Final Copy of Being John Malkovich: Group 1
Maya Abitbol, Brianna De Melo, Crista Javier, Sebastien Sibthorpe 1
Group Blog Entry-Final Draft
Knowing the Inner Self
Being John Malkovich quoted from Imbd.com:
Being John Malkovich (1999)
1h 53m
Director: Spike Jonze
Screenwriter: Charlie Kaufman
Lead Actors: John Horatio Malkovich, Catherine Keener, Cameron Diaz, John Cusack, Orson Bean
Trailer:
Synopsis:
Craig Schwartz, a puppeteer, gets a new job as a file clerk for a company called LesterCorp.
His workplace is located in a building in New York, on the floor seven and a half , with
an excessively low ceiling and a bizarre work atmosphere. At LesterCorp, Craig
discovers a miniscule door hidden behind a filing cabinet
where he follows a tunnel that leads into the mind of John Malkovich.
Craig can be in this state for fifteen minutes until he is thrown into a ditch close to
the New Jersey turnpike. Craig describes the experience to his co-worker, whom he is
attracted to, Maxine. She decides to sell this experience to others. Lotte, Craig’s wife,
learns about the portal and asks to enter the portal. In malkovich's body, she discovers that
she is transgender. Maxine knows lotte is in Malkovich’s mind and calls him. Lotte
discovers she can influence the actors mind when he changes his mind and decides to accept
Maxine’s offer for dinner. The relationship develops thanks to lottes’ influence, and
they begin to have sex. When Lotte is in Malkovich’s mind she can experience sex with
Maxine through the actor’s body as a man. Later on in the movie, John
learns about the portal and asks to enter the portal. In malkovich's body, she discovers that
she is transgender. Maxine knows lotte is in Malkovich’s mind and calls him. Lotte
discovers she can influence the actors mind when he changes his mind and decides to accept
Maxine’s offer for dinner. The relationship develops thanks to lottes’ influence, and
they begin to have sex. When Lotte is in Malkovich’s mind she can experience sex with
Maxine through the actor’s body as a man. Later on in the movie, John
Malkovich discovers the portal into his own brain, and demands for it to be closed, but
Craig refuses because Craig want to use Malkovich's fame to become the famous puppeteer
he always wanted to be, and he wants Maxine all to himself which he can only get
because she only wants malkovich’s money.
he always wanted to be, and he wants Maxine all to himself which he can only get
because she only wants malkovich’s money.
Film Techniques:
The cinematic techniques that were used in the film aid in the understanding of the movie.
The examples below, such as certain camera angles, editing techniques and sound, allow
the viewers to put an emphasis on the situation occurring in the film at that moment, creating
a connection to the emotions the characters are feeling.
The examples below, such as certain camera angles, editing techniques and sound, allow
the viewers to put an emphasis on the situation occurring in the film at that moment, creating
a connection to the emotions the characters are feeling.
Firstly, a framing technique was used in a close-up scene when Craig was painting a
puppet he made that looks identical to Maxine, the camera moves to Craig's intense and
concentrated face. This shot depicts how Craig is putting an immense amount of effort
into painting this puppet because of his obsessive love for Maxine. He wants the puppet
to be perfect just like the way he sees Maxine. His dedication to Maxine is evident, by the
serious manner that Craig paints the puppet of Maxine.
puppet he made that looks identical to Maxine, the camera moves to Craig's intense and
concentrated face. This shot depicts how Craig is putting an immense amount of effort
into painting this puppet because of his obsessive love for Maxine. He wants the puppet
to be perfect just like the way he sees Maxine. His dedication to Maxine is evident, by the
serious manner that Craig paints the puppet of Maxine.
Another framing technique used was a camera angle tilt, the instant after Lotte escaped
from the cage, she called Maxine to explain what Craig had done. Maxine didn’t show
very much compassion towards Lotte and didn’t really concern herself with Lotte.
Once the phone call ended, Lotte had sunk onto the floor and that is when the camera
started the shot from normal standing height, and tilting it down towards the ground where
Lotte sat, showing her hurt and defeated. This camera angle made Lotte seem, small, sad,
low and deflated, which enforced the emotions that Lotte was feeling in the moment--the
hurt she felt from Maxine betraying her and how alone and discouraged she felt, from her
husband to being such a jerk.
from the cage, she called Maxine to explain what Craig had done. Maxine didn’t show
very much compassion towards Lotte and didn’t really concern herself with Lotte.
Once the phone call ended, Lotte had sunk onto the floor and that is when the camera
started the shot from normal standing height, and tilting it down towards the ground where
Lotte sat, showing her hurt and defeated. This camera angle made Lotte seem, small, sad,
low and deflated, which enforced the emotions that Lotte was feeling in the moment--the
hurt she felt from Maxine betraying her and how alone and discouraged she felt, from her
husband to being such a jerk.
As well, objects used in movies are sometimes symbolic and help with the understanding
of the themes behind the story. A prop that we think is important to highlight, is the piece of
wood. Going into the tunnel for the first time, Craig brought along a piece wood with him.
