Charlie Kaufman: Ranking All 8 Films Worst To Best

One of the most unashamedly strange concepts in all of cinema, Being John Malkovich stars John Cusack as a pathetic puppeteer who discovers a portal into the mind of Hollywood actor John Malkovich. From there we see a love triangle unfold between Cusack, his wife Cameron Diaz and colleague Katherine Keener who all exploit Malkovich in their plans.

This film stands on its own and shines as a great example of cinematic originality. Malkovich is great in the titular role who is being manipulated by everyone. Keener and Diaz are likewise good but Cusack can be a chore to watch at times. His petulant actions and lack of redeeming qualities make you wish any of the other characters were on screen instead of him.

Being John Malkovich uses the parody of the man himself to great effect, but the film would actually be better serviced if more of a focus was placed on Malkovich who is very much a supporting player in the film. That being said, there's nothing more iconic than seeing John Malkovich enter his own mind and being surrounded by numerous versions of himself.