Being John Malkovich Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A down-on-his-luck puppeteer finds a portal into John Malkovich’s brain, turns it into a tourist trap, and accidentally sparks a lesbian love affair involving Malkovich, all while old dudes try to steal Malkovich’s body for immortality – it’s like Inception but way weirder.

🍿 Being John Malkovich: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Craig and Lotte

Craig Schwartz, a struggling puppeteer, and his wife Lotte, a pet store employee, are stuck in a monotonous marriage. Craig desires recognition for his art, but his shows are not very successful. This leads him to seek a more stable job to support himself and Lotte.

The 7½ Floor and the Discovery

Craig finds a job as a filing clerk at LesterCorp, located on the bizarre 7½ floor of a Manhattan office building, where the ceilings are unusually low. While working, he discovers a hidden door behind a filing cabinet that leads to a portal.

The Portal to John Malkovich’s Mind

Craig discovers that the portal leads directly into the mind of actor John Malkovich. The experience lasts for fifteen minutes, after which the person is ejected into a ditch next to the New Jersey Turnpike. Fascinated by this discovery, Craig shares it with his coworker Maxine, whom he is attracted to.

Exploiting the Portal

Maxine sees a business opportunity in the portal and convinces Craig to start charging people $200 for fifteen minutes inside John Malkovich’s head. Lotte also becomes intrigued by the portal and begins to question her own identity and sexuality through the experience.

Love, Identity, and Control

The portal becomes a catalyst for complex relationships and identity crises. Lotte develops feelings for Maxine while inside Malkovich, leading to a unique and unconventional love triangle. Craig becomes obsessed with controlling Malkovich’s actions to impress Maxine, which leads to strange and unsettling consequences.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Craig Schwartz (John Cusack): A struggling and frustrated puppeteer who discovers a portal into John Malkovich’s mind.
• Lotte Schwartz (Cameron Diaz): Craig’s pet-loving wife who undergoes a journey of self-discovery through the Malkovich portal.
• Maxine Lund (Catherine Keener): Craig’s seductive and ambitious coworker who sees the portal as a money-making opportunity.
• John Horatio Malkovich (John Malkovich): The actor whose mind becomes the unwilling vessel for others’ experiences and desires.
• Dr. Lester (Orson Bean): Craig’s eccentric boss who seeks to use the Malkovich portal to achieve immortality.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Craig: “You don’t know how lucky you are being a monkey. Because consciousness is a terrible curse. I think. I feel. I suffer.” – Craig expresses his existential angst while lamenting his lack of artistic recognition.
• Maxine: “I want you inside John Malkovich. Using your nimble fingers to make him do and say things.” – Maxine crudely describes the prospect of Craig controlling Malkovich.
• Lotte: “When I was in Malkovich, I felt more like a woman than I ever have.” – Lotte reveals her transformative experience inside Malkovich.
• John Malkovich: “Who’s been in my head? Who’s been f***ing with my head?” – Malkovich expresses his outrage and paranoia after sensing he’s been controlled.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $13,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $22,863,596
• Worldwide Gross: $23,106,795

💥 Being John Malkovich Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, this movie is just bonkers, but in the best way possible. I remember seeing it for the first time and my jaw was on the floor. Cusack’s character is so relatable as a struggling artist and the whole concept of going inside John Malkovich’s head is just hilarious and strangely profound. The scene where Malkovich goes into his own portal and it’s just a room full of ‘Malkovich’ saying ‘Malkovich’ is pure comedic genius. Definitely a movie I’ll watch again and again!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of surreal and dark comedies”
  • “Viewers interested in films exploring themes of identity and existentialism”
  • “Those who appreciate innovative and original storytelling”
  • “Audiences looking for something different from mainstream cinema”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Sexual content and nudity”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Disturbing and bizarre themes”
  • “Mature subject matter”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Spike Jonze’s directorial debut is a mind-bending experience. The film walks a tightrope between absurdity and poignant commentary on identity and desire, anchored by stellar performances, especially from Cusack and Diaz, who fully commit to their eccentric characters. The film’s imaginative visuals and sharp wit offer a truly unforgettable cinematic journey.
• The New York Times: “Kaufman’s screenplay is a masterclass in surreal storytelling, and Jonze executes it with daring and precision. The film doesn’t shy away from its bizarre premise; instead, it embraces the absurdity, creating a hilarious and thought-provoking exploration of celebrity, obsession, and the search for meaning. A modern classic that will continue to be discussed for years to come.
• RogerEbert.com: “A triumph of originality and imagination, “Being John Malkovich” transcends its high-concept premise with its insightful exploration of human connection and the yearning to escape oneself. The film is funny, unsettling, and deeply moving, a testament to the power of unconventional storytelling. Every viewing reveals new layers of meaning.

