Original is far too understated a term to describe this picture, brought to you by the surreal, twisted minds of screenwriter Kaufman and actor-director Jonze. The story concerns a puppeteer, Craig Schwartz (Cusack), who discovers his office has a secret portal that leads directly into the brain of one of America's most popular actors, John Malkovich (Malkovich himself, in a hilariously self-mocking appearance). When the journey ends fifteen minutes later, the participant is spewed onto the side of the New Jersey Turnpike. Schwartz uses his discovery as a way to get closer to fellow co-worker Maxine (the always sexy Keener). Together, the pair form JM, INC., which allows ordinary citizens to join in on the fun for $200 a pop. But when Craig's wife Lotte (a homely Diaz), as Malkovich, is seduced by Maxine, things begin to unfurl at an even more outrageous pace. Sound confusing? Thanks to Jonze's grounded direction, it isn't. The result is one of the decade's most original films.
Review 1:
"...Devilishly inventive....Spike Jonze and scripter Charlie Kaufman take outlandishness to dizzying heights, and the ideas never let up..."
Source: Variety
p.61-3 9/6-12/1999
Review 2:
Ranked #3 in Rolling Stone's "Ten Best Movies of 1999" -- "...A blast of pure oxygen....This movie of constant astonishments will make you laugh hard and long..."
Source: Rolling Stone
p.145-6 11/11/1999
Review 3:
"...As paradoxically cerebral and patently ridiculous as its title implies..."
Source: Film Comment
p.6-9 09/01/1999
Review 4:
"...Visionary....[Malkovich] steals the show..."
Source: Premiere
p.29 11/01/1999
Review 5:
"...BEING JOHN MALKOVICH is a clever and outrageous piece of whimsical fantasy that is unique, unpredictable and more than a little strange..."
Source: Los Angeles Times
p.C1 10/29/1999
Review 6:
"...BEING JOHN MALKOVICH supplies a stream of dazzling inventions, twists and wicked paradoxes..."
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
p.29 10/29/1999
Review 7:
"Malkovich, lampooning his own reputation, is brilliant."
Source: Premiere
p.131 09/01/2005
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