A good movie with a great concept.

Rating: 10/10 (6 November 1999)

This is an inspired, twisted movie. The much-talked about concept, where actors actually go inside John Malkovich, is an excellent twist, but would not have worked were the plot and acting not so good in themselves.
In truth, Malkovich is a catalyst for the plot. A weird love triangle occurs between John Cusack, Catherine Keener, and Cameron Diaz. Instead of the average movie with such a premise, where the actors pretty much spend an hour and a half lamenting their situation, the three of them act upon their instincts using a portal in Cusack's office they find that takes you into Malkovich's head.
The wonderful thing about this movie is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. While there is real emotion and tension throughout the movie, it's mixed in with the weirdness of the whole situation, and ends up with a very good balance between the comedic aspects of being able to go inside someone's mind, and the feeling the characters have for each other.
A word about the acting: Everyone is good. Cusack and Bean play straightmen of sorts, and are very good at it. Cameron Diaz tries to shed her beauty glow, and it almost works, though at times she tries to hard to seem downbeat. There are two excellent performances: One is Catherine Keener, as the vixen who enchants everyone she meets. She plays the part with a real sexual energy you don't often see. And...
John Malkovich is great. He really plays three characters, and plays them all expertly. He is really a comic relief of sorts in this story. He allows the movie to poke all kinds of fun at him, and his performance is great. Better than the one where he play a jewel thief. (if that doesn't makes sense, see the movie).
All in all, this movie is a real departure from the usual Hollywood drivel. I highly recommend it.