Bad Teacher and the 10 top Cameron Diaz performances of all time
By Reed Gaudens
5. Being John Malkovich
Original release date: Being John Malkovich first premiered in Venice on Sept. 2, 1999, before receiving a limited theatrical release on Oct. 22, 1999, and expanding one week later.
Box office earnings: The film was a moderate financial success, bringing in a worldwide total of over $32 million against a comparatively small budget of $13 million.
Critical acclaim: Upon release, Being John Malkovich earned positive reception from critics and holds a stellar rating of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film was lauded as the most original movie of the year and was a favorite pick for Best Picture.
It went on to score three Academy Award nominations for Best Director for Spike Jonze, Best Original Screenplay for Charlie Kaufman, and Best Supporting Actress for Catherine Keener. Diaz landed Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Screen Actors Guild nominations for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the film.
About the role: Being John Malkovich stars John Cusack as Craig Schwartz, a puppeteer in New York City, who finds himself taking a temporary job as a filing clerk. While working at his new job, Craig happens upon a portal in his office that for some odd reason leads to the mind of actor John Malkovich.
Diaz stars as Craig’s wife Lotte, who becomes involved in the business scheme and relationship with Craig and his co-worker Maxine (Catherine Keener).
Why it’s the best: Just on a base level, Being John Malkovich ranks as the weirdest movie in Cameron Diaz’s filmography, but in a good way. The cult-favorite fantasy-comedy features one of the most bizarre but rewarding plots and finds Diaz tackling a role that showcased her dramatic talents.
She looked unlike herself as Lotte, perhaps one of the few times she had the opportunity to transform herself and disappear into a character. Looking back, the Academy snubbed Diaz for what should have been her well-earned Oscar nomination.