“A Singular Genius in Cinema”: Nicolas Cage Pays Tribute to David Lynch, Director of ‘Wild at Heart’

Nicolas Cage paid tribute to ‘Wild at Heart’ director David Lynch, who passed away at 78. Recalling Lynch’s brilliance, Cage described him as “a singular genius in cinema, one of the greatest artists of this or any time.” He added, “He was brave, brilliant, and a maverick with a joyful sense of humour. I never had more fun on a film set than working with David Lynch. He will always be solid gold,” as reported by Deadline.

In ‘Wild at Heart’, shot in New Orleans and Louisiana, Cage portrayed Sailor, an Elvis-inspired ex-convict recently released from prison. He reunites with his love, Lula, played by Laura Dern, who rose to prominence in Lynch’s Blue Velvet. However, their happiness is short-lived, as Lula’s mother (played by Dern’s real-life mother, Diane Ladd) hires hitmen and detectives to track down the couple during their road trip.

The film’s cast also included Willem Dafoe, Crispin Glover, Harry Dean Stanton, Isabella Rossellini, and Twin Peaks actors Sherilyn Fenn and Grace Zabriskie, according to Deadline. Diane Ladd received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the movie.

The Cannes Film Festival also honored Lynch, a frequent attendee of the festival. He won the prestigious Palme d’Or in 1990 for ‘Wild at Heart’ and served as jury president in 2002. Reflecting on his legacy, Cannes shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram:
“It is with infinite sadness that we learn of the passing of David Lynch, a unique and visionary artist whose work has influenced cinema like few others. Winner of the Palme d’Or at the Festival de Cannes in 1990 for Sailor and Lula (Wild At Heart), then the Prix de la mise en scene (Best Director) in 2001 for Mulholland Drive, he elegantly presided over the Jury in 2002.

He leaves behind a rare and timeless body of work, whose films will continue to nourish our imagination and inspire all those who see cinema as an art capable of revealing the unspeakable.”

Lynch’s family announced his passing through a Facebook post on Thursday.