11/14/99
Being John Malkovich stars John Cusack as Craig Schwartz, Cameron Diaz as Lotte Schwartz, Catherine Keener as Maxine, Orson Bean as Dr. Lester, Mary Kay Place as Floris, John Malkovich as John Horatio Malkovich, Charlie Sheen as Charlie, W. Earl Brown as Erroll, Carlos Jacott as Malkovich's agent, Sean Penn as Himself, Brad Pitt as Himself.
Being John Malkovich is a wonderful comedy. Do we find out anything about Being John Malkovich? No! According to this film he is pretty dull and is available for sex with a phone call. But that's not the story.
Being John Malkovich is about a puppeteer, John Cusack, unemployed and forced into getting a job by his wife, Cameron Diaz. He scours the want ads looking for something he can do. He sees an ad for a filer, "Must have fast fingers!" He figures that with his puppeteering this is the job for him. He goes for his interview and is introduced to the world of the 7 1/2 floor. During an indoctrination session he sees Maxine. He immediately has feelings for her, but she could care less.
He tries to find ways to impress her and meet with her. He succeeds, but he has not landed the hook. He needs something bigger. He accidently discovers a portal into John Malkovich. This is the hook he needs to establish an after hours business with Maxine. They charge $200 to be John Malkovich for 15 minutes. After the experience you are dropped along side the New Jersey Turnpike.
This film is about wonderful characters, the 7 1/2 floor, and an unlikely story that is new and refreshing. The acting is terrific. Each facet of the characters is presented in a clear and wonderful way. Spike Jonze, the director, made a movie that everyone can enjoy.
I give it 5 out of 5 boards: