Widely hailed as the funniest and most original film of 1999, Being John Malkovich almost lives up to its billing. While lacking the intensity of South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut, there are still about ten minutes of good laughs. It's funnier than Toy Story 2, for example, but not nearly as good. This is because of attitude and character development, categories in which Being John Malkovich doesn't measure up to its reputation.

Director Spike Jonze (not to be confused with "Der Fuehrer's Face" composer Spike Jones) got most of the credit, but the film's strength comes from its cast and story. The latter is by screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, and it really is original. Talented but failed puppeteer Craig (John Cusack) is wed to mousey pet store manager Lotte (Cameron Diaz). Pressed to get a job, Craig becomes a file clerk, where he meets jaded vamp Maxine (Catherine Keener). Craig finds a portal into the mind of noted thespian John Malkovich, who is seduced by Maxine. Craig and Lotte spend much time in Malkovich's head, where they make virtual love to Maxine through John.

Maxine is the only major character that doesn't want to go through the portal. She enjoys being herself too much to be somebody else, even for only fifteen minutes. Maxine is unique, however, as soon a line of schmucks forms who are willing to pay $200 for the experience.

Maxine is so completely cynical that she can only be aroused by Malkovich, and only when he is possessed. As Maxine herself is very manipulative, it excites her when somebody else is doing the manipulating. Malkovich seems to lack any insecurity, and his mindset is so placid that it instills confidence in his 'guests'.

Being John Malkovich is often very funny, especially in the early going. Lotte has turned their apartment into a zoo, including a parrot given several good one-liners. The portal exits unceremoniously into a ditch by the New Jersey turnpike. The training video explaining the 7 and a half floor is hilarious. Charlie Sheen has some good scenes satirizing his own drug-using, hedonistic image.

The scene in which Malkovich finds himself in a world of Malkoviches may be the least original in the entire film. It's borrowed from an old Twilight Zone episode, although early sixties production code forced Rod Serling to take a pass on the female impersonators.

One problem that the film has is that it is so thoroughly cynical that it treats its own characters with condescension. We might feel some sympathy for Craig as he is abandoned and left destitute, but not much considering all that he has done.

The film's real problem, however, is that the characters keep changing. Malkovich changes from somnolent to manic. The portal's keeper, Dr. Lester (Orson Bean) is introduced as an eccentric pervert, obsessed with vegetable juices and believing that he has a speech impediment. All these quirks vanish after the first half hour. Lotte loses interest in her menagerie, once the focal point of her life. Whatever happens to Elijah, anyway? Maxine evolves from a brunette Marlene Dietrich to a bland lesbian, a dull resolution to Lotte's brief homicidal thirst for revenge.

This film will bring John Malkovich from the ranks of second tier famous actor to a cult favorite for the rest of his life. Not previously known for comedy, he gets to show off his demented side as he loses control of his own mind. But there is a down side. He will often have to pretend that the joke 'What is it like to be John Malkovich' is both funny and original.

Being John Malkovich was the debut feature for Jonze, who was previously known for directing rock videos. Jonze, Kaufman, and cast members Keener, Diaz, Malkovich and Cusack were all nominated for multiple, various awards. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, three British Academy Awards, and four Golden Globes. (58/100)




Recommended: Yes