When he was ejected from Malkovich’s mind and subsequently, the portal, he no longer had
the piece of wood. He thought that it disappeared. However, that is impossible. He then thought
that it is still in Malkovich’s head. At the end of the movie, when Craig finally gives up John
Malkovich’s body and is thrown into the ditch, he has the piece of wood with him. This
symbolizes that the piece of wood stayed with Malkovich and never left him, similar to Craig
and how Craig couldn’t give up Malkovich. The piece of wood represents Craigs attachment
to Malkovich's body. The piece of wood stayed with the actors body as long as he did. Craig
getting the wood back represents the end of the relationship.
of the themes behind the story. A prop that we think is important to highlight, is the piece of
wood. Going into the tunnel for the first time, Craig brought along a piece wood with him.
When he was ejected from Malkovich’s mind and subsequently, the portal, he no longer had
the piece of wood. He thought that it disappeared. However, that is impossible. He then thought
that it is still in Malkovich’s head. At the end of the movie, when Craig finally gives up John
Malkovich’s body and is thrown into the ditch, he has the piece of wood with him. This
symbolizes that the piece of wood stayed with Malkovich and never left him, similar to Craig
and how Craig couldn’t give up Malkovich. The piece of wood represents Craigs attachment
to Malkovich's body. The piece of wood stayed with the actors body as long as he did. Craig
getting the wood back represents the end of the relationship.
Another prop that seemed to have an important role and an impact on the storyline of the
film is is the gun. After Craig gets into an argument with Maxine, he goes back home and
a gun on his wife and begins to attack, and finally he locks her in a cage, all the while threatening
her with gun. Here the guns represents Craig’s insecure and cowardly personality, he is not brave
enough to take care of situations responsibly, so he uses a strong weapon to threaten a woman.
This shows that Craig is just hiding behind a weapon because he is too scared. At the end as well,
Lotte has a gun which she used to chase after Maxine, but Lotte was using the gun with confidence. She chased after Maxine but not out of anger or fear but for the benefit of herself, Lester and many others, to be able to live forever.
film is is the gun. After Craig gets into an argument with Maxine, he goes back home and
a gun on his wife and begins to attack, and finally he locks her in a cage, all the while threatening
her with gun. Here the guns represents Craig’s insecure and cowardly personality, he is not brave
enough to take care of situations responsibly, so he uses a strong weapon to threaten a woman.
This shows that Craig is just hiding behind a weapon because he is too scared. At the end as well,
Lotte has a gun which she used to chase after Maxine, but Lotte was using the gun with confidence. She chased after Maxine but not out of anger or fear but for the benefit of herself, Lester and many others, to be able to live forever.
To have a final product of a finished film it takes many different steps to achieve a complete film.
There is the script, the filming and then the editing. The editing takes all the pieces that were f
ilmed and put them together, using skilled techniques that explain and emphasizes the
significant parts that should be brought to the viewers attention. An editing techniques used
at the beginning of the film was a long-take. This take occured when Craig was going to
Lester Corp for his interview, he enters the elevator along with another woman. Craig know
he must stop at the 7 ½ floor, where the office is located. Once in the elevator, Craig realizes
that the floors go from 7 to 8, and there is no 7 ½. The woman in the elevator with Craig,
suspects that Craig needs to go to the 7 ½ floor. The woman pressed the 8th floor, and the
elevator began to go up one floor at a time, then right after the elevator passed the 7th floor
she stopped the elevator and pried the doors open. Throughout the entire elevator trip, the
speed of the scene was identical to that of realistic time. This scene was filmed in real time
because it emphasized the odd journey to arrive at the office, which foreshadows the odd things
that will occur inside the office.
There is the script, the filming and then the editing. The editing takes all the pieces that were f
ilmed and put them together, using skilled techniques that explain and emphasizes the
significant parts that should be brought to the viewers attention. An editing techniques used
at the beginning of the film was a long-take. This take occured when Craig was going to
Lester Corp for his interview, he enters the elevator along with another woman. Craig know
he must stop at the 7 ½ floor, where the office is located. Once in the elevator, Craig realizes
that the floors go from 7 to 8, and there is no 7 ½. The woman in the elevator with Craig,
suspects that Craig needs to go to the 7 ½ floor. The woman pressed the 8th floor, and the
elevator began to go up one floor at a time, then right after the elevator passed the 7th floor
she stopped the elevator and pried the doors open. Throughout the entire elevator trip, the
speed of the scene was identical to that of realistic time. This scene was filmed in real time
because it emphasized the odd journey to arrive at the office, which foreshadows the odd things
that will occur inside the office.
Moreover, when the editors use a technique that is able to flip back and forth between two
scenes, it can really add depth to severity of the scenes. A cross-cutting technique was used
when, Maxine had gone to see John Malkovich, while Craig was in his mind, and Lotte
went to visit Lester, the film kept flipping from the scenes with Craig and Maxine, then
with Lotte and Lester. The back and forward editing helped elevate the intensity of most
situations, because there would be an intense moment in one scenario, then it would be
flipped to another, where the intensity of the last scene is still lingering in your mind.
scenes, it can really add depth to severity of the scenes. A cross-cutting technique was used
when, Maxine had gone to see John Malkovich, while Craig was in his mind, and Lotte
went to visit Lester, the film kept flipping from the scenes with Craig and Maxine, then
with Lotte and Lester. The back and forward editing helped elevate the intensity of most
situations, because there would be an intense moment in one scenario, then it would be
flipped to another, where the intensity of the last scene is still lingering in your mind.
