Being John Malkovich (1999)

Director: Spike Jonze

Stars: John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, Catherine Keener
Runtime: 113 minutes

Synopsis: A puppeteer discovers a portal that leads literally into the head of movie star John Malkovich.

Performances: 9/10
Screenplay: 10/10
Editing: 8/10
Cinematography: 7/10
Score/Soundtrack: 7/10

Verdict: Charlie Kaufman's Hollywood story started in 1999 with what is perhaps one of the most ambitious debuts ever. "Being John Malkovich" adopts an incredibly unique concept as it follows a puppeteer who stumbles upon a portal that directly leads him to the titular character's head and allows him to see the world through Malkovich's eyes for a good 15 minutes.

Directed by Spike Jonze, for who this serves also as his debut, the movie manages to be both hilarious and depressing, enjoyable and meaningful, at the same time. It's such a fascinating look at manipulation, perspective, and consciousness that fully utilizes its creative concept to ask important, philosophical questions that will haunt you throughout the film's runtime and beyond. But what makes "Being John Malkovich" such a fascinating watch is not only its concept and the questions that come with it but also the attention to details and personal struggles or traits that the characters go through. Kaufman's script is watertight, with only a few minor leaks in moments of foreshadowing or exposition that didn't entirely work for me. The performances are all great with my favorite being Catherine Keener's, and the film's surreal yet hilarious tone worked like a charm. The only element that I wish was improved was the presentation, which at times did feel a bit bland but never to the point of taking me out of the movie's universe.

The fact that this wholly original movie, which was written by an unknown and directed by a first-timer, was even greenlit is insane to think about, especially in this day and age. It succeeds in being a film that raises deep questions about identity and what makes us who we are in a very smart yet very entertaining way, and that's what makes such a transfixing watch. Check it out if the concept seems interesting to you, it's well worth your time.

FINAL GRADE: 9/10