Being John Malkovich

1999 Comedy

Would you pay money to journey into the mind of the star of Con Air, The Killing Fields, and In The Line of Fire? Puppeteer Craig Schwartz (John Cusack) is having money problems, so he takes a temporary job as a file clerk on the seventh-and-a-half floor of a large office building. One day, while rummaging behind a cabinet, he finds a small door that leads to the center of the mind of actor John Malkovich (played by, you guessed it, John Malkovich). Craig discovers that entering the portal allows him to become John Malkovich for a brief spell, and in time he and his beautiful but aloof co-worker Maxine (Catherine Keener) get the bright idea to charge admission for the privilege of spending 15 minutes inside the head of a well-known actor. Malkovich realizes that something strange is happening to him, but can do little to stop it, as strangers take over his mind for a quarter-hour at a time. Craig's wife, Lotte (Cameron Diaz), eventually takes a trip into Malkovich's psyche, and she soon finds herself in love with Maxine, with whom Malkovich has an affair; meanwhile, Maxine in time becomes infatuated with both Craig and Lotte, but only when they're inside Malkovich. Being John Malkovich marked the feature-length debut of director Spike Jonze, who previously made acclaimed music videos for Weezer, the Beastie Boys, and the Breeders, among others. more..

Director: Spike Jonze

Starring: John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, Catherine Keener,John Malkovich, Orson Bean

Reviews

  • Either Being John Malkovich gets nominated for best picture, or the members of the Academy need portals into their brains.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    29 November 2012

  • The most excitingly original movie of the year.

    Owen Gleiberman - Entertainment Weekly

    29 November 2012

  • But then Being John Malkovich is a brilliant juggling act, too, brilliantly brought off.

    Jay Carr - The Boston Globe

    29 November 2012

  • Irresistable, nimble and very funny.

    - The New York Times

    29 November 2012

  • A clever and outrageous piece of whimsical fantasy that is unique, unpredictable and more than a little strange.

    Kenneth Turan - Los Angeles Times

    29 November 2012

Awards

  • Best Actress in a Supporting Role

    Academy Awards (2000)

     
  • Best Fantasy Film

    Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (2000)

  • Best Edited Feature Film - Comedy or Musical

    American Cinema Editors (2000)

  • Funniest Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture

    American Comedy Awards (2000)

  • Steve Golin

    Australian Film Institute (2000)