Movies-TV

Excellent!

This film, in case you don't already know, is excellent; in fact, it might be perfect. Watching it for the first time in the theater, I remember being so amazed by how good it was, I started to TRY to find flaws in the film, but I just couldn't. I think that it's literally flawless. Totally orginal and endlessly funny, "Being John Malkovich" will be remembered for a long, long time.

Another great 1999 movie

It's a good thing this wasn't Being Ned Beatty or something like that(still can't get over Deliverance). This film is brilliantly directed - most likely the best directed film of the year. The script is way, WAY out of left field, but it manages to satire our fascination with celebrity and still tell a genuinely moving story. And the performances are first-rate. John Cusack is one of our most underrated actors, and I also thought Cameron Diaz was terrific. John Malkovich and Catherine Keener though, their craft is on a whole other level. Do not miss this one. Wish the DVD had running commentary, but oh well, nothing's perfect.

The Best Movie in a Year of Good Movies

Its hard to imagine a movie that is this off the wall, utterly hilarious, and strangely philisophical was ever written, much less actually made. Charlie Kaufman's script is so amazingly creative, blending screwball humor and existential philosophy so well that you either laughed or pondered you existance throughout the entire movie. The acting was equally impressive. John Cusack has long been one of my favorite actors, and this may be his best, most developed performance yet. Even when he was doing greedy, selfish things, I still sympathized with him. Cameron Diaz was perfect in an against type role (a friend of mine didn't know it was her until he saw her name in the credits). Catherine Keener certainly deserved her Oscar nomination, and John Malkovich himself was hilarious as the man trying to figure his way through this "metaphysical can of worms". I'm so glad that Spike Jonze directed this move, having been a fan of his since the days of the Girl/Chocolate skateboard videos. Jonze really came through with the perfect mix of subdued cinematography and wacky visuals. 1999 was a really good year for movies, Bringing Out the Dead, Magnolia, Three Kings, The Insider, and The Limey will all be remembered for years to come, but Being John Malkovich was the best and most memorable, without a doubt.

Best Screenplay, Direction, and Picture (in a perfect world)

Just the fact that it's a fulfilling movie in a decade wherefilms never fascinate should be enough Few directors can make such wonderful films while attempting to create a true surrealist piece of work. Jonze and Kaufman make it artsy and entertaining.

For more great surrealist movies, check out the works of Luis Bunuel (his entire canon), David Lynch (Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet, Eraserhead), Tim Burton (Edward Scissorhands), Peter Greenaway (A Zed abd Two Noughts, The Draughtsman's Contract), and Terry Gilliam (Time Bandits, Baron Munchausen, Brazil, 12 Monkeys, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, The Fisher King).

Incredible

Being John Malcovich is the most origional movie I have EVER seen. This movie is awesome. If you have not seen it I would recommend you see it as soon as possible. The origionality and comedy of the movie were incredible. Buy it today.

A surreal masterpiece

If you haven't seen this film yet then go see it now, or better yet buy it! There's probably never going to be another film like this made.

John Cusack is magnificent as the troubled puppeteer and Cameron Diaz also shines in an unusual non-glamorous role. Malkovich is also wonderful as the gloriously OTT thespian.

In an age of over-hyped summer blockbusters starring box-office bankers such as Will Smith, this films stands out as a masterpiece.

Be All That Someone Else Can Be

Being John Malkovich is, without question, the most highly imaginative and inventive script put to paper in this decade. In just his first ever produced screenplay, Charles Kaufman has masterminded one of the most hilarious and most thoughtful stories ever put to film and it is destined to become a classic, be it mainstream or cult.

Also marking Spike Jonze's directorial debut is Being John Malkovich and what better way to start a promising directing career then to do a movie about going inside the head of a famous Thespian. Having read many reviews for BJM, I have seen it been called a metaphor for directing, acting and even a metaphor for being a film critic. Being John Malkovich is a rarity is Hollywood, it is a movie that can be taken in a different light by everyone that sees it as someone might think that it is just a funny movie or someone could look a little closer and see all of the moral and ethical questions that the movie raises.

