Changes in "Being John Malkovich"

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the 1999 film, "Being John Malkovich," directed by Spike Jonze. It specifically looks at the theme of how sexuality and gender roles determine identity, as well as how the former are shaped in modern society. The paper explores the ways in which the portal inside John Malkovich changes the three main characters as well as the consequences of these changes. The paper argues that these changes ultimately allow the characters to reveal their true selves.

From the Paper:

"Being John Malkovich examines the process of gender formation through the symbolic penetration of John Malkovich's identity. This highly symbolical vision of gender, sexual and social identity formation in contemporary society is projected onto the screen using creative sound editing and focused close angle shots from the point of view of the person i.e. character that the action is taking place, namely Malkovich's. As far as the role of the director i.e. Spike Jonze, and camera work, it is highly relevant to take into account that visually speaking, the message of the film is transmitted with the use the claustrophobic tightness of the camera frames. The fact that this makes the spectator uncomfortable is not a mere coincidence. Even when the action is taking place outside the rabbit hole to Malkovich's brain, the audience is still rather uncomfortable which allows the story to remain unitary and coherent to the end, and helps maintain the pressure of the narrow spaces and low ceilings throughout the film."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Butler, Judith. 2004. Undiagnosing Gender. In Undoing Gender, 75-255. New York: Routledge.
• Weeks, Jeffrey. 2003. The Invention of Sexuality. In Sexuality, 11-28. New York: Routledge.

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