’s story with producer Vanessa Block) deliberately heightens that aspect a smidge, even as he keeps everything else securely grounded. Imagine a cross between Gordon Ramsay and Tyler Durden for a sense of how Rob moves through this world, and the extent to which he’s regarded with a mixture of awe, fear and open hostility. It’s evident from the film’s first few minutes that this character has a tragic backstory, and among the film’s many pleasures is the facility and precision with which Sarnoski gradually parcels out crucial information while allowing what’s not especially important to remain a tantalizing mystery. There are no plot twists, in the traditional sense, but each successive encounter reveals a new facet that enriches the tale. At the same time, Pig is aggressively allergic to spoon-feeding and hand-holding, content to let us speculate internally about who certain people are, why a lie gets told, exactly what robbed Rob of his former existence. Even an old cassette tape that looks suspiciously like the setup for a climactic revelation turns out, at the end, to be something quite different (and lovely).
None of this would work without Cage’s commitment to the idea of Rob as both arrestingly iconic and resolutely human. Few of the things Rob does are wholly credible—least of all his refusal to accept any treatment for his many wounds, just letting the blood dry and cake on his face throughout, undisturbed—but his emotions are so raw and forceful that they fling your disbelief skyward until it winds up in orbit, well out of your way. Sarnoski, making his first feature, supports his star with moments of ethereal beauty (the back of Rob’s head as his long, matted locks are blown by the wind, with the Camaro’s bright yellow side mirror dominating the frame’s right half, out of focus through the open window), abrupt cuts that signify mental turmoil (Amir gets only halfway through his frustrated parting words: “Okay, you know what? Fu—”), and the confidence to let key scenes play out at a distance. Like the animal itself, Pig is considerably smarter and more ardent than it appears at first glance, and unearths treasures that are barely evident on the surface level. We’d have settled for much less, but what a rare treat to be offered a great deal more.
133 Comments
Wow, a D’Angelo Full A! First since Toni Erdmann, back in 2016.
https://www.avclub.com/toni-erdmann-is-the-3-hour-achingly-sad-prankster-come-1798189950
The D’Angelo A is extremely exciting, the comparison to Drive less so. But Cage is a lot more interesting than Gosling at least.“Hermit going to the big city and discovering unsavory dining situation” is a rough description of the very blackhearted and cruel Roald Dahl story “Pig”, I wonder if there’s any overlap here. Pig text for the curious: http://www.companydreamer.com/uploads/2/2/1/7/2217061/pig.pdf
That’s a Candide riff, though.
Having read the short story, thanks to you, and then seen the film, I can tell you that there isn’t any overlap.
Matt Zoller Seitz over at Ebert was over the moon about this one too. Going to be a must see for me.
YES. I’ll be forever grateful for discovering that movie thanks to him. Easily in my top 3 of the decade.
Toni Erdmann is overrated AF, its just bland german nothingness.
I have to say, I did not see this coming. Good on Nicolas.
That’ll do, Cage.
< ahem > Bad Lointenant: Pork of Call New Orleans
Peggy Sooooooey! Got Married
piggy sooooey duh
Shit. Just realized that Piggy Sue Got Married was also right there.
Soundtrack by Buddy Hoggy
Too mainstream. Sooey was the longer, more rewarding path.
That cage is SOME ACTOR! He’s TERRIFIC! RADIANT! HUMBLE!-Charlotte’s Web Page For Movie Reviews
…and as the children and other movie fans filed out of the premier of Frozen II: Cage Vs. The Iceberg, no one noticed that an arachnid movie critic died . . . alone . . .
*wipes tears*
Charlotte’s Dark Web
I know nothing about this film, but that headline and the star have me intrigued enough to see it with no prior knowledge. I’m not even going to read this review, and will walk away from The AVClub 100% satisfied.
Good job!
Sounds about right. With the AV Club, I’m generally more satisfied when I don’t read it.
I saw it last night solely off the strength of this review. Do not regret, it’s as good as the review makes it sound. And I thought the trailer looked fucking *dumb.*
Yep. I’m in.
Huzzah. Cage is the best actor working today.
before i see this, i need to know…does the pig survive unscathed?
Kind of, but his company is being investigated for tax fraud.
I know for dogs there’s doesthedogdie.com, not sure if there’s coverage for other quadrupeds.
I hope so, but if not… Bacon!
Eating murdered animals is funny!
doesthepigdie . com
Just a little braised, I mean bruised.
