Being John Malkovich (1999)

Synopsis of Being John Malkovich

Would you pay money to journey into the mind of the star of Con Air, The Killing Fields, and In The Line of Fire? Puppeteer Craig Schwartz (John Cusack) is having money problems, so he takes a temporary job as a file clerk on the seventh-and-a-half floor of a large office building. One day, while rummaging behind a cabinet, he finds a small door that leads to the center of the mind of actor John Malkovich (played by, you guessed it, John Malkovich). Craig discovers that entering the portal allows him to become John Malkovich for a brief spell, and in time he and his beautiful but aloof co-worker Maxine (Catherine Keener) get the bright idea to charge admission for the privilege of spending 15 minutes inside the head of a well-known actor. Malkovich realizes that something strange is happening to him, but can do little to stop it, as strangers take over his mind for a quarter-hour at a time. Craig's wife, Lotte (Cameron Diaz), eventually takes a trip into Malkovich's psyche, and she soon finds herself in love with Maxine, with whom Malkovich has an affair; meanwhile, Maxine in time becomes infatuated with both Craig and Lotte, but only when they're inside Malkovich. Being John Malkovich marked the feature-length debut of director Spike Jonze, who previously made acclaimed music videos for Weezer, the Beastie Boys, and the Breeders, among others. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

See All Being John Malkovich Trailers and Clips

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

113 mins

Director(s):

Spike Jonze

Writer(s):

Charlie Kaufman

Producer(s):

Michael Stipe, Sandy Stern, Vincent Landay

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Sexual Situations, Not For Children, Adult Humor, Profanity)

Categories:

Independent Films, Comedy, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

• 1999 - British Academy of Film and Television Arts - Best Original Screenplay
• 1999 - Broadcast Film Critics Association - Breakthrough Performer
• 1999 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Screenplay
• 1999 - Deauville Film Festival - American Independent Film Grand Prize
• 1999 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best First Screenplay
• 1999 - Independent Spirit Awards - Best First Feature Over $500,000
• 1999 - Los Angeles Film Critics Association - Best Screenplay
• 1999 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Picture
• 1999 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Screenplay
• 1999 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Supporting Actress
• 1999 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Supporting Actor
• 1999 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best First Film
• 1999 - Toronto Film Critics Association - Best Screenplay
• 1999 - Toronto Film Critics Association - Best Picture [Runner-up]

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

Looking for special editions of Being John Malkovich?

See All Versions

Subtitles:

Check All Versions

Closed Captioning:

Check All Versions