Stunningly original and the first half-hour is priceless

I think John Cusack said it best when he said, "This is a screenplay that no one could have written, thinking it would ever be made". It's that original and off-beat. I'm so glad it was also successful since it may open doors to some other off-the-wall ideas that might not seem commercial enough otherwise. This movie is very well-acted the whole way through and the plot is so fresh, you find yourself wondering how anyone ever thought of it in the first place. Cheers to the brave cast who took all this on and to writer Charlie Kaufmann whose unique vision deserves more recognition. The film lost a bit of steam for me by the end but it's never boring and the first half-hour is as funny and startling as anything I've ever seen.

a rare gem

Totally off the wall. ...Light, classy... interesting ! ... and over-all FUN AS HELL~

This movie proves that it doesn't take a huge budget to make an excellent movie.

MALCOVICH ! LOL

I agree with Roger Ebert- THE film of 1999.

Don't get me wrong- I loved American Beauty. I was shocked by The Sixth Sense. I was moved by Magnolia. But for me, the movie in 1999 that made me sit back and say "wow" was Being John Malkovich.

I am sure you know the plot, and words wouldn't help to describe how original (and ingenious) it is. The film works on so many levels- it is a screwball comedy, an existential discussion of the nature of existence, a study of sexual identity, and a satire of the modern desire to "escape" from life. On top of all of that, it is darn entertaining to watch!

The characters (played to perfection but Cusack, Diaz, Keener, and Malkovich himself) are all well-drawn, and the actors do a fantastic job- wait until you see Diaz, unrecognizable in frizzy hair and frumpy dress.

The directing is top notch as well. Spike Jonze (of Three Kings fame) has made a wise choice- he recognizes the script is the star and has directed a film without any flashy camera work, which would detract from the real focal point. That is not to say the work is pedestrian- he did everything that had to be done to make the film, and he did it well (note his Oscar nod for best director).

The production design is a big star here as well. The 7 1/2 floor is almost "Gilliam-esque"- in fact, when I first saw the preview I assumed it was Terry Gilliam's (Brazil, 12 Monkeys) newest film.

The best word to describe this film is "giddy." I saw that because that is what I brought away from it- I felt giddy watching it, and you can teel the cast and crew felt the same making it. The best thing I have read about the film was from a rejection letter from another studio, which neglected to option the screenplay: "I'm sure Being John Malkovich would be regarded as a work of genius on whatever planet it was written." If that doesn't make you want to see the thing, nothing will.

A Rare Gem

It's the rarest occurance for me when I walk out of a movie theatre and can't wait for the film I've just seen to come out on video but that's how I feel about Being John Malkovich.

I feel like my entire life is just passing time until my preordered BJM DVD from Amazon gets here. Inventive and hilarious can't begin to describe this film. Sure, there are questions that the whole scenario brings up and does not answer but, hey... in a world where Titanics and Phantom Menaces are made and praised, this is a more than welcome change.

Who do you want to be today?

In case, you don't know, that's a line from an Oingo Boingo song.

Being John Malkovich is a movie about people. John Cusack is an unemployed puppeteer who gets a new job in a very peculiar place: the 7 & 1/2 floor of an office building. He soon discovers a tunnel into the mind of movie star John Malkovich.

That's the plot at it's most basic. Trying to summarize this movie is like trying to explain what color looks like to a blind man. It is a shockingly original, amazing film. It was truly robbed of an Oscar for best original screenplay: while American Beauty was good, it wasn't as good as Malkovich and not nearly as original.

The direction by Spike Jonze is strange and surreal. There aren't a lot of bright colors or beautiful shots, but the movie really draws you in with it's dark, strange atmosphere. As I said before, the screenplay is utterly brilliant. The movie kind of reminds me of Terry Gilliam's Brazil - only it's not nearly as maddening to watch.

The performances are quite good, but really do serve the story. No one stands out in this movie. Not even Malkovich. One note: if you don't pay attention, the plot may confuse you a bit.

Being John Malkovich is a very rare kind of movie indeed: one that is stunningly original and incredibly well-done. Truly a must-see.

It reminds us that some movies are just meant to be FUN!

A movie doesn't have to be "Schindler's List" to be good. Sometimes people forget that movies don't always have to take themselves so seriously. Yet, action flicks sometimes don't take themselves seriously enough.

"Being John Malkovich" rises to the challenge to produce a whimsical, utterly HILARIOUS story that is so outright absurd and bizarre from the very start, most viewers will stop trying to make sense of it after about five minutes into the film. It is then that the audience just lays back, goes with the flow and HAS FUN! If you're someone who always has to understand every detail and motive for every action in a film, THIS MOVIE IS NOT FOR YOU!

