At the centre of Spike Jonze's singularity brilliant picture - aside from a grandstanding John Malkovich, naturally - is a downtrodden and jittery performance from Cusack. Almost unrecognisable in this role, the usually fresh faced actor dons unfashionble specs, bunched back greasy hair and an iffy wardrobe to really come alive as failing puppeteer Craig Schwartz. The result is a character driven by desire, disdain towards his marriage and a mission to right make everything better by fully inhabiting the mind of the film's titular icon. Inspired.