One of the major aspects in a film besides image is sound, in this movie a moment where
the creator used internal-diegetic sound, had a large effect on the viewer.When people were
invading John’s body they still had their own thoughts, desires and personality; there was a
continuation of the self. For instance, when Lotte was in Malkovich and she was thinking the
things she wanted to say to Maxine, the audience was able to hear those thoughts, and obviously
Lotte was too, but nobody else. This demonstrated to the audience how Lotte wanted to say
things to Maxine, but she couldn’t. Maxine’s relationship with lotte is demonstrated in lotte’s
powerlessness to talk in Malkovich's body. Lotte has no say in their relationship, it was solely
Maxine who made all the decisions. she would only be able to listen to Maxine and not respond,
for example, when Maxine just left Lotte to be with Craig.
the creator used internal-diegetic sound, had a large effect on the viewer.When people were
invading John’s body they still had their own thoughts, desires and personality; there was a
continuation of the self. For instance, when Lotte was in Malkovich and she was thinking the
things she wanted to say to Maxine, the audience was able to hear those thoughts, and obviously
Lotte was too, but nobody else. This demonstrated to the audience how Lotte wanted to say
things to Maxine, but she couldn’t. Maxine’s relationship with lotte is demonstrated in lotte’s
powerlessness to talk in Malkovich's body. Lotte has no say in their relationship, it was solely
Maxine who made all the decisions. she would only be able to listen to Maxine and not respond,
for example, when Maxine just left Lotte to be with Craig.
Furthermore, another type of sound that is opposing to the internal-diegetic sounds are a
non-diegetic sound, which is a sound that is outside of the film, and it is not heard by the
characters. This type of sound was used in the scene after Maxine and Craig had a small argument,
Craig ran home, and during the running scene and intensifying music is played.
The music is not a part of the movie, but just edited on top of the scene. As the music continues ,
it becomes more and more intense, therefore foreshadowing that most likely by the end of his run
something major will occur. In fact, that is what occurred, when Craig got home he pulled a gun
on his wife and began to attack her. Therefore this increasing intense music also symbolised the
downward spiral Craig was quickly falling down, do to his absurd obsession with Maxine.
non-diegetic sound, which is a sound that is outside of the film, and it is not heard by the
characters. This type of sound was used in the scene after Maxine and Craig had a small argument,
Craig ran home, and during the running scene and intensifying music is played.
The music is not a part of the movie, but just edited on top of the scene. As the music continues ,
it becomes more and more intense, therefore foreshadowing that most likely by the end of his run
something major will occur. In fact, that is what occurred, when Craig got home he pulled a gun
on his wife and began to attack her. Therefore this increasing intense music also symbolised the
downward spiral Craig was quickly falling down, do to his absurd obsession with Maxine.
Besides props and sets, the costumes are one of the most important visionary aspects in a film.
Costumes highlight the time period, the setting, the personality of a characters and the plot of a
film. I think the first prominent clothing presented in the film, that was effective to the viewers,
John Malkovich's proper clothing depicted John’s actual character a professional and successful
actor, who dresses to impress. On the other hand, Craig’s clothing was a lot more casual and
even a little bit sloppy. The complete opposition of the two character’s styles, truly reinforced
how different John Malkovich is in comparison to Craig. Throughout the film I tended to
closely associate John with Craig, because Craig was inside John for a substantial part of
the movie, but the difference in their clothes helped remind me to differentiate them.
Costumes highlight the time period, the setting, the personality of a characters and the plot of a
film. I think the first prominent clothing presented in the film, that was effective to the viewers,
John Malkovich's proper clothing depicted John’s actual character a professional and successful
actor, who dresses to impress. On the other hand, Craig’s clothing was a lot more casual and
even a little bit sloppy. The complete opposition of the two character’s styles, truly reinforced
how different John Malkovich is in comparison to Craig. Throughout the film I tended to
closely associate John with Craig, because Craig was inside John for a substantial part of
the movie, but the difference in their clothes helped remind me to differentiate them.
As well, the clothes that Maxine wore, also depicted some insight to the progression of her
character. At the beginning and middle of the movie, Maxine was always looking astonishing,
wearing her tight, gorgeous, classy dresses and outfits. Although, near the end of the film, once
the 8 months had passed and Maxine was pregnant, her style completely changed, she was
wearing more casual and comfortable clothes, similar to the style of Lotte. I believe that the transformation of Maxine’s style, also reflected her transformation in her personality. Maxine didn’t seem like the fiesty, strong woman she previously was, she now seemed very introverted and submissives. This change could have been do to her relationship with Craig, he took away her fire.
character. At the beginning and middle of the movie, Maxine was always looking astonishing,
wearing her tight, gorgeous, classy dresses and outfits. Although, near the end of the film, once
the 8 months had passed and Maxine was pregnant, her style completely changed, she was
wearing more casual and comfortable clothes, similar to the style of Lotte. I believe that the transformation of Maxine’s style, also reflected her transformation in her personality. Maxine didn’t seem like the fiesty, strong woman she previously was, she now seemed very introverted and submissives. This change could have been do to her relationship with Craig, he took away her fire.
Lastly, the special effect are most likely the first visible aspect that will truly entice the viewers.