But, if you can handle some silliness, and really like to laugh, watch this movie. You won't be sorry. I was almost crying from laughter in my seat. The whole audience was in an uproar. Refreshing, zany, quality films like this don't show up often. So, don't miss a chance to see "Being John Malkovich," just be sure to check your cynicism at the door. :-)

one of the best

This was without a doubt the most original concept for any film in recent memory. The idea of a portal into someone's mind seems outrageous - and on top of that, whose head is it? JOHN MALKOVICH! I don't know how Charlie Kaufman chose Malkovich, but it worked perfectly.

The best idea for a movie in 1999, and Spike Jonze carried it out to perfection. Absolutely hysterical, and easily one of the best and most enjoyable films of the year.

Get real guys!

OK Fine movie in its genre, with good acting, good ideas anddirection. Have anyone even heard about Monthy Python's Flying Circus?It is a British television series (also a permanent cast of humorists) based on absolute humour. The story of BJM, with all the gags and ideas is approximately ten minutes of programming in a Monthy Python show at the same quality (not the movie, the humour). Of course "Being John Malkovich" is still the preferred option to movies like "Matrix".

IT'S A MALKOVICH MASTERPIECE!

Malkovich, Malkovich Malkovich? Malkovich. Malkovich Malkovich! MALKOVICH! What does that mean? Hmm, don't know. But those of you who have seen this magnificient film know what I'm getting at. What can I say about this wonderful film? It's one of the most bizarre, inventive, incredible, original and hilarious films to come along in years, heck, even decades! What's the story you ask? Well. . .It's the simple story of a puppeteer, an actor, a 7 1/2 floor, a portal, a dowdy wife, an abrasive female co-worker, a chimp, the New Jersey Turnpike, a 105 year old boss, and oh yeah, Charlie Sheen. What does all this add up to? One of the greatest films of 1999. If you are tired of the typical "Hollywood" comedy, give this truly orginal film a chance. Spike Jonze, the director, has pieced together a modern classic. Buy this immediately! You wont regret it. MALKOVICH!

IT'S A MALKOVICH MASTERPIECE!

Malkovich, Malkovich Malkovich? Malkovich. Malkovich Malkovich! MALKOVICH! What does that mean? Hmm, don't know. But those of you who have seen this magnificient film know what I'm getting at. What can I say about this wonderful film? It's one of the most bizarre, inventive, incredible, original and hilarious films to come along in years, heck, even decades! What's the story you ask? Well. . .It's the simple story of a puppeteer, an actor, a 7 1/2 floor, a portal, a dowdy wife, an actor, an abrasive female co-worker, a chimp, the New Jersey Turnpike, a 105 year old boss, and oh yeah, Charlie Sheen. What does all this add up to? One of the greatest films of 1999. If you are tired of the typical "Hollywood" comedy, give this truly orginal film a chance. Spike Jonze, the director, has pieced together a modern classic. Buy this immediately! You wont regret it. MALKOVICH!

Well worth seeing, difficult ending, lots of questions ...

This film is well worth seeing just on its merit as a comedy. Many of the jokes remind me of THE SIMPSONS (a _good_ thing), and yet the film definitely transcends these limits.

The questions about and examination of identity, infatuation, sexual desire, and the value of one's life are there in spades, though no clear resolution comes of it. (Not a bad thing, just an observation.)

Some of the camera work is simply stunning, esp. the opening sequence and John Malkovich's "dance" sequence. If you appreciate cinematography and crisp direction, this film will be right up your alley.

Sorry for the disjointed review ... just my thoughts on this film off the top of my head.

I can relate to this

When I, an out of work puppeteer, got my first job on the 7 1/2th floor of a New York office building, I too found a portal into the mind of a celebrity for 15 minutes, after which I was cast out somewhere on the Jersey Turnpike....

Okay, I really can't relate to this, but who could? This movie is so utterly obscure and wonderful and confusing and non-sensical, that it is certain to make you laugh. True, the character's could have been sceptical when John Cusack tells them of his discovery,but that would make this movie silly...

This movie, riddled with marvelous performances and directing, may very well be the silliest, and is certainly one of the most wonderful movies of all time.

The Most Original Movie Ever

Well folks, if you're looking to have your mind blown, then this is the right place to start. This movie is without a doubt one of the most mind expanding movies ever made. I mean come on, how bizzare is an office on a floor disigned for midgets with a secret portal into John Malkovich's mind? The most memorable sceen is is Malkovich's trip through his own mind. It is pretty creepy at times, and just plain wrong at others, but it keeps you going. I was shocked that this movie didn't get the recognition it deserved in the Academy Awards though.