Cage's performance in this really does not get the appreciation and applause that it deserves

Re-watched this recently after re-watching the 1992 version of the film (whenever I watch the '92 film, I always have to watch the '09 film shortly after - both films compliment each other so well by their similarities and major differences, yet that is another topic for another time). I couldn't help but notice how Cage really did an outstanding job in this film, it all really manifests itself in the subtle details and nuances of the character all around.

The opening scene in the flooding police station is a scene in which we see Terrence before his spiral into severe drug addiction: his demeanor, his attitude, his pieces of dialogue, and his way of carrying himself are all traits of a lucidly sober person - he does in fact come off as a guy who has spent many years working as a cop. After he injures himself while rescuing the prisoner, we never see Terrence fully like this again in the story. As we all know, the film shows us his spiral into madness caused by drug use.

While we see Cage portray Terrence with his zany and surreal elements that we all know and love, Cage also nails the subtle details of the characters that add to the realism of Terrence's situation: the body language, reactions, facial expressions, and his way of physically moving are all things that add to the film in a good way.

I recall reading somewhere that Cage i was inspired by and incorporated several elements of Klaus Kinski's performance from Aguirre: The Wrath of God (also directed by Herzog). I feel like those points of emulation and inspiration really makes Cage's performance so damn interesting all around.

Thoughts?