Nicolas Cage says it ''sucks to be famous right now''.

The 'Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance' star recalls being inspired by the late James Dean after watching him on 1955's drama 'Rebel Without a Cause' and 'East of Eden', and insists the American actor's talent made him want to join the film industry.

The 50-year-old actor is disappointed that fame has changed since then as there are people who are ''famous for famous' sake'' now.

Talking at the South by Southwest festival (SXSW) in Austin, Texas on Monday (10.03.14), Cage said: ''I started acting because I wanted to be James Dean. I saw him in 'Rebel Without a Cause', 'East of Eden'. Nothing affected me -- no rock song, no classical music -- the way Dean affected in 'Eden.' It blew my mind. I was like, 'That's what I want to do.'

''This was before everyone had a thing called a Smartphone, and before the advent of the 'celebutard' -- just being famous for famous' sake. I'm not complaining, but it really sucks to be famous right now.''

Cage will next hit the big screen in crime thriller 'Tokarev' alongside Rachel Nichols.