Being John Malkovich

Rating:
Summary: A few comments
Review: I just had a few miscellaneous comments on this very unusual film. I'm usually easily entertained when it comes to movies, because I don't usually expect very much of them (at least the stuff that normally comes out of Hollywood as compared to various independent directors). It's rare that I really rave about a film, but I have to admit I was impressed with how original and unusual this film was. A lot of films are pretty predictable, but this one isn't, and the film had me wondering what kind of wacky and funny hijinx or scene would come up next. But they did just that for the next two hours. The film also playfully explores some pretty profound questions relating to identity, consciousness, the afterlife, and so on. And on top of that there's a kinky scene or two that are pretty over the top just by themselves.

Given all the above, I would have to count this as one of the more intelligent, unusual, and funny movies to come out in recent memory. I was a little surprised it had even been produced and come out of Hollywood rather than by an independent director, but shortly after I'd seen the film I heard a brief interview on PBS with the scriptwriter and he said the same thing, that he was surprised when the script was picked up and the studio actually decided to make the film.

Also, it's great to see Orson Bean is still working, and actually, I thought he looked pretty good for his age in the movie. I remember from the old days when he appeared on the Johnny Carson show and he called himself a "humorist" rather than a comedian. Well, I'm not sure really what the difference is between humor and comedy, but this movie certainly has them both in spades and it was very obvious he had a lot of fun making the movie too.

I very rarely rent movies that I've seen in the theater and see them twice, but I plan on renting this one and watching it again soon, since I haven't seen it since it first came out five years ago. Overall, a very unusual, outrageous, and entertaining film that I suspect will become a cult classic.

Rating:
Summary: Five stars for originality alone
Review: It took me awhile to get around to watching this movie. I heard so much buzz over it that I was worried I would be disappointed, but I wasn't. The movie is not only refreshingly clever and darkly comic, but John Cusack and Cameron Diaz turn in riveting performances in what has to be one of the most unusual movies ever made. I don't want to reveal too much of the storyline, as it would spoil the movie for those who have yet to see it, but it revolves around the mind of John Malkovich. Why John Malkovich? You might ask, but then it doesn't really matter who was used as the vehicle for this mind-bender, although Malkovich himself is great in this movie, especially when he is forced to inhabit his own mind. Spike Jonze showed himself as one of the potential great talents in this movie, piecing together a very compelling storyline and pulling from an ecclectic bag of tricks to keep you on the edge of your seat. There is a wonderful theatrical quality to this film, rarely found in cinema these days. This one is destined to be a cult classic.

Rating:
Summary: One of the most original comedies
Review: Charlie Kaufman, the most creative screenwriter currently working today, writes his first theatrical screenplay (Which he was nominated for the Academy Award of Best Original Screenplay). Kaufman's written some TV screenplay but this is his first major one. He is the genius behind not only Being John Malkovich but also two other brilliant and twisted mind-benders: Adaptation (second Oscar nod) and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (a hopeful win). These three films would rank of being the most original comedies ever made. Being John Malkovich is an ingenious dark comedy about three oddball characters who discover a hidden portal which sucks you into the mind of John Malkovich (played by himself). After your 10 minutes of being stuck inside his mind, you're automatically sucked out and dumped near the New Jersey turnpike. Wow! Bizare, huh?

John Cusack plays Craig, a frusterated and very talented puppeteer in New York who lives in a tiny apartment that's crowded by a bunch of numerous animals (Apes, dogs, birds etc), courtesy from his weirdo, animal-loving wife Lotte (Cameron Diaz, nearly unrecognizable with that frizzy head of hair. She's never looked this bad). Craig soon finds a job as a filing clerk in a large building in Manhattan in floor 7 1/2 (Yes, literally 7 1/2), which seems to be quite a hassle when using the elevator to get in and walking in a position that would have scoliosis examiners wanting to schedule appointments with these employees. Craig's meets and falls unrequitedly for co-worker Maxine (Oscar nominated Catherine Keener), a sardonic and cold-hearted woman which leaves you with the question of asking; Why would anyone have lovey feeling for such a cold-fish woman? Another question pops in mind too; Why would any woman return the favor of loving Craig back (Since he's such a boring loser-dork)? She wants nothing to do with him but she teases him occassionally. After Craig soon discovers the portal to John Malkovich, he tells Lotte and Maxine.

It increasingly becomes an obsession for these characters and everything escalates from bad to worse. Craig becomes increasingly psychotic and obsessed with Maxine, Lotte and Maxine have a lesbian relationship (But only when Maxine is in Malkovich's mind), Maxine soon ends up having affairs with Malkovih every now and then, New York residents end up knowing of the portal which is a $200 dollar fee that Craig and Maxine decide to advertise, Malkovich soon begins to realize that something is wrong, etc. I can't possibly go any further since I'd be giving too much away.

Being John Malkovich is not for everyone since many viewers will find it frusterating and and it's not a real laugh-out-loud kind of comedy. Sure, it has amusing moments, but it's the film's original screenplay and terrific performances that leave you hooked. But if you're really into film, I definitely recommend.