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A Metaphysical “Head Trip” in the most
literal sense of the term
Some say that the best films, and indeed stories, are those
in which feel like you are living life through another’s point
of view. That is what this movie is about: people pretending to be other
people because they are unsatisfied with their own lives. Craig Schwartz
(played brilliantly by John Cusack) is a timid puppeteer with a low
self esteem. He finds a door that leads into actor John Malkovich’s
head (played by John Malkovich). He lets people in for short trips.
People love the idea of being someone else, but eventually realize that
being John Malkovich is just an escape from reality, themselves feeling
somewhat inadequate as people in
their own bodies. That is the essence of the story, without revealing
too much.
The heart of this movie is the quirky, fully fleshed out
characters it examines. Craig is in love with a woman named Maxine,
who finds him pathetic. She seems to care nothing for the pain of others,
seeking only her own pleasure. Craig’s wife Lottie is in love with
the same woman, and both admit it, yet Maxine will only see her when
she is inside Malkovich, because
she is uncomfortable with her true self, which likes women. The relationship
that these three have is fascinating. This, combined with superb acting
and character development, makes this film worthwhile on it’s own.
The characters, combined with a healthy sense of humor and
insightful opinions on various aspects of metaphysics and human nature,
make this brilliantly told story one of the best films I have seen in
a long time.
An Absolutely Wonderfully Strange Film
Film Critic: - Tom
Cameron
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