How did he manage it?

Rating: Null/10 (30 May 2001)

Only the best writers can come up with such a dazzlingly unbelievable storyline, yet engross the audience so thoroughly that they hang off every word from every contrapuntal character and each bizarre concept. I believe Kaufmann has achieved this glorified omnipotence with Being John Malkovich. I wonder, does he intend to play with the audience's mind, or did he simply say to himself: I will think of some ridiculously comical situations, and attempt to weave a story with some veracity behind each phrase? Whichever way the cookie crumbled, he gave us this masterpiece. Also, I would like to praise Cameron Diaz, for undertaking such a drastic overhaul of her career. We are all too familiar with the Barbra Steisand's of hollywood, ie. image is gospel and I will behave like child because my money and attention somehow retarded any emotional or mental maturity that may once have occurred. Diaz has startled me into thinking that some tall, blonde, gorgeous actresses actually don't mind looking less than their best if it means playing an interesting, multidimensional character. The dialogue is exquisite. My advice: listen to every word that is said. From the boss with crystal clear pronounciation and a sorry-about-my-speech-impediment complex to Charlie Sheen's disturbing bald appearance where he drools over lesbian witches whilst Malkovich desperately attempts to express his fear, the conversation that arises (somehow) from these weirdly colourful characters is almost Shakespeare in its rhythm and beauty. Finally, the scene in the restaurant has, to my knowledge, never been attempted before in a mainstream picture and for that I applaud it. I can't reveal too much, but the Malkovich overload is all too apparent. See it for yourself and enjoy the most original movie out in ages.