Scene Unseen: Being John Malkovich: Spike Jonze Interview

Film  Don't you hate those dvd interviews which are advertised on the box, usually in big letters and usually at great length which sound like they will offer a real insight into the film making process but turn out to be something recorded at the time the film was being shot, for the electronic promo guide which is sent out to journalists featuring the star or director telling the story you've just watched saying how much they love the other talent involved and how it was the best experience of their lives. Apart from anything else, including this rubbish on the disc means that the actual quality of the picture and sound of the thing you've actually purchased -- the film -- is reduced to accomodate them.

Whether by chance or design, this is the ultimate intidote. On the box, its listed as 'Spike Jonze Interview' which I suppose technically it is. But it's also one of the most bizarre dvd extras I've come across. Jonze is videod drives a car, in the style of the British sitcom Marion and Jeff or the Iranian film 10. He seems nervous as he relates how he's just finished shooting the film, but from the outset something is wrong. He doesn't look like a well man. And as the interviewer piles on such difficult questions about were he got the talent and what it was like working with Malkovich he progressively gets iller. This isn't one continuous shot, its a patchwork of moments obviously edited together to offer the impression that Jonze either hates interviews or might explode. Eventually his train of thought grinds to a hault. He stops the car. Gets out and chunders all over the freeway. He gets back in continues driving, the bits of carrot and mush still visible as he shuts the door. Interview ends. We've learnt precious little about how he went from directing videos for Norman Cook to scripts by Charlie Kauffman. But for some reason this is a more satisfying moment than a hundred EPG reconstructions because its doing something different, new and inkeeping with the film which has been purchased.

While I'm here, does anyone actually read the descriptive blurb on the back of dvds? I never do which is why I just have to bring to you what the man at Columbia Tristar decided to offer for this opus:

"Craig Schwartz (john cusack) is a struggling street puppeteer. In order to make some money, Craig takes a hob as a filing clerk. One day he accidentally discovers a door ... a portal into the brain of John Malkovich (played by john malkovich)! For 15 minutes, he experiences the ultimate head trip -- HE is being John Malkovich! Then he's dumoped onto the New Jersey turnpike! With his beautiful office mate Maxine (catherine keener) and his pet-obsessed wife (cameron diaz), they hatch a plan to let others into John's brain for just $200 a trip. See what all the critics are talking about.

Or in other words, what the hell is going on here. Why have I been left to describe this film? I'd better put some exclaimation marks in because this is a crazy! film! Oh and hang on I'd better point out that John Malkovich is played by John Malkovich and make it really clear because no one would believe me (even though his face is on the cover a thousand times...)