Playing God: An Analysis of Being John Malcovich

(Disclaimer: The purpose of this article is to analyze a movie. I titled the article “Playing God”, because the main character uses another character like a puppet, and is essentially given “god-like power.” I am not implying that I support any specific religion or god.)

On the surface, Being John Malcovich is just another silly movie. Indeed, Being John Malcovich is truly hilarious. However, closer observation reveals, through symbolism, the underlying serious themes in Being John Malcovich. Kaufman (the writer of the film) says that he did not intend for the movie to have a moral, but I definitely see one, and many other critics agree. 

Being John Malcovich is about a man named Craig (John Cusack) who discovers a portal on the 7 and ½ floor (talk about belittling! How would you like to work on the ½ floor, where everyone has to bend over just to walk?) of the office where he works. 

The secret portal leads directly into John Malcovich’s body. Whoever goes through the portal assumes Malcovich’s identity, and can control John Malcovich. Craig’s ultimate goal is to assume Malcovich’s identity to win the affections of Maxine (Catherine Keener). Several other characters take turns “being John Malcovich” (including Cameron Diaz and Malcovich himself) and of course, chaos ensues. 

Craig, the film’s main character, is the epitome of the stereotypical “tortured artist.” Throughout the entire movie, it is evident that Craig is unhappy with his life, and wishes for escape. For example, Craig tells a chimp “you don’t know how lucky you are. Consciousness is a curse. I think, I feel, I suffer.” Craig admits that the reason he enjoys being a puppeteer is that he likes the idea of “being someone else for a while.”