It is also a feature that can impact the way people perceive the film the understanding that they get
out of it, and the emotions it could help display. The first, most important, and most prominent
special effect that appears in the film, is the scenes where people are being transported through the
portal. During these scenes, a person will enter the small and dark tunnel, the door will then slam
behind them automatically, then the person may begin to crawl. All of the sudden, the person will
be pushed down the tunnel, by an invisible force, and they will speed through the tunnel, until they are in John Malkovich’s mind. The effects displayed during these scenes, emphasizes the distance between the reality without the portal, compared to the realm where you are inside Malkovich’s mind, and how different they really are. As well, the travelling through the portal also indicates that people who need to just get away for 15 minutes can escape and let go of the world behind the shut portal door. Lastly, the speed and turbulence of the journey through the portal can also symbolize the insanity and absurdity of the scenario that these people are about to experience.
It is also a feature that can impact the way people perceive the film the understanding that they get
out of it, and the emotions it could help display. The first, most important, and most prominent
special effect that appears in the film, is the scenes where people are being transported through the
portal. During these scenes, a person will enter the small and dark tunnel, the door will then slam
behind them automatically, then the person may begin to crawl. All of the sudden, the person will
be pushed down the tunnel, by an invisible force, and they will speed through the tunnel, until they are in John Malkovich’s mind. The effects displayed during these scenes, emphasizes the distance between the reality without the portal, compared to the realm where you are inside Malkovich’s mind, and how different they really are. As well, the travelling through the portal also indicates that people who need to just get away for 15 minutes can escape and let go of the world behind the shut portal door. Lastly, the speed and turbulence of the journey through the portal can also symbolize the insanity and absurdity of the scenario that these people are about to experience.
Another effect illustrated in the film is when Lotte and her chimpanzee, Elijah, are locked in the
cage together. Lotte has her hands tied behind her back, done by Craig, and Elijah is observing
Lotte and how she is restrained. At this moment, Elijah has a flashback of himself back home with
his family, who had been captured and tied up by humans. His parents were struggling to get free
and Elijah was helping them get untied. This flashback motivated Elijah to untie Lotte, because he
wasn’t able to do it for his parents, but he did it for Lotte. This was a significant moment in the
film, because it is very rarely seen in films that animals experience flashbacks.
As well, it was essential for the plot that Lotte escape and do to the flashback of Elijah,
he was able to rescue her.
cage together. Lotte has her hands tied behind her back, done by Craig, and Elijah is observing
Lotte and how she is restrained. At this moment, Elijah has a flashback of himself back home with
his family, who had been captured and tied up by humans. His parents were struggling to get free
and Elijah was helping them get untied. This flashback motivated Elijah to untie Lotte, because he
wasn’t able to do it for his parents, but he did it for Lotte. This was a significant moment in the
film, because it is very rarely seen in films that animals experience flashbacks.
As well, it was essential for the plot that Lotte escape and do to the flashback of Elijah,
he was able to rescue her.
Universal Themes:
1. The first major universal theme presented in this film is not living one’s true life to the fullest.
A major aspect of the storyline is that the main characters, Lotte and Craig, are consistently returning
into the mind of John Malkovich. This illustrates the dissatisfaction they have in their own lives and
want something greater: to experience John Malkovich, to achieve a form of fulfillment. For lotte,
that fulfillment is being a man. For Craig, it is about having a successful puppeteering career and
enjoying Maxine’s body. To achieve his satisfaction of being with Maxine, he attempts to stay inside
John Malkovich’s body permanently. On top of the scenes that occur with the main characters,
the film reinforces this theme by showing the line of people waiting for their chance to experience what
it would be like to live as someone else. This demonstrates that most people feel like they have failed
at the life they were given. To compensate for their dissatisfaction, they try to experience Malkovich’s
life to experience more emotion, more passion, more magnificence than what they experience in their
day to day lives.
A major aspect of the storyline is that the main characters, Lotte and Craig, are consistently returning
into the mind of John Malkovich. This illustrates the dissatisfaction they have in their own lives and
want something greater: to experience John Malkovich, to achieve a form of fulfillment. For lotte,
that fulfillment is being a man. For Craig, it is about having a successful puppeteering career and
enjoying Maxine’s body. To achieve his satisfaction of being with Maxine, he attempts to stay inside
John Malkovich’s body permanently. On top of the scenes that occur with the main characters,
the film reinforces this theme by showing the line of people waiting for their chance to experience what
it would be like to live as someone else. This demonstrates that most people feel like they have failed
at the life they were given. To compensate for their dissatisfaction, they try to experience Malkovich’s
life to experience more emotion, more passion, more magnificence than what they experience in their
day to day lives.
