Yes
you read the title right. This bizarre yet highly inventive film comes from first
time feature director Spike Jonze, a visionary who got his start on various music
videos. He also turned in a terrific performance in Three Kings earlier this year.
John
Cusack plays a puppeteer who develops an obsession on a co-worker played by Catherine
Keener (Your Friends and Neighbors). Cameron Diaz--almost unrecognizable, is delightful
as Cusack's animal loving wife.
The
lives of these quirky characters are changed dramatically when they find a portal
that leads into the mind of actor John Malkovich--wonderfully played by himself.
To
call Being John Malkovich strange and innovative is an understatement. I can honestly
say I have never seen anything quite like this. It's offbeat and very unpredictable.
There is also a lot more going on in this picture than meets the eye. This film
is about love, obsession, loneliness and the perception of celebrity.
Most
winning, is watching Malkovich step out on a limb and make fun of himself. This
movie is quite mean-spirited at times and Malkovich always takes it in stride.
Jonze
has made a stunning and auspicious debut as a director. He's fashioned a hilarious
film with twists, turns and some terrific cameos, that I am not going to give
away in this review. If you're in the mood for something different, Being John
Malkovich is definitely for you.
