Exquisite Madness

Rating: 10/10 (22 November 1999)

Foregoing my usual three-paragraph summation, all I can say is WOW! "Being John Malkovich" is exquisitely controlled madness. This film has several layers of discussion-worthy material beyond that of even Fight Club! Being John Malkovich waxes hypnotic on personal identity, celebrity, control, and so much more in so completely an original and entertaining manner, that its skill somewhat masks the sad and depressing conclusions it makes. Come Hollywood pageant time, if the Academy does not nominate this for film for the Oscar, complete and utter cynicism has yet another reason for being.
-----9/10 stars