The Mind of Malkovich

Among the better films of the last decade is Being John Malkovich, which was the breakthrough movie for director Spike Jonze and writer Charlie Kaufman. Jonze was best known for directing music videos by acts such as R.E.M. and The Beastie Boys, including one of the best videos of all time: "Sabotage." Jonze--who is also co-creator of MTV's Jackass--and Kaufman both earned Oscar nominations for their work, but lost to American Beauty. The film stars John Malkovich as himself, along with John Cusack as an unemployed puppeteer and Cameron Diaz as his wife who's struggling with her sexual identity. Cusack and Diaz use a portal into Malkovich's consciousness in a battle for the affection of Catherine Keener, who was nominated for an Oscar as well. Of course, this portal is conveniently located behind a filing cabinet in Cusack's office on the 7 1/2 floor of a building. Once inside the portal, participants experience Malkovich from the inside out for about 15 minutes and then are plopped onto the New Jersey Turnpike. Eventually, Malkovich takes a ride inside his own consciousness and says, "I have seen a world that NO man should see!" Don't miss this classic at the Inwood Theatre, 5458 W. Lovers Lane, at midnight Friday and Saturday. For more information call 214-764-9106 or visit landmarktheatres.com.
Fri., Oct. 10; Sat., Oct. 11, 2008