Real talk, you’d have to be really fuckin dumb to kill a truffle-finding pig.
collateral damage, i’m thinking.
Just read they don’t use pigs anymore, they use trained dogs.
pigs eat too many
I mean, some do, but some use pigs too. If it does the job and you can feed it enough to like you, does it really matter what nose is used? You take what you can get (or train.)
I was about to tell you, but I honestly think that would spoil the movie. I think having it be Schrodinger’s pig for much of the movie is necessary for Cage’s excellent performance to ring true and if I were to collapse the wave function before the movie does, you may not appreciate it as much.I apologize because that sounds pretentious as hell.
I saw the movie today; knowing in advance what happens at the end would ruin the emotional impact.
Spoiler alert ————————————-….Seriously – Spoiler for the movie below!!…..OK – You were warned (SPOILER)…..Yes – the pig dies… Offscreen, but very sad nonetheless.
So Cage is in a real movie again?
Nic Cage has the most fascinating career. Courses will be taught on how he managed to pull his mainstream image, in tatters, out of a flopsie, Mainstream-Family-Friendly tailspin thanks, in no small part, to the bizarre-yet-awesome-yet-wait-what-the-fuck-Herzog “Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans” and parlay that manic what-am-I-watching-and-how-much-mushroom-tea-did-we-drink hypersnot of Mandy, Running With the Devil, Color Out of Space, and pretty much any other film he made after 2010. He’s the acting equivalent of a 104 degree fever-dream that breaks in a loud sploosh, leaving you feeling exhausted, cold, clammy, and forced to decide between jerking off and eating some soup. Which one wins out? Why not both at the same time? That’s what Nic Cage would do.
The Nicolas Cage 101 course on Community might catch your interest, but beware, it’s not for the timid, and should only be taken in small doses.
Otherwise…
He’s not just a cat…he’s a sexy caaaaattt.
More seriously, Cage has been trading on his manic-depressive energy since very early in his career, both to critical acclaim and a realization that his complete and utter commitment to his roles apparently only requires the promise of coffee at the craft services table, not fame or fortune. Vampire’s Kiss, Peggy Sue Got Married, Raising Arizona, Moonstruck, Zandalee, all films from the first ten years of his filmography, all way before his mainstream action film success or Bad Lieutenant.
I think “The Rock” is where Cage flips a switch from subdued with mania bubbling under to full-on manic all the time. Kind of like with Pacino and Scarface where one of the most subtle and nuanced actors of his generation suddenly becomes a shouty clown. I like the Cage of Wild at Heart and Raising Arizona so much better than whatever gonzo thing he became though I’m sure it was lucrative at the time.
Ya best hurry it up, I’m in dutch with the wife.” His voiceover is also beautiful.
Wild at Heart is a super film. Willem Dafoe was also really fun in it. I think he was already famous cause of Platoon, but it is nice seeing him in early stuff before “Spider-Man” re-introduced Dafoe to the mainstream. Him and Cage are both super versatile.
I love Wild at Heart but I would not exactly call his performance in that one restrained.
I just rewatched Raising Arizona, and that one was pretty gonzo too. Not sure what movies Mary Pickford is thinking of.
I’d get broken by working w/ the Early Coen Brothers and then went through every character after that that he sunk his mind into until getting mainstream, blockbuster success by playing non-stable people.Seriously, look at the roles he played through from Raising Arizona and Leaving Las Vegas… and then the BLOCKBUSTERS up to Face/Off with all their BS marketing he rarely had to deal w/ before…
Face/Off broke Nic Cage. Just sayin’‘bout to get attacked but #Scientology
Raising Arizona was great!
On the other hand, “Joe”, which has an angry but surprisingly restrained Cage. One of his best, and sounds like good prep for this role.
I think the thing with Cage is he genuinely loves acting and that’s why he appear to do anything. A lot of the time that means he gets lumbered with lazy directors who just get him and let him do his thing.
But he at his best when he works with good directors who want him to do their thing. Lynch, The Coen Bros, Herzog, Spike Jonze, Alan Parker have all put him roles that it’s hard to image any other actors being able to pull off.
It’s just most other actors of his ability, fame and stature tend to pick and choose there roles and cultivate an image and reputation. But like I said Nic just wants to work so his ability, fame and stature are called into question.
I think it’s sad though that a lot of directors have him on board and just don’t know what to do with him at all. It’s especially noticeable when you look at his Mandy press tour. Dude looks fucking alive, constantly praises Panos Cosmatos and seems just genuinely excited about his role and the entire film. I’m glad he’s back to working with more idiosyncratic directors like Sion Sono.Like, “Between Worlds” is a bad movie still but at least you can tell Maria Pulera went “I have Nic Cage on set, let’s go”.
