Being John Malkovich
OVERALL:
ASPECT RATIO(S)
16x9 Widescreen (1.85:1)
FEATURES
STUDIO
RECOMMENDATION
- 7 1/2 Floor Orientation
- "American Arts & Culture" Featurette
- "Art of Puppeteering" Featurette
- Spike Jonze Interview
- "Art of Background Driving" Featurette
- Theatrical Trailer
- TV Spots
- Cast & Crew Bios
- Spike Jonze's Photo Album
USA Films
Buy it!
GRADING SCALE
Film
Features 
Audio
Video
It's weird to say the least. But wipe out the Malkovich character, and this is essentially about people wanting change in their live. But it's the kind of people who don't want to change themselves, but rather be someone else, so that they may live out other fantasies or dreams they may have had. It just so happens that all they have to choose from is Mr. Malkovich.
For some unprofound reason, this movie was passed over in the Best Picture race. There's no doubt it should've been nominated, along with John Malkovich himself. The movie's dark tone probably hurt its Oscar chances, but who cares. This art film is so original that it will be looked upon for many years.
Features
BEING JOHN MALKOVICH, the 3-time Oscar Nominee, gets the special edition treatment. But these features are unlike any I've seen. They're nothing like what has ever been put on a dvd. You'll have to see them for yourself.
Audio
The audio is just fine. Dialogue is the key here and it is recorded nicely. The surrounds are used very effectively, especially when the guests are inside Malkovich's head. When they speak, it really sounds as though they're inside him, much like speaking in a tunnel. Very created audio.
Video
On to the video. It's presented in 16x9 enhancement and it looks great. The colors are washed out and the picture is faded, but that is with the director's intention. It's a hazy film, with no sense of coloring whatsoever.
Overall
This should have gotten much more than 3 measily nominations, but it's still a great film. Original is putting it bluntly. Go pick this baby up and be John Malkovich for 113 minutes.