Director Lorcan Finnegan on Nicolas Cage’s Rat Habit and Snake Tickling Risks

Lorcan Finnegan’s “The Surfer,” which is being showcased at the Taormina Film Festival after premiering at Cannes, is expected to become a standout cult film of the year. Blending elements of Kafka with Ozploitation, the movie features a late-career performance by Nicolas Cage and offers a darkly comedic narrative set against a sun-drenched backdrop. The Irish director, who is known for “Vivarium” and “Nocebo,” discussed the project with Variety amid the scenic Mediterranean surroundings.

Why did you choose Australia as the setting?
The film was initially set to take place in California, but the decision to move it to Australia came naturally to Finnegan. Having visited the country several times for various shoots, he developed a deep appreciation for Australian New Wave films like “Wake in Fright,” “The Long Weekend,” and “Walkabout.” He noted that some of the best Australian films were directed by non-Australians, citing Ted Kotcheff, who directed “Wake in Fright,” and British director Nic Roeg as influences. Peter Weir’s “The Last Wave” also played a significant role in shaping “The Surfer.”

When did Nic Cage get involved?
Once the character was established as an American, Nicolas Cage was an early consideration for the role. The team aimed to shoot during the Australian spring, which coincided with Cage’s availability. Taking a chance, they sent him the script, and surprisingly, Cage was already familiar with Finnegan’s works “Vivarium” and “Nocebo.” He instantly connected with the material, even comparing it to Kafka’s works. After a positive Zoom conversation, Cage was on board.

What did he bring to the film?
Cage’s involvement led to several months of collaborative script revisions, enhancing the narrative with his ideas. During shooting, Finnegan and Cage developed a good rapport, both preferring a fast-paced work environment. This synergy allowed for small but significant improvements to the script, making it uniquely Cage’s own.

So, who came up with the rat?
In one memorable scene involving a dead rat, Cage became oddly attached to the rat prop. The art department had to constantly ask for it back, but Cage insisted on keeping it in his pocket, thinking his character would hold onto it as a potential food source. The scene eventually evolved into what Finnegan describes as “Chekhov’s rat,” inspired by a moment from the Humphrey Bogart film “Sabrina.”

It’s his tribute to Billy Wilder?
Cage’s inventive contributions extended beyond the rat scene. For instance, there’s a part where his character rants about having a family dinner with puttanesca pasta and clams. The scene required multiple takes with an 8mm lens and involved clearing the space and having the crew hide in cars. Cage’s spontaneous energy brought a shamanistic quality to his performance. During the shoot, he even got bitten by a snake while trying to handle it for a scene. Though non-venomous, it managed to draw blood when Cage tickled its tail, leading to an unexpected, albeit harmless, incident.

Would you like to work with him again?
Finnegan expressed a definite interest in collaborating with Cage again, revealing that they are exploring potential future projects together.

What’s next?
Finnegan shared that his next project is a film titled “Goliath,” set to shoot in Greece next spring. The film has been in development for several years and is described as a dystopian fable set in the near future. It explores the creation of monsters as a means to start wars and steal natural resources, all within the framework of a fable.

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Source: Variety