I would say he is the Adam West of his generation, but way more successful. He never truly plays a character, they are all just him. Daniel Day Lewis makes himself into the role, Cage makes the role bend to him.
Great reply, I laughed my ass off. Needed that, thank you.
sounds absolutely fantastic.
I hope he makes somebody squeal like Ned Beatty in “Deliverance”!
It’s funny because he got anally raped.
I always liked Nic Cage, just because he spends money like a poet on payday doesn’t mean he can’t act. Does he have a track record of picking great roles? Fucks no, but he is entertaining.
i would argue he has a track record of picking great roles. he has a track record of picking a lot of terrible movies, but he’s got as many great roles as a tom cruise or a denzel washington.
He can’t hold a candle to Chris Walken who said on many occasions offer me a role I’ll take it, I like to work.
Could also say that about Michael Caine. I don’t think it diminishes their talent, it isn’t like they have a limited reservoir. Even acting in bad films, or roles that don’t seem challenging, can still be a learning experience. And having the money and security allows an actor to be more selective in the future, or delve into making their own films.
Or Michael Caine, who has made it clear throughout his career that he’s only in it for the money.
Michael Caine & The Mothers of Invention?
Probably my favorite quote about it comes from James Spader:“Acting, for me, is a passion, but it’s also a job, and I’ve always approached it as such. I have a certain manual-labourist view of acting. There’s no shame in taking a film because you need some fucking money.”And he’s certainly been living by it, since he hasn’t been acting in anything else but The Blacklist. To his credit though, dude never phones it in, even as the show becomes worse and worse since season 4.
I’m also a fan of Michael Caine’s comment about his decision to take a role in Jaws 3: “I have never seen it, but by all accounts it is terrible. However, I have seen the house that it built, and it is terrific.”
I bet Natalie Wood regrets that “hey, you ever think of helping kill someone on a boat” role she offered him.
Yep that was a real, ”Whodunit”
*tips cap*
This sounds like Taken but with a pig.Should’ve called it Baken.
I see what you did there.
thank you
You magnificent bastard.
Starring LiHam Neeson.
Wait, what about that other guy….. Kevin something-or-other….
Mmmmmmmm baken
I was thinking “The Rover” only in a somewhat apocalyptic Oregon and not post-apocalyptic Australia. And with Cage, Wolff, and a pig instead of Pearce, Pattinson, and a doggo.
Well, Cage does have a very specific set of skills…some day maybe he’ll demonstrate what they are…
*clap, clap, clapclapclap, clapclapclapclap*, YOU ROCK!!!
This sounds like a gritty reboot of Portlandia.
Closer to that than to Porky Wick.
Cage: Mandy in the City
Did you read the article? It doesn’t sound like that at all lol
Damn you.
So, what’s this, a Dowdian B-?
Depends on when the last Cage interview here was.
Probably would warrant a B+or at least a B from him. It is quite a special movie, really, and I think critics will be singing its praises this year for sure.
Even the perpetually aloof Dowd and his like.
Imagine a cross between Gordon Ramsay and Tyler Durden
The first rule of Hell’s Kitchen is you don’t talk about the lamb sauce.
some comment/username synergy right there…
I know by now he’s not going to get nominated, but it would be cool.
This sounds excellent. Between this movie and whenever Sion Sono’s Prisoners of the Ghostland will be available to watch, 2021 seems to be a Cage-tastic year indeed.
I rly wanna watch this with my friend but I need to make sure the pig doesn’t die first (they dont do great with animal death)
spoiler alert: This is secretly a crossover with Black Widow and Cage will meet Rachel Weisz. (I had to pause BW when that scene showed up because I immediately thought of the Pig trailer and laughed)
holy shit i can’t wait to see this
Spoiler alert – the pig was stolen by one Nathan Huffheinz, aka Nathan Arizona.
let’s forget Cage for a bit, and think plot. retired somebody with past, beloved pet gone, revenge. Where have I seen- this before???
Wizard Of Oz?
killed that reply, lol.
Commando?
Holy shit! An A! Sign me the fuck up!!! Regardless of the vehicle, I don’t see how anyone cannot find Cage endlessly entertaining. Dude is fascinating, and I am super stoked to see something worthy of his unique take on…everything really.