2. Another major theme is how one identifies themselves. Craig, who is extremely passionate about
his puppets, actually leads him to become a sort of puppet himself, by being John Malkovich, then
learning to control his thoughts and his body. When he was John Malkovich for those 7 months, he
was in control of Malkovich, just like he is in control of his puppets. Once Craig is forced into getting
out of Malkovich’s body, he feels that he lost his sense of self and identity. Another example displayed
during the movie is that Lotte learns that she isn’t in the body she is supposed to be in. Her identity
that she has as Lotte is not the one she relates to, it is not who she really is. Once Lotte goes through the
portal, she learns that she doesn’t feel like she should be a woman, she feels that she should be a man,
and this is who she wants to identify as. She explains the complicated situation to her husband, who
finds it difficult to accept. This scenario is very relatable to that of one in real life. In our society, identity
is a massive part of how we identify ourselves. Identity depicts who we are in all aspects. For example,
when Lotte is in John Malkovich, she feels like she is in the right body, but she still has her same
thoughts that she has as Lotte.
his puppets, actually leads him to become a sort of puppet himself, by being John Malkovich, then
learning to control his thoughts and his body. When he was John Malkovich for those 7 months, he
was in control of Malkovich, just like he is in control of his puppets. Once Craig is forced into getting
out of Malkovich’s body, he feels that he lost his sense of self and identity. Another example displayed
during the movie is that Lotte learns that she isn’t in the body she is supposed to be in. Her identity
that she has as Lotte is not the one she relates to, it is not who she really is. Once Lotte goes through the
portal, she learns that she doesn’t feel like she should be a woman, she feels that she should be a man,
and this is who she wants to identify as. She explains the complicated situation to her husband, who
finds it difficult to accept. This scenario is very relatable to that of one in real life. In our society, identity
is a massive part of how we identify ourselves. Identity depicts who we are in all aspects. For example,
when Lotte is in John Malkovich, she feels like she is in the right body, but she still has her same
thoughts that she has as Lotte.
3. Lastly, a theme that was identified in this film was how love and obsession go hand in hand.
The romantic relationships in the film provide a clear picture of obsession. For instance, both Craig
and Lotte have such strong feelings for Maxine that they become obsessed. Lotte loves being with
Maxine so much that she would do anything. The obsession pushes Lotte so far that she even attempts
to murder Maxine, because of the hurt Maxine, a person who she loved and who she thought loved her,
caused her. Craig’s obsession is just as extravagant, he feels that he is so in love with Maxine that he
would commit terrible actions just to be with her. For example, he attacked his wife by threatening her
with a gun, then forced her into an animal cage with a monkey, with her hands tied and gagged.
On top of this, Craig wanted to be with Maxine so badly that he was completely selfish. Craig
pretty much kicked John Malkovich out of his own body, and used the vessel to be able to have a r
omantic relationship with Maxine. This shows that love can lead to severe obsession.
The romantic relationships in the film provide a clear picture of obsession. For instance, both Craig
and Lotte have such strong feelings for Maxine that they become obsessed. Lotte loves being with
Maxine so much that she would do anything. The obsession pushes Lotte so far that she even attempts
to murder Maxine, because of the hurt Maxine, a person who she loved and who she thought loved her,
caused her. Craig’s obsession is just as extravagant, he feels that he is so in love with Maxine that he
would commit terrible actions just to be with her. For example, he attacked his wife by threatening her
with a gun, then forced her into an animal cage with a monkey, with her hands tied and gagged.
On top of this, Craig wanted to be with Maxine so badly that he was completely selfish. Craig
pretty much kicked John Malkovich out of his own body, and used the vessel to be able to have a r
omantic relationship with Maxine. This shows that love can lead to severe obsession.
word count: 2000
Connections to Course Material:
1. The first course concept that I will relate to this film is Metaphysics.
The portal in this film raises many metaphysical and philosophical questions that the audience and
the characters question. It seems so bizarre that when entering this portal, you’re entering someone’s life.
Weird isn’t it ? That you become that person for a few minutes while you’re in there. Taking over their
life, in Craig’s case being able to control John, and taking away his consciousness. Thinking about if it
was actually real is crazy. Or is it real and we don’t know it ? Is it make belief ? Or is it happening ?
Is the portal really a portal ? We don’t know. Craig says to Maxine in the 33rd minute of the movie
“It’s supernatural for a lack of a better word, “Do you see what a metaphysical can of worms this portal
is ?” (33rd minute). I mean it raises all sorts Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy responsible for the
study of existence. It is the foundation of worldviews. It answers the question "What is?" It encompasses
everything that “exists,” as well as the nature of existence itself. What is real? What is an illusion?
Does free will exist? Who is running the show? What is existence? What is? What is reality?” of
philosophical type questions you know about the existence of self and the nature of a soul” “Am I me ?
Is Malkovich Malkovich?” “(http://www.importanceofphilosophy.com/Metaphysics_Main.html)
The portal raises all these questions.
After Craig had his first experience in the portal he asked questions like, “Nature of self, by the existence
of a soul.” How do we know that he is himself and that Malkovich is Malkovich?(Kaufman) He is
questioning the existence of a soul necessary for the nature of self. More specifically, is the mind the
same thing as the body. In the case of this film the mind and body are not the same thing, they can be
separated. For example, When Lotte goes into John’s body, she is only taking her mind with her,
she isn’t taking her physical form as well. A mind can occupy another body but one mind can not
occupy another. Craig even says, “Do you see what a metaphysical can of worms this is?” (Kaufman),
which means that there are many possibilities that can occur in this scenario.
The portal in this film raises many metaphysical and philosophical questions that the audience and
the characters question. It seems so bizarre that when entering this portal, you’re entering someone’s life.
Weird isn’t it ? That you become that person for a few minutes while you’re in there. Taking over their
life, in Craig’s case being able to control John, and taking away his consciousness. Thinking about if it
was actually real is crazy. Or is it real and we don’t know it ? Is it make belief ? Or is it happening ?
