An amazing portrayal of the weird and wonderful.

Rating: 9/10 (23 July 2000)

To say this film is weird is an understatement. However, it is one of the better 'strange' films I have ever seen. John Cusack is excellent in this film, as is John Malkovich himself. After all, nobody but Malkovich could pull this film off to begin with. Cameron Diaz is all but unrecognizable in her portrayal of Lotte Schwartz, but her performance here is only ho-hum. I have learned not to expect much from her in anything but a comedy film anyways, especially after seeing Something About Mary.
I recommend this film to those who want to see something fresh, and who enjoy movies that call for some thought. I don't believe a story such as this has ever been tried before, and that makes the film more appealing. I passed by it for a few weeks at the video store before committing to it, and now I'm glad I watched it.
The premise is pretty simple. While at work one day on the 7 1/2 floor, Craig Schwartz (John Cusack), who is a puppeteer, finds a small door which allows him to enter the mind of John Malkovich and see through his eyes for a short period of time, and then be dumped out beside the New Jersey turnpike. As word of this spreads, various hijinks and interpersonal relations are played out amongst the characters in the film. Craig Schwartz finds his ultimate puppet, but at what cost?
By the way, I loved the film in which John Malkovich played a jewel thief. ;)
My Rating: 9/10