Yes, Nic Cage is indeed like the Olive Garden bread sticks.
Nick Cage as John Wick as Fred Ziffle.SOLD!
Ive been seeing a lot a Cage movies lately. HDNET movies and Epix has been showing them every other night it seems. All are entertaining
So this is the one movie a decade Cage is good in? Sign me up! (And again in the 2030’s.)
You didn’t see Mandy? His hit rate is better than a decade. He’s good for at least three to five years in his current state, but pre Con Air Cage? Forget about it. He was incredible all through the 80s and 90s. Except Snake Eyes. Holy fuck, Snake Eyes.
If you can’t appreciate Mandy, I don’t know what’s wrong with you.
Never saw it, but thanks for the suggestion, I’ll definitely check it out. And for sifting through a decade of garbage for me!
That was last decade!
Speaking like Mandy, The Color out of Space and Willy’s Wonderland don’t exist.
OK so this isn’t John Wick with a pig, it’s John Wick with a pig and a fork.
by the hair on my chinny-chin-chin!
Looking forward to the sequel getting much deeper into the world of truffle hunters, including the secret shack where they all stay and collect jobs.
This sort of reminds me of “The Rover” give or take an apocalypse. Only with Nic Cage and Alex Wolff instead of Guy Pearce and Robert Pattinson on a mismatched road trip to retrieve a beloved animal friend.
At my kid’s preschool they asked the kids what they like about pigs. Responses included, “They have short legs” and “They lay in mud.”My 4-year-old said, “Pigs are bacon.” I’ve never been prouder.
Only once properly prepared.
besides feeling grateful for movies like this where Cage can really shine, I am also liking Alex Wolff’s career so far. Hereditary, the new Shyamalan movie, this…he seems to be going for small but intense movies that stay with you after you leave, which are my favorite. I’ll never forget the way he plaintively said “mommy?” to a clearly nuts Toni Collette. Don’t ever get roped into the MCU in any way, please.
he’s getting those jumanji cheques for now he’s good
I’m generally in for any Cage movie that gets good reviews, like this.Not in some big rush, of course, but likely to watch such a thing.Comparing it to “Drive” put an asterisk on that, however. I got through “Drive” the first time, amazed that so much talent could be so dull and banal, with action and character development that seemed to rush forward like molasses spilled on a cool day. The second time, I didn’t make it through.It was boring. Not badly made, just boring.May this be better. “Mandy” was pretty fun and “Color…” good enough, if no more than good enough.
And I thought Nicolas Cage was the ham in all his movies!You can tell the producers hogged all the best screenwriters and actors, because the dialogue is cracklin’!
One would have been a Dad-joke. Two would have been a groan.That’s all anyone deserves, but then you went and referenced the most disgusting snack food ever created in a terrible pun.I bet you had fun, lol.
“Put the pig down…”
“Wait…isn’t this an Arby’s?”
“Put the pig back in the box…”
I have no opinion either way on Nicholas Cage, but I wrote one of my French A level essays on “Truffle Pigs in the Dordogne” so that’s a subject close to my heart. Even if Cage were in the suckiest movie of his career, I’d watch it for the truffle piggery.
The various ways Cage intimidates and bullies people in this movie without ever brandishing a weapon or even his fists is incredible.
He literally makes them face the thing that used to make them happy till they break down. Its amazing.
The fact that Cage’s most devastating takedown is a verbal one to David Knell’s sellout chef, and even then to have be an encouragement to continue following his dreams and get back to what makes him happy, is one of the most surprising subversions I’ve seen in a while. I hope it makes the list of Best Scenes of 2021 at the end of the year.
Yes this comment is about six months too late, but absofuckinglutely agree. Everyone is amazing in that scene. I don’t know much about David Knell, but he was ununreal, especially his facial expressions. When he first approaches the table, he’s in full control… Almost a Gordon Ramsey type. By the end he’s a cowering child. Unbelievable scene.
Watched it last night and loved it, not at all what I was expecting.
One of Cage’s better roles (and I hope I didn’t miss this in the comments, if I did, apologies) was Matchstick Men. Few people seem to note it and I think that’s too bad, because it’s a great example of Cage capturing the sheer wackiness of living with both a very real disorder (OCD) and the topsy turvy world of con men.
Cage is in some way more subtle in that movie (if subtle can ever be applied to him). But dang, it was so good and I thought he deserved a best actor nomination for that one, as much as Leaving Las Vegas.
this movie was really spectacular and this review does it justice, well said, mike.