Is the portal really a portal ? We don’t know. Craig says to Maxine in the 33rd minute of the movie
“It’s supernatural for a lack of a better word, “Do you see what a metaphysical can of worms this portal
is ?” (33rd minute). I mean it raises all sorts Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy responsible for the
study of existence. It is the foundation of worldviews. It answers the question "What is?" It encompasses
everything that “exists,” as well as the nature of existence itself. What is real? What is an illusion?
Does free will exist? Who is running the show? What is existence? What is? What is reality?” of
philosophical type questions you know about the existence of self and the nature of a soul” “Am I me ?
Is Malkovich Malkovich?” “(http://www.importanceofphilosophy.com/Metaphysics_Main.html)
The portal raises all these questions.
After Craig had his first experience in the portal he asked questions like, “Nature of self, by the existence
of a soul.” How do we know that he is himself and that Malkovich is Malkovich?(Kaufman) He is
questioning the existence of a soul necessary for the nature of self. More specifically, is the mind the
same thing as the body. In the case of this film the mind and body are not the same thing, they can be
separated. For example, When Lotte goes into John’s body, she is only taking her mind with her,
she isn’t taking her physical form as well. A mind can occupy another body but one mind can not
occupy another. Craig even says, “Do you see what a metaphysical can of worms this is?” (Kaufman),
which means that there are many possibilities that can occur in this scenario.
2. The second course concept we will relate this movie to is Ethics. Taken from the course packet
on page 21, the definition is as follows, “Axiology (ethics), is the study of value, including both
aesthetic value and moral value. Ethics is the study of moral value using the methods of philosophy.”
According to the website Philm Discussions - Being John Malkovich written by Boaz Monroe, he said t
hat “The ways in which the characters essentially use each other in order to obtain what they crave,
the ways in which Maxine, Lotte, and Craig treat each other—not to mention John Malkovich—
are seemingly heartless, but there is much ardor in one’s longing for the other in their strange triangle
of love, as there is much passion in the ruthless choices they make.”
(http://philmdiscussions-beingjohnmalkovich.blogspot.com/p/axiology-ethics-what-is-goodjustright.html) A person should never be seen as an object for someone to use to get something that they want and this is how they portray each other in order to get to Maxine. As well as in a way John Malkovich’s freedom is being taken from him when Craig is controlling him. He loses his freedom when he loses his consciousness and Craig is fully aware of this but because he wants Maxine to love him, he does whatever he wants without thinking of the others he’e affecting which is morally wrong because he is taking away freedom from another human being who deserves the same rights as him. John’s freedom being taken away is shown when Craig first enters the portal and begins watching and controlling John. He isn’t living in privacy anymore, but rather to the public and not the way he wants. He asked Craig to shut the portal down and for nobody to use it anymore and Craig did not respect his wishes either continuing to take away his freedom and in a way dictating his life. Along with ethics the question “What gives life meaning?” comes up from the course packet. You can say that for Craig, it is the portal because it brings him closer to Maxine and when out of the portal he just craves to go back. The portal is his only way of getting close to her and therefore he wants to stay in it for the rest of his life.
on page 21, the definition is as follows, “Axiology (ethics), is the study of value, including both
aesthetic value and moral value. Ethics is the study of moral value using the methods of philosophy.”
According to the website Philm Discussions - Being John Malkovich written by Boaz Monroe, he said t
hat “The ways in which the characters essentially use each other in order to obtain what they crave,
the ways in which Maxine, Lotte, and Craig treat each other—not to mention John Malkovich—
are seemingly heartless, but there is much ardor in one’s longing for the other in their strange triangle
of love, as there is much passion in the ruthless choices they make.”
(http://philmdiscussions-beingjohnmalkovich.blogspot.com/p/axiology-ethics-what-is-goodjustright.html) A person should never be seen as an object for someone to use to get something that they want and this is how they portray each other in order to get to Maxine. As well as in a way John Malkovich’s freedom is being taken from him when Craig is controlling him. He loses his freedom when he loses his consciousness and Craig is fully aware of this but because he wants Maxine to love him, he does whatever he wants without thinking of the others he’e affecting which is morally wrong because he is taking away freedom from another human being who deserves the same rights as him. John’s freedom being taken away is shown when Craig first enters the portal and begins watching and controlling John. He isn’t living in privacy anymore, but rather to the public and not the way he wants. He asked Craig to shut the portal down and for nobody to use it anymore and Craig did not respect his wishes either continuing to take away his freedom and in a way dictating his life. Along with ethics the question “What gives life meaning?” comes up from the course packet. You can say that for Craig, it is the portal because it brings him closer to Maxine and when out of the portal he just craves to go back. The portal is his only way of getting close to her and therefore he wants to stay in it for the rest of his life.
3. The third course concept I will relate this movie to is Consciousness. The course pack on page 3
states that “Consciousness is the state of being able to perceive or be aware of an external object or
something within oneself.” Taken from Philm Discussions - Being John Malkovich written by Boaz
Monroe, “The theme of puppeteering continues throughout the film as we consider who is really in
control, and such a discordant tone in the fate of John Malkovich after his brief glimpse of freedom
before being permanently thrown into his, rather disturbing, subconsciousness.”
