The film follows the story of Craig Schwartz (played by John Cusack), a puppeteer who is struggling with his career and his marriage to Lotte (played by Cameron Diaz). In a desperate attempt to find employment, Craig takes a job as a filing clerk on the 7½ floor of a Manhattan office building.
While working in the office, Craig discovers a small door hidden behind a filing cabinet. When he enters the door, he finds himself transported into the mind of actor John Malkovich (played by himself) for fifteen minutes before being ejected onto the side of the New Jersey Turnpike.
Craig shares his discovery with his coworker Maxine (played by Catherine Keener), with whom he develops a romantic interest. Together, they come up with a scheme to sell tickets for people to experience being John Malkovich. The venture becomes a success, attracting people who want to experience life as the famous actor.
As Craig becomes more obsessed with Maxine, tensions arise between him and Lotte. Lotte, who also enters Malkovich’s mind, develops feelings for Maxine as well. The love triangle between Craig, Lotte, and Maxine becomes increasingly complicated as they navigate their feelings for each other while inhabiting Malkovich’s body.
In a climactic sequence, Craig learns that the portal into Malkovich’s mind is actually a vessel for a group of elderly individuals seeking to prolong their lives by inhabiting younger bodies. Craig attempts to take control of Malkovich permanently, but his plan is thwarted when Malkovich discovers the truth and confronts him.
In the end, Malkovich learns to accept the bizarre circumstances surrounding his life and career, while Craig, Lotte, and Maxine are left to grapple with their own identities and desires. The film concludes with a surreal and ambiguous finale, leaving viewers to ponder the nature of consciousness, identity, and the human experience.
“Being John Malkovich” is a thought-provoking and darkly comedic exploration of identity, desire, and the absurdity of human existence. Through its unconventional premise and imaginative storytelling, the film challenges viewers to reconsider their perceptions of reality and the boundaries of individuality.