Movie #165 - Being John Malkovich

Title: Being John Malkovich

Director: Spike Jonze

Release Year: 1999

Plot Summary: A puppeteer discovers a portal that leads literally into the head of the movie star, John Malkovich. Things just get weirder from there...

Thoughts: I love Charlie Kaufman - I think he's one of the very few storytellers in Hollywood who's not afraid to tell an original story. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is, of course, one of my favorite movies of all time. Being John Malkovich isn't quite as much a masterpiece, but it is still pretty damn spiffy.

All of the actors in this movie are amazing. John Cusack and Cameron Diaz, in particular, completely submerge themselves in their roles, nearly to the point of being unrecognizable. And of course John Malkovich playing John Malkovich - honestly it's difficult to picture this movie being made around anyone else, even if it were designed around them.

I think you have to have an appreciation for the offbeat to enjoy this one. But if you have that, it's a wild ride.

Recommendations: If you're in the mood for something completely different, introspective, and more than a little melancholy, this is the movie for you.