(http://philmdiscussions-beingjohnmalkovich.blogspot.com/p/epistemology-how-do-we-know-what-we.html) With these quotes it is apparent how consciousness relates to the movie because for most of the movie John Malkovich does not have control and is not aware of himself and what he is doing because he is being controlled. For example when Craig enters his body, it shows John, almost having a seizure like response, because he is losing control and consciousness as someone is taking over his body. When Craig first started learning how to control John, John would go in and out of consciousness, at first aware he was being taken over but could not do anything about it. This scene demonstrated the concept of consciousness and by looking deeper into the movie, searching for meaning and little details, it is very apparent to see the difference between when John was conscious and when he was not because someone had taken over his consciousness making him no longer aware. John could have been seen as a puppet in this film because Craig had complete control over him.
states that “Consciousness is the state of being able to perceive or be aware of an external object or
something within oneself.” Taken from Philm Discussions - Being John Malkovich written by Boaz
Monroe, “The theme of puppeteering continues throughout the film as we consider who is really in
control, and such a discordant tone in the fate of John Malkovich after his brief glimpse of freedom
before being permanently thrown into his, rather disturbing, subconsciousness.”
(http://philmdiscussions-beingjohnmalkovich.blogspot.com/p/epistemology-how-do-we-know-what-we.html) With these quotes it is apparent how consciousness relates to the movie because for most of the movie John Malkovich does not have control and is not aware of himself and what he is doing because he is being controlled. For example when Craig enters his body, it shows John, almost having a seizure like response, because he is losing control and consciousness as someone is taking over his body. When Craig first started learning how to control John, John would go in and out of consciousness, at first aware he was being taken over but could not do anything about it. This scene demonstrated the concept of consciousness and by looking deeper into the movie, searching for meaning and little details, it is very apparent to see the difference between when John was conscious and when he was not because someone had taken over his consciousness making him no longer aware. John could have been seen as a puppet in this film because Craig had complete control over him.
Quality of the film:
The movie “Being John Malkovich” is an absurd film which adds an interesting twist on
revival. The complex plot with many different twists makes the movie unique and worth
watching. We graded the film an unbiased 4 out of 5, but a personal score of 2.5 out of 5.
The acting was very well done, and the actors truly seem like the characters they are portraying.
During the scene where Malkovich is recording his voice for practicing, (44) he sounds exactly
what you would imagine the character to act like if rehearsing. Later on in the movie where the
fan is speaking to him at the restaurant, he speaks like a sullen boy who has no care for his own
will. (46)
revival. The complex plot with many different twists makes the movie unique and worth
watching. We graded the film an unbiased 4 out of 5, but a personal score of 2.5 out of 5.
The acting was very well done, and the actors truly seem like the characters they are portraying.
During the scene where Malkovich is recording his voice for practicing, (44) he sounds exactly
what you would imagine the character to act like if rehearsing. Later on in the movie where the
fan is speaking to him at the restaurant, he speaks like a sullen boy who has no care for his own
will. (46)
The plot is very well planned out, and with wonderful writing, are almost no plot holes.
The narrative has a good structure. The writing has a clear goal and the scenes do not waste time
with filler. The conflict between Lotte, Craig Maxine and Malkovich entice the viewer to keep
watching. When Craig lockes Lotte into the cage, there is outrage at his actions.
The narrative has a good structure. The writing has a clear goal and the scenes do not waste time
with filler. The conflict between Lotte, Craig Maxine and Malkovich entice the viewer to keep
watching. When Craig lockes Lotte into the cage, there is outrage at his actions.
The 2.5 out of 5 is mostly due to the genre of movie. It is a very niche category of manic comedy with
an unappealing dash of voyeurism that does not appeal to everyone. The plot is incredibly complicated
and the series of events is hard to keep track of. This makes it difficult for a casual viewer with no
experience or care to analyse a film to enjoy.
an unappealing dash of voyeurism that does not appeal to everyone. The plot is incredibly complicated
and the series of events is hard to keep track of. This makes it difficult for a casual viewer with no
experience or care to analyse a film to enjoy.
The main protagonist, Craig Schwartz, is a very engaging character, making semi realistic, but very hateable decisions. The scene where his wife is convincing him to not get in her way of her actualization as a man is despicable. He tries to convince her “it's just a phase,” to which she responds: “don’t get in the way of my actualization as a man.” (43:10 - 43:30) this, while not relatable to the average audience member, creates sympathy with lotte, because having someone get in the way of their dreams is relatable.
The film techniques are valuable to the depth to the characters and action. The angle of the shot where the people fall from the sky upon leaving Malkovich’s mind makes it seem like they just popped out after a leisurely stroll.
The props with emphasis are few and far between, but the ones that are focused on either help progress the movie, or give insight into the lives of the characters. The voice recorder show us what the daily life of John Malkovich is like. He spends a lot of time rehearsing his voice acting. This shows the audience that he is dedicated to his job. The piece of wood Craig takes with him first entering the hidden tunnel give the audience closure, that his ‘adventure’ in Malkovich’s mind is over.
Questions Based on the Themes:
1.Do you think Dr. Lester had the right to start studying John Malkovich and living inside of his head
without his consent?
without his consent?
