Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

Certainly, everybody has wished at one time or another that they could be somebody else. What if you found out you could? What would you do if you actually found a portal that took you inside somebody else’s head where you could see what they see for the next 15 minutes? What if that portal let you be John Malkovich, the accomplished thespian who was in that period piece film with that one woman from that comic book film? Would you go?

Of course you would. You wouldn’t even mind that you would be unceremoniously dumped from the sky on the side of the New Jersey Turnpike afterward. The journey would be well worth it. Just think of the metaphysical can of worms that would be opened if such a thing were even possible.

At the beginning of this extraordinary film, unsuccessful puppeteer Craig Schwartz (John Cusack) cannot seem to make a living pulling strings so he decides to use his nimble fingers for filing at LesterCorp., working on the 7 ½ floor (oh, but that’s another story). Despite earning an income, Craig still feels lowdown -- could it be the diminutive ceilings at his workplace, or could it be because he is unable to live out his dream of being a well-respected puppeteer?

Things change drastically one day when he stumbles upon a small door behind a file cabinet in his office. Curiosity prevails and he crawls through the tunnel and is transported into the host vessel of John Malkovich (played by the incomparable John Malkovich). For 15 minutes, he becomes John Malkovich. Unfortunately, when the trip is over he must return to his own life, which now pales considerably in comparison.

Craig is unsure whether or not to share the secret with his wife, Lotte (Cameron Diaz) who compensates for the fact that the couple doesn’t have children by caring for several pets that have overrun their home. Lotte and Craig aren’t really happy; they are merely comfortable. So, Craig instead opts to share his discovery with his attractive new co-worker Maxine (Catherine Keener) who decides that they can exploit the opportunity and charge people money for their 15 minutes of fame.

If all of this sounds odd, well, frankly, it is, and it only gets odder. Eventually, Craig learns how to control his new host body and stays a little longer. Meanwhile, John Malkovich figures out that there is something strange going on since he is saying and doing things against his wishes. Will Craig learn to accept being himself? Will John Malkovich ever be able to be himself again? This film is a wild, unpredictable ride – a literal mind trip.

This is a great story for people who have felt that they have seen everything the cinematic universe has to offer. The script is more unique than any other I have ever experienced, and the acting is perfect. John Malkovich may only be playing himself, but he does it so well. Diaz is almost unrecognizable as the mousy Lotte who undergoes a sexual identity crisis. Keener, who earned a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role, is ruthless, complicated and genuine. Everybody performs perfectly, especially John Cusack, who provides the film with an unforgettable hero consumed by a tragic loneliness.

The story, nominated for a Best Original Screenplay Oscar, is completely outrageous. At one point, Malkovich discovers the portal and decides to enter it. What happens when a man climbs inside his own head? I won’t tell you, but it is one of the funniest movie moments of all time. Later in the film is another fantastic sequence when Craig wrestles control over John Malkovich and decides to use his newfound power and prestige to become a famous puppeteer. Within the context of the film, a short documentary profiles Malkovich’s shocking career change and it is nothing short of brilliant.

Of course, it helps if you can appreciate a strange sense of humor. Many people may be baffled by the sheer lunacy that pervades throughout the film. If you have an open mind and an imaginative spirit, you will be much more likely to enjoy this film. Of course, even if you possess these qualities, you may still wish you were somebody else while you watch this film – preferably, somebody who decided to watch a different movie.

If you are in an adventurous mood, by all means rent (not buy – nobody should buy Being John Malkovich without seeing it first) this surreal film. It is a fairly complicated two-hour excursion from reality, pondering several themes: the desire to be somebody else and feel significant; the desire to be in complete control of your own destiny; the possibility of reincarnation; the nature of perception, etc.

DVD FEATURES:

On this DVD is American Arts & Culture Present: John Horatio Malkovich, Dance of Despair and Disillusionment and 7 ½ Floor Orientation, two brief, uninterrupted clips taken from the film.

Burrowing deeper into the DVD, you will find a featurette called An Intimate Portrait of the Art of Puppeteering, which profiles a famous puppetmaster and runs just over seven minutes. Also on the DVD, An Intimate Portrait of the Art of Background Driving runs about seven minutes long and is a tongue-in-cheek featurette that doesn’t provide any useful information.

A disappointing extra feature called An Interview with Director Spike Jonze shows about three minutes of awful footage featuring an anxious Spike Jonze driving in his car on the verge of throwing up. Also included on the DVD is Spike’s Photo Album, which features about 30 set pictures; one widescreen theatrical trailer; four T.V. spots that are quite surreal and interesting; a page with nothing on it; and a cast and filmmakers’ section that boasts extensive bios and filmographies for eight people.



Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age