Audience Reactions

The sheer originality and the mind-bending plot twists kept me guessing until the end.: Viewers praise the film’s bold creativity and its ability to seamlessly blend comedy and deeper philosophical themes.

The cast gave incredible performances, especially John Cusack and Cameron Diaz in their most unconventional roles.: Fans celebrate the actors’ dedication to their roles, enhancing the movie’s strange and captivating world.

Overall Consensus: Being John Malkovich is widely regarded as a highly original, intelligent, and darkly comedic film that challenges conventional storytelling, offering a unique and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Awards

1. BAFTA Awards (Best Original Screenplay)- 2000

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The script was originally written for Tom Cruise, but Charlie Kaufman felt John Malkovich would be funnier.”
• “The scene where John Malkovich enters his own portal and everyone is him saying “Malkovich” was one of the most challenging to film and edit.”
• “Spike Jonze makes a cameo as Derek Mantini, the director of the Guerrilla Theater, and as the voice of the puppet.”
• “Many of the puppetry scenes were performed by John Cusack himself, who took lessons to prepare for the role.”

🖥️ How to Watch Being John Malkovich?

Being John Malkovich is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability as it may vary by region. Unfortunately, as of right now, this movie cannot be watched for free on any streaming service that requires a subscription.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Being John Malkovich, you might like these similar films:

• Adaptation (2002): Also written by Charlie Kaufman, this film explores themes of identity, creativity, and the nature of reality in a meta and surreal way.
• Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004): Another Kaufman-penned mind-bender that deals with memory, identity, and relationships through a unique and bizarre premise.
• Synecdoche, New York (2008): Another Charlie Kaufman movie exploring themes of mortality, identity, and the complexities of human relationships through a surreal and ambitious narrative.
• The Truman Show (1998): Explores themes of reality, identity, and the manipulation of perception in a world that is not what it seems.
• Sorry to Bother You (2018): A surreal and satirical film that blends comedy and social commentary, similar to Being John Malkovich’s unique tone and unconventional storytelling.

🛒 Being John Malkovich Related Products

• Being John Malkovich (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A definitive Blu-ray edition of the film, featuring exclusive commentary, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews. Great for collectors and movie enthusiasts alike.
• John Malkovich Movie Poster: High-quality print featuring iconic movie artwork. A stylish, nostalgic piece to transform any space for movie enthusiasts.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Being John Malkovich – John Malkovich: Collectible vinyl figure. A must-have for collectors of pop culture memorabilia.

🎧 Soundtrack

Being John Malkovich features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Amelia” – performed by Laurie Anderson
• “Allegro, from Music for Strings” – performed by Béla Bartók, Performed by The Cleveland Orchestra

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Bill Hader Impersonates John Malkovich infront of him 😂

Check out this hilarious moment where Bill Hader does a spot-on impression of John Malkovich right in front of him. It’s a great showcase of Hader’s comedic skills and a fun watch for fans of both actors.

Drunk Dude throws can at John Malkovich on set

Ever wonder what it’s like when an extra gets a little too rowdy on set? This video shows a funny incident from the filming of ‘Being John Malkovich’ where an extra throws a can at John Malkovich. The director liked it so much, he kept it in the movie!

John Malkovich on ‘Being John Malkovich’

In this insightful interview, John Malkovich discusses his role in ‘Being John Malkovich’, sharing his initial reactions to the script and his thoughts on the film’s themes and characters.

✨ Rate