a proof that original films are still being made

Rating: 8/10 (29 January 2000)

In an age of fast cut,videoclip-like,films, Being John Malkovich is a unique filmsensation. Clearly this is not a film everyone will like, but everybody will agree that it is very different. From the first scenes we are treated with an original approach to a familiar story. And along the film the story elaborates with an unique sense of humor but sometimes tries to tell more than is needed.Just like "The Big Lebowski" this film requires the audience to appreciate the strange sense of humor, and if you do, you are in for a treat. Of course the film has flaws. Made with an obvious shoestring budget some scenes are slovenly made (the microphone is visible in numerous scenes), and both female performances are confined by a script that focuses more on the males. John Cusack is brilliant as most of the times, and John Malkovich, a "serious actor", is obviously delighted with this spoof characterization of himself. The real problem with the film is that this "one idea movie" is a bit to long for it's own good. But all in all this is a film that everyone should go and see, as a proof that original films are still being made.