Being John Malkovich- 4 Stars

Theatrical Release Poster

Being John Malkovich is the most surreal film I have ever watched. It is about a down on his luck puppeteer Craig Schwartz (John Cusack) who finds a portal into the mind of John Malkovich. And if that wasn't surreal enough, John Malkovich (John Malkovich) finds out about this and turns up to stop it- hence you get John Malkovich in a film about John Malkovich.

 The film is very entertaining and funny although perhaps it is a special taste. The film's humour is a certain kind of wacky, specialist humour, for example the boss who thinks he has a speech impediment because his secretary is deaf. The main premise of the film, the idea that there is a portal into John Malkovich's brain, is also so bizarre that it is funny. The fact that nothing can be predicted also makes the various abstract twist and turns all the more entertaining. The joke does wear a bit thin in the middle but it picks up again towards the end to create a thoroughly entertaining film.

The film can be isolating however. Its completely strange premise and absurdist humour can easily alienate the viewer. Therefore, whether you enjoy this film is very much up to personal taste. However, I would hope that even if the film is not found enjoyable it is appreciated for its originality and intelligence. The film is of course far from perfect. Apart from the aforementioned drag in the middle it also suffers from fairly basic characterisation with the stereotypical down on his luck Schwartz and his weak wife. However, credit to Kaufman that he develops these characters well and by the end they become more complex. It may be Cameron Diaz's below par performance that makes Lottie (Craig's wife) character seem more simple. That said, Catherine Keener's brilliant performance as Maxine is only aided by her characters fascinating complexity. Her character is both sleazy and likeable at the same time.

John Malkovich as John Malkovich

So what is the film actually about? Well the major theme is identity. Schwartz is a puppeteer, a craft he enjoys because it makes him feel like someone else. Schwartz hates his life and he escapes it by pretending to be others. His wife also finds relief from her unhappy marriage by being someone else (although this time it's Malkovich). Inside this theme of identity is a closely connected desire for control. Craig likes controlling puppets and other people (especially Lottie) because he himself is and has not been empowered his entire life. This goes for Lottie as well. In contrast, Maxine lives her own life to the full and never feels any desire to be someone else. By the end of the film, it is apparent that Kaufman believes that a compromise between these two sorts is the best way forward with Maxine becoming less self absorbed and Lottie becoming more confident in herself. Craig, on the other hand, does not overcome his self-loathing and becomes obsessed with the charismatic Maxine who represents everything he wishes he had. This sets up the rather creepy ending which shall not be spoiled.

So in conclusion, Being John Malkovich is a very wacky and funny film with intelligence. It might not be your particular cup of tea but if you feel in the mood for an unusual comedy with added brains then this film will suit your needs.

Ratings: Entertainment: 9 Technical: 4 Intelligence: 4= 17/20 ****





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