I loved Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, so I thought I might as well check it out since it's by some of the same people. Unfortunately, I didn't like this one nearly as much. It deserves credit for being clever and original, and it has a couple of brilliant surreal scenes, but something about Being John Malkovich rubbed me the wrong way. All the characters were despicable and real creepy, and the whole movie was so cynical and bizarre that it soon became a little tiresome. Interesting, but not a very enjoyable film. I'd recommend Eternal Sunshine instead.
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Being John Malkovich
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 15. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Kids won't get this sex-driven, head-trip comedy.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 15–16
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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What Parents Need to Know
About Being John Malkovich
Parents need to know that teens may be interested in this comedy because it stars Cameron Diaz, and Catherine Keener from The 40-Year-Old Virgin, but they won't get the offbeat, adult humor and storyline. Also, the film is explicit about sex, sexual behavior, and infidelity. John and Maxine have sex several times and you can hear characters reaching climax, though no one is naked. Maxine calls Craig a "fag," and belittles his sexuality. Craig kidnaps, cages, and terrorizes his wife when she falls in love with Maxine. There's discussion of homosexuality and of transexuality.
Read our full review by Heather Boerner
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about what celebrities they'd like to be and why. Do you think being someone famous would give you the rush it gives the people who go inside John Malkovich's brain? It's a good opportunity to talk about the cult of celebrity and how it makes us feel bad about ourselves in order to sell us more things.
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
This is a great movie for 15+ if they are mature. I would recommend this to people that like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind which is by the same director.
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