Michael Sarnoski’s “PIG”
Movie review by Dennis D. McDonald
It’s understandable to compare this movie with Nomadland. Both deal with outsiders who, for various reasons that are semi-revealed during the course of the movie, have turned their backs on “normal” society.
In the case of Pig, Nicolas Cage plays a forest recluse who lives frugally and ekes out a living by finding and selling truffles to a young Camaro-driving middleman. His only companion is a pet pig who follows him everywhere and for which he cooks very nice meals. He loves the pig. Dog lovers will understand.
One day his beloved pig is stolen. He goes to town to hunt down the perpetrators. He starts by hooking up with a community of itinerant truffle farmers. From there he re-enters – painfully -- the urban society he left 10 years before.
Gradually, as is the case with Nomadland, past secrets are revealed as the details of the past unfold.
While I found Nomadland to be sad and depressing (though well produced and acted) I found Pig to be simultaneously puzzling and entertaining. It is beautifully photographed. Both inside and outside scenes are carefully framed and shot and make excellent use of lighting conditions of all kinds. At least one scene reminded me of Edward Hopper's Nighthawks painting; I can't believe that was accidental.
What carries the movie is Nicolas Cage’s performance. This is not the chew-the-scenery Cage we've grown to love. Instead we have a toned down but tightly coiled loner who as he goes about his business transmits both strength and vulnerability. Cage does a great job with the part and deserves a lot of credit for carrying this movie on his shoulders. He's on-screen almost constantly.
Pig will not be everyone's cup of tea. It's very weird at times but is never boring. If you're looking for something that is not run-of-the-mill, check it out.
Review copyright 2021 by Dennis D McDonald
