The meta-film that basically launched the style, Being John Malkovich doesn't technically star the actor in the lead role, but his presence is so constant throughout the film that it has to be included here. The story of the film basically follows a puppeteer (played by John Cusack) who finds a portal into a world in which everyone is John Malkovich. It is an utterly bizarre premise, and it's still remarkable that the actor agreed to be involved with such a surreal study of his life, but it is ultimately a masterful piece of filmmaking. There are so many versions of Malkovich here that the film effectively becomes a meta-narrative of the notion of playing one's self. Malkovich plays the "real" Malkovich, as well as the multiple versions that populate his unconscious. Later, when Cusack's character effectively ends up in control of Malkovich, the audience is treated to yet another version of the character; a puppeteer like the man inhabiting him. There's even an older Malkovich at the end of the film. A film so decidedly singular is quite hard to unpack fully, and it's difficult to know whether it is making a statement on stardom or if it's just a bit of surreal fun. Regardless, Being John Malkovich remains the benchmark for self-conscious films about actors playing themselves. Like this list? Let us know what you think of all the films featured down in the comments.
