Being John Cusack.

Rating: 8/10 (14 September 2015)

Being John Malkovich (1999): Dir: Spike Jonze / Cast: John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, Catherine Keener, John Malkovich, Orson Bean: Rich in originality and compelling in our desire to be someone else. John Cusack plays a struggling puppeteer who applies for a filing job on floor 7 ½ in a strange building. Cameron Diaz plays his wife but he fancies Catherine Keener who is nonchalant to his existence. He eventually discovers a tiny door behind a filing cabinet and crawls inside only to be whisked away inside the mind of actor John Malkovich. For fifteen minutes he can experience the mind of Malkovich before being thrust into the gutter of reality. When Diaz ventures inside, she doesn't want to stop, and Keener sees an opportunity for profit. Brilliant work by director Spike Jonze. Cusack slowly deteriorates in his own greed. Diaz finds excitement and informs Keener through hushed cries, "I'm a father!" Keener allows Diaz to penetrate her through Malkovich who spoofs himself. Malkovich is a good sport and the question is answered as to what happens when he enters the door. Orson Bean plays Dr. Lester, the head of the organization whose friendly demeanor shelters a senile presentation. While the ending is twisted and somewhat disturbing on many levels due too its sexual exploits, Cusack's string puppets represent the ultimate manipulation in this highly original film. Score: 8 / 10