Being John Malkovich

9 out of 10
 


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