2. Would you want to live forever?
3. If you had to be in someone else’s body for 15 minutes who would it be and why?
Web Links and Description on the Themes and Content:
In the article “Can humans live forever”, specialist discuss that we may have a chance to “live digitally”
forever.
forever.
Another article called “In Theory, Humans could Now live Forever”, they explain how we do so by
being the 105 years old.
being the 105 years old.
Bibliography:
“Being John Malkovich.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 9 Mar. 2019, . en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Being_John_Malkovich.
“Consciousness.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 12 Mar. 2019, . en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consciousness.
Epistemology-How Do We Know What We Think We Know? , philmdiscussions-beingjohnmalkovich.blogspot.com/p/epistemology-how-do-we-know- , what-we.html.
“In Theory, Humans Could Now Live Forever.” Front Line Genomics , www.frontlinegenomics.com/news/24340/in-theory-humans-could-now-live-forever/.
Martin, Sean. “Can Humans Live FOREVER? Scientists Finally Have the Answer.” . Express.co.uk, Express.co.uk, 1 Nov. 2017 , www.express.co.uk/news/science/874166/live-forever-eternal-life-youth-anti-ageing.
“Metaphysics.” Metaphysics, Jeff Landauer and Joseph Rowlands, . www.importanceofphilosophy.com/Metaphysics_Main.html.
Monroe, Boaz. “Axiology: Ethics- What Is Good/Just/Right?” Axiology: Ethics- What Is . Good/Just/Right?,philmdiscussions-beingjohnmalkovich.blogspot.com/p/axi . ology-ethics-what-is-goodjustright.html.
Monroe, Boaz. “Epistemology-How Do We Know What We Think We Know?”
“Philosophy and You”. Knowing The Inner Self, edited by Kelly Mckinney, 2019.
Trailers, Movieclips Classic, director. YouTube. YouTube, YouTube, 9 Jan. 2012, . www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UuRFr0GnHM&t=52s.
2.Would you want to live forever?
ReplyDeleteI feel like living forever would open up the possibility to follow any dream that you want, any passion that you have. You would be able to become an athlete, a scientist, a doctor, a businessman, anything you want. I would probably live intentionally in a poor country for a little while to understand how they perceive life so-on & so-forth, it would open up my point of view of the world and on life in general. In that sense, I would love to live forever as I could become the dream person I would want to become. On the other hand, I would not want to live forever because after pursuing all the passions that I have, I would at one point be extremely bored and it would become redundant. That would possibly ultimately lead me into depression forever & who would ever want to be depressed forever as it is proven to lead to suicide which I wouldn't be able to do. For that reason, I would not like to live forever. Death is part of the beauty of life and immortality would unbalance that; change is always good.
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ReplyDeleteb) I really enjoyed reading your blog! Some of the concepts brought up resonated with me, such as love as an obsession and ethics. The idea that people could become so obsessed in love with someone to the point where they would literally hijack another human’s body is extremely interesting. It is also ironic how although Craig and Lotte are married, they both become obsessively in love with Maxine and must share the same body in order to spend time with her. A course topic that I observed as being strongly present throughout this film and blog is ethics. I find that the fact that Craig and Lotte where entering John’s conscious and essentially hijacking his body extremely troublesome. While their reasoning behind this was due to their obsession of Maxine and dissatisfaction of their lives, I view their actions as completely unacceptable. Being unhappy with oneself's own life and achievements is no excuse to take advantage of and potentially ruins someone else's life. While I view Craig and Lotte’s actions as unethical, I would be lying if I said I’ve never fantasized about living someone else's life. Imagining what it would be like to live the same life as a celebrity or professional athlete is not a problem, however hijacking their body and taking over their consciousness is something no one should ever do.
ReplyDeleteRyan Hartloper
I would like to answer the question if I would live forever. I would not know how to answer that question because with all the time in the world I could do all the things that I want to do, live in every single country for a while, learn every language, and master every instrument. The only objection I would have to this is one that I know many people will think about is having to see all your loved ones die, your family, friends and everyone you once knew. I think that once that difficult period is over than it will be easier. I would be alone because I could never spend my entire life with somebody, and I think that I would go insane from that lack of people in my life. So in the end it is a wonderful idea to live forever but I would not want that, to have my life extended by a couple hundred years would appeal to me more that living forever and watching everything turn to ash right before my eyes.
ReplyDeleteI thought the issues brought up about identity in the themes were really interesting. We all struggle with identity issues and the way they wrote about identity in relation to the physical body shows how connected the self is to the physical body, especially in Maxine’s case. The connections made to metaphysics were also very interesting especially the one relating to free will because if we think about it, even if we don’t necessarily have other minds controlling our bodies, we still do not fully govern our bodies. Almost all of our actions are governed by the society we live in and how we want to be seen. We are uncomfortable with the concepts explored in John Malkovich but they reflect our reality, only in a more exaggerated way.
ReplyDelete-Viola Angelotti
I wouldn't like to live forever. Here's the issue with immortality:
ReplyDelete-- People you know/love/appreciate will ultimately die and you will have to watch that.
-- Even if those you love are also immortal, the relationship will probably become boring and meaningless.
-- At some time after becoming immortal, I'd have done everything I want to and would be probably be bored and depressed due to the lack of meaningful activity.
-- As previously mentioned, I would be depressed and/or mad at the world(would easily go crazy: manipulate/use people whatever the cost)