Filmed in Hungary: The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

Some say Nicholas Cage is having a moment, and some say that moment is his entire career. Transforming from an angry young man in his first films to a dramatic male lead, to multiple iterations of a comic lead, to what is now a meta-take on simply being Nicholas Cage, he is a versatile actor who somehow maintains a strong element of himself through all his performances.

With so many films in so many genres under his belt, it’s no surprise one of his roles eventually brought him to Budapest. While his latest release, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, on the surface looks like it was strictly shot in Los Angeles and the Croatian seaside, many of the interiors were in fact filmed at Budapest’s Origo Studios.

According to the site TheCinemaholic.com, “Filming took place in Origo Studios, a bustling movie production facility at Felsőkert u. 9 in north Budapest. The state-of-the-art production facility features 10 functional stages (with two multimedia stages) and 14 acres of empty backlot to aid productions of various stature. Epic ventures such as ‘Blade Runner 2049‘ and ‘Dune‘ were also filmed in this studio. “

The film’s plot see’s a fictional (or is it?) version of Cage becoming embroiled in a kidnapping as he attempts to pull himself out of debt by taking a role in the film of an arms dealer / aspiring director; all the while working for the CIA. While the plot sounds convoluted, it intentionally borrows from Cage roles and tropes he’s embodied throughout his career. It it a satire? Is it a comedy, or thriller? It’s a bit of all these, filtered through a wink of Cage’s eye.

Critics by-and-large have enjoyed the Tom Gormican-directed film, which is in theatres now. Aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes gave it an 86 / 100, which is quite high. The New York Times sums it up: “Cage doesn’t need a reason for you to watch him, least of all good material. He’s Nicolas Cage, master of his own universe, maker of strange poetry, breaker of hearts.”

While we can hardly say Budapest is on prominent display in this oddball summer offering, it shows the location of Budapest to be as mercurial as Cage himself. It can play a supporting actor or lead role to any genre you can throw at us. So, have a look at the trailer below, where you can get an idea — and even catch a momentary glimpse of Budapest — of the offbeat genius of Nick Cage.

Flatpack Films has many years of experience dedicated to offering expert servicing. It has brought the best of Hungary to countless brands, agencies, and production companies through its unique locations, exceptionally skilled crews, top of the line equipment and technical solutions. Backed by an impeccable track record, Flatpack Films has worked with world-class clients including Samsung, Samsonite, Toyota, Braun, Chivas Regal and many more - bringing their projects to life through a highly bespoke approach.