Nicolas Cage is, when he wants to be, one of the best and most inventive actors of his generation. But Nicolas Cage is, always, a man of questionable taste. While out doing press for his new movie ‘Outcast,’ Cage showcased that remarkably detachment from reality by having plenty of nice things to say about the work his co-star, Hayden Christensen, contributed to George Lucas’ ‘Star Wars’ prequels.

To be fair, Cage may have been being polite. It’s customary for actors to lavish praise on each other while promoting a project. That’s just another aspect of the job. But Cage doesn’t just stick to his work in ‘Outcast’ or even bring up ‘Shattered Glass,’ a film that makes terrific use of Christensen’s persona. He goes out of his way to compliment one of the most criticized performances in a recent Hollywood film. Here’s the quote (via The Playlist):

And so, I watched George’s movies, and the work Hayden did with George, and I was very impressed with Hayden’s sort of edgy, dangerous, dark and still soulful performance. I thought it was superb. And so I really connected with him.

And we don’t think he’s joking or lying! We’re talking about a man who starred in ‘Raising Arizona’ and ‘Face/Off’ and ‘Leaving Las Vegas’ and ‘Con Air’ and ‘Adaptation’ and ‘Knowing’ and ‘The Wicker Man’ and ‘Left Behind.’ This is a man without shame or traditional standards (and his fair share of tax problems). So of course the guy who starred in ‘Bangkok Dangerous’ and ‘Joe’ liked Christensen’s pouty, embarrassing turn as Anakin Skywalker. Are we suddenly expecting Nicolas Cage to be a bastion of good taste? If he was, he wouldn’t be Nicolas Cage!

Cage’s lack of good taste extends to his presence in ‘Outcast,’ which sees Cage and Christensen playing the caucasian heroes in a movie set in China and financed with money from several continents. The film is set for a limited release in the United States this week before heading straight for your local Redbox.

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