If there's one actor whose thought processes around choosing projects you might be reticent to examine, it's probably going to be Nicolas Cage. To say his many roles over the years have been an eclectic mix is a definite understatement. Sadly, in recent years, there have been far too many to mention that he should have said no to.

That he said yes to playing the titular character in this film is not only a surprise but also a relief, as it brings out not only one of the best performances that Cage has given in recent years, but possibly one of the best of his career to date.

In a quiet, rural part of Texas lives Joe (Cage). With no family to speak of Joe lives alone, with only his dog for company. He gets to socialise a little when he's at work though; he's a foreman for a crew that are paid by lumber companies to poison perfectly healthy trees that are sadly deemed useless in terms of commerce. As soon as they've been graded useless, the lumber companies can then grow the trees they can make a profit from.

Elsewhere in town, fifteen year old Gary (Tye Sheridan) is having problems with his old man Wade (Gary Poulter); he's a deadbeat alcoholic that doesn't think twice about knocking his family around. With Wade not in the best shape for work, it's down to Gary to bring some money home for his mom and sister.

Knowing that Joe is always looking for good help, Gary asks him for a job and Joe offers him one.

Although Joe is generally a decent guy, he has been known to get into trouble. Sadly, it still seems to follow him around town. But when Gary comes into his life, a friendship develops that Joe possibly wasn't expecting. Unfortunately for them both, Wade soon becomes a thorn in both their sides that neither can really afford to ignore.

There's one word that's rarely appropriate for describing Cage's style of acting, and that's 'subtle'. Cage is an actor who feels the need to chew his way heavily through a scene, any which way.

Somehow director David Gordon Green has managed to rein him in and get Cage to give an outstandingly nuanced performance. Unlike previous titles, there's no competition between himself and his fellow cast members. Cage allows those around him to express their colourful characters to the fullest, whilst still maintaining a strong presence in the scene.

There are understandable comparisons with last year's excellent Mud; not only do they share common ground in terms of male bonding, but Sheridan also starred in it alongside Matthew McConaughey. Sheridan continues the superb work he did there in this film, but he's not alone.

Poulter is a chilling revelation as his father Wade; his performance is all the more impressive considering that not only was this his first film, but prior to this he was actually a homeless alcoholic whom director Green literally picked up off the streets for the role. Unfortunately Poulter decided to go back to his old ways, and back on the streets, after filming. Tragically his body was found in shallow water soon after, before the film was released.

It's not only Cage who surprises in this film, but also the director: not only for getting a memorable performance out of Cage and the rest of the cast, but for impressing greatly in the drama genre since many of his previous titles have been comedies, including directing a number of episodes Eastbound & Down as well as Pineapple Express and Your Highness, which also explains how Danny McBride and Jody Hill turn up as exec producers for the film. Green directs this dark and quiet piece with real intelligence and assured style making it truly gripping drama from beginning to end.

As far as Cage is concerned, it's proof that he does appear to understand the concept that less is more, even if he normally chooses to ignore it. And with a number of more generic action roles coming up (Left Behind, Rage and even National Treasure 3 possibly on the cards), it maybe some time to come, sadly, before we see Cage give such a strong and poignant performance again.