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Being John Malkovich (1999)

Being John Malkovich
Doing John Malkovich.

Starring:

John Cusack
Cameron Diaz
Catherine Keener

Released By:

UMVD

Released In:

1999

Rated:

R

Reviewed By:

Adam Mast

Grade:

B+

Buy this item at Amazon.com
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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.

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