Post-post-everything filmmaking--but is it good?

Rating: Null/10 (7 May 2000)

It's fitting that this movie was done by the same person who directed Fatboy Slim videos; the idea of this movie seems the same as Fatboy's music: to sample a broad swath of pop detritus, and use it to create something new. Such seems to be the post-post-everything school of art, and _Being John Malkovich_ is a good, but hardly perfect, study of that school.
The first thirty minutes of this movie delivered an hilarious absurdist set-up, that reminded me of Terry Gilliam (complete with Brazil-like improbable office space) directing a David Letterman skit.
But, unfortunately, one slowly realizes the rest of the movie is more like The Rocky Horror Picture Show starring the characters from Ally McBeal. Entering Malkovich's brain and observing his extraordinarily boring life seems almost inevitable when put in the context of the incredibly over-the-top characters that populate this movie. Worse, their obsession to become John Malcovich becomes a heavy-handed attempt to explore tired existential philosophies, with the effect being a bit like watching MTV discuss social issues. There were times when I thought I should be laughing, but I worried that maybe by doing so I was actually not "getting it."
Despite my disappointment at the film to leave me feeling satisfied, I still recommend it; it is very inventive and creative, and has some very well-done moments. (I especially like the gawd-awful "orientation" video scene, complete with bad actors dressed in late '70's attire.)
This sort of creativity should be encouraged--not necessarily rewarded at this stage, but encouraged, in hopes it will mature. I think it's possible to take a bizarre idea and make it into a satisfying full-length movie--but it will take some practice. _Being John Malkovich_ is a good first attempt.