Review of Being John Malkovich (1999) by Zeke T — 08 Aug 2011
Charlie Kaufman has an incomprehensible ability to provide glimpses into the human soul. I don't think I will ever comprehend what goes into his screenplays. I'm not sure Kaufman will ever comprehend it either.
He gives us a ridiculous scenario and somehow twists it into an emotional and thought provoking dive into human feeling. Kaufman scripts an explanation for the origin of certain instincts, and at the same time makes it clear that the said explanation is not to be taken seriously.
More bizarre is the way the film DOES force you to take it seriously. Not the outward explanation itself. Not the fact that perhaps some or all of our feelings are driven by another individual entering the portals of ourselves.
But it forces you to examine yourself, to sink down and wonder. Why are we driven to do things? What is it? What is this thing, or these things? Why does it control me? Why can't I escape it? The nature of instinct and feeling will always be a mystery, and Kaufman helps us to realize this in a powerful way.
Great movie. Kaufman is a story-telling genius.
This review of Being John Malkovich (1999) was written by Zeke T on 08 Aug 2011.
Being John Malkovich has generally received very positive reviews.
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