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Being John Malkovich
1999 113 min United States of America R 18+
★8.2
Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Director: Spike Jonze
Trailers
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Description
One day at work, unsuccessful puppeteer Craig finds a portal into the head of actor John Malkovich. The portal soon becomes a passion for anybody who enters its mad and controlling world of overtaking another human body.
Budget:
$13M
US Gross:
$22.86M
Worldwide:
$22.86M
Starring
John Cusack
Actor
Cameron Diaz
Actor
Catherine Keener
Actor
Awards
Venice Film Festival 1999
— FIPRESCI Prize – Parallel Programs
Saturn Awards 2000
— Best Screenplay
Venice Film Festival 1999
— Future Film Festival Digital Award – Special Mention
Academy Awards 2000
— Best Director
Academy Awards 2000
— Best Screenplay
Golden Globe 2000
— Best Screenplay
Venice Film Festival 1999
— Future Film Festival Digital Award – Special Mention
Golden Globe 2000
— Best Picture (Comedy or Musical)
MTV Movie & TV Awards 2000
— Best Debut Director
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2000
— Best Cast Ensemble
Golden Globe 2000
— Best Supporting Actress
Saturn Awards 2000
— Best Fantasy Film
Saturn Awards 2000
— Best Actress
BAFTA 2000
— Best Original Screenplay
BAFTA 2000
— Best Film Editing
BAFTA 2000
— Best Supporting Actress
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2000
— Best Supporting Actress
César Awards 2000
— Best International Feature Film
Key opinion
Being John Malkovich is a highly original and surreal film that uses an absurd premise to explore profound philosophical questions about identity and consciousness. While it is widely praised for its unique screenplay and strong performances, its dark and unsettling tone can be polarizing for some viewers.
| Originality | Kaufman's screenplay is highly regarded for its unique, surrealist, and non-Hollywood originality. | |
| Theme | The film explores profound psychological and philosophical questions concerning identity and consciousness. | |
| Acting | The ensemble delivers strong, transformative performances, particularly with Malkovich playing himself and the other leads appearing notably different. | |
| Humor | The film blends absurd slapstick with deep irony, though the shift in comedic style throughout the plot is a point of contention. | |
| Pacing | While some find the pacing effective, others feel the structure becomes heavy or loses its narrative grip in the latter half. |