Hammerman Ikon

Hammerman Ikon Film Guide

Being John Malkovich
1999
*****
Director: Spike Jonze
Cast: John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, Catherine Keener, John Malkovich, Orson Bean, Mary Kay Place

An aspiring puppeteer works a menial job on the 7½th floor of the Mertin-Flemmer building. One day he discovers a portal, which allows anyone to be actor John Malkovich for 15 minutes at a time. Charlie Kaufman made his name with this brilliant existential comedy. The concept is totally outrageous, but the layered and endlessly inventive script is just pure genius. It deals with love, sexuality, identity and our obsession with celebrity. John Malkovich gives a courageous and hilarious performance as "himself".