Review of Being John Malkovich (1999) by Felixq. — 24 Jul 2006
This is a modern day classic. You have to be a certain type of person to enjoy the humor, and if you are you do so immensely. If this kind of comedy had been applied to a slightly more controlled plot or concept, it would've belly flopped.
Instead, it takes an idea that's just so far out there and laughable, combines it with characters that are all completely unaware of their own short-comings and moronity, and pretends that it's a serious film.
With all the irony flying around in this movie, it HAS to pretend to take itself seriously- as seriously as the characters take themselves. I think where this movie lost that final point for me was in the tone.
Yes, it needed to be dark to pull it off, and yes, the mundane nature of the characters' lives had to be reflected somehow in the film itself, but after a comedy so ludicrous and dark one has to be able to feel giddy, not slightly morbid.
Too much Donnie Darko, not enough Everything is Illuminated.
This review of Being John Malkovich (1999) was written by Felixq. on 24 Jul 2006.
Being John Malkovich has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
