Being John Malkovich: a moral story?

Rating: 10/10 (21 March 2001)

SPOILER!! Be warned!
This is one of my favorite movies; I've watched it several times and it keeps taking on new meanings. Other contributors on this site have found the emphasis on sexuality and lesbianism objectionable, but in my opinion these elements are instrumental in expressing what appears to be an essential moral message. Craig is not satisfied with his life, he wants something more and better. In order to fulfill his dreams, he eats the forbidden fruit (i.e. 'hijacking' John Malkovich), and as a result of his hubris he eventually loses everything, including his wife. His marriage with Lotte - though dull and unsatisfying to both of them - could perhaps have been saved and improved somehow, if it hadn't been for their mutual exploitation of Malkovich.
As for the scenes dealing with sex and lesbianism, I find them far less disturbing than the scene in which Craig threatens Lotte with a gun and locks her up in a cage, bound and gagged. Up to that point, I had no problem identifying with Craig and feeling empathy for him, despite his problems and weaknesses.
On my scale, this movie gets ten stars out of ten.