Being John Malkovich

Rating: 10/10 (24 June 2005)

There are always people wishing they could be their idols, and this is the ultimate portrayal of when that wish comes true, for whatever purpose, from Oscar nominated director Spike Jonze. Craig Schwartz (John Cusack) is the struggling puppeteer with no job, so after seeing an advert for needed quick fingers, he goes to start work at Lestercorp, on floor 7½ as a filing clerk. As he continues working there, he not only becomes attracted to co-worker Maxine Lund (Oscar and Golden Globe nominated Catherine Keener), but he finds a secret portal into the head of actor John Malkovich (himself) for 15 minutes. After telling Maxine, and pet-loving wife Lotte Schwartz (BAFTA and Golden Globe nominated Cameron Diaz) about the experience, and trying it themselves, they decide to offer the experience to the public for $200 a time. After experiences inside Maljovich where he meets and makes love to Maxine, Lotte is having thoughts about her sexual gender and identity, i.e. she's basically turned gay, and Maxine can respond with her (only through Malkovich). After a while though, Craig has had enough of being a loser and has found a way to control Malkovich and stay inside him. It is with this talent he makes Malkovich the victim for his wanted puppetry career, and he marries Maxine. Also starring Orson Bean as Dr. Lester, Charlie Sheen, Brad Pitt and Sean Penn. The ending does slow a tiny bit with the daughter, but the film is ultimately a fantasy treat. The highlight of the film is Malkovich going through his own portal, and he is in a restaurant surrounded by other Malkovich's. It was nominated the Oscar for Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen for Charlie Kaufman, it won the BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay, and it was nominated for Best Editing, and it was nominated the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Comedy/Musical and Best Screenplay. Cameron Diaz was number 65, John Malkovich number 59, and John Cusack number 48 on The 100 Greatest Movie Stars, and Malkovich was number 53, and Diaz number 26 on The 100 Greatest Sex Symbols. Outstanding!