It's funny how he tells the story where the other author thinks he threw the script across the room because it was rubbish and artistically beneath him, whereas Malkovich obviously instantly saw the potential to be a legendary bad guy in a fairly run of the mill ten a penny action movie, and it would pay the mortgage very nicely.
Seriously? Unless he has dementia, that should really be the basic requisite level of respect for one's co-workers, especially on intense projects like a film set where you are the lead or one of the main characters.
this is by far the best "actor breaks down his most iconic roles" ever. the detail he goes into is immaculate. makes the variety videos look like tiktok.
Many actors went into great details in these interviews, you just enjoyed John's the most, that's it. Also, if you were Ukrainian, like me, you wouldn't appreciate his details and seeming reverence about playing (and enjoying it) a freaking russian.
You can't stand John Malkovich enjoying playing a fictional Russian character in a movie? C'mon. You sound too precious to live. @yevgeniyaleshchenko849
I disagree, he is able to do that because he is a well spoken and interesting individual, there is plenty of talented actors who just need to STFU you know?
I agree. You can watch those movies over and over. There was so much subtlety in his acting! He was always in character and the chemistry between him and Bruce was excellent. I just feel like John filled the voids in that melody’s dance!
I was lucky enough in 1982 to see John Malkovich and Gary Sinese - total unknowns outside of Chicago - in TRUE WEST at the tiny Cherry Lane Theatre in NYC. Malkovich's performance was one of the greatest I have ever seen. A truly brilliant night at the theatre
My favorite movie he’s been in is “In The Line Of Fire” starring Clint Eastwood and Rene Russo. Malkovich always plays a brilliant bad guy. Wish they would’ve covered that movie here.
Same! That's my #1 missing here. A first-ballot Hall of Fame character actor just needs more movies on these features. But I'm very happy to see that they did this.
I'm so glad he has fond memories of Con Air. Always thought he thought a film like that was beneath him, which honestly it was. But glad to learn he wasn't cynical about it all and actually still had fun and enjoyed the process.
It's actually funny because John speaks a little Croatian (grandparents) so he'd know a little more about Slavic accents than, say, the average US actor. It's also why when he talked about Spike Jonze's way of speech he thought he might be Easter European originally.
Cyrus: Considering the audience, I'm gonna make this very quick, very simple. This is the convoy, this is the boneyard, this is the hangar and this is our plane. Viking: What's that? Cyrus: That's a rock.
Yes! That, and Mary Reilly. He was exceptional as Jekyll and Hyde. It's a shame that Julia Robert's involvement (and miscasting) devolved the appreciation that the film would've otherwise had.
I just rewatched Of Mice and Men since I was a kid and he really knocked that role out of the park, he really got lost in the role and was different than anything else that he has done.
The entire cast of that movie was great. I had not read the book when I first saw it, but I should have known what the ultimate tone of the movie would be given it was written by Steinbeck. Needless to say I was stunned silent at the end of the movie.
This is the best of these actor 'interviews' by far. The way he really explains things and the way he speaks about the people and just everything is wonderful
I’m really impressed at his ability to remember the names of everyone he has ever worked with and how gracious he is at acknowledging everyone. Such a classy actor.
All these great movies he's been in, and he didn't even mention his part in Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy! He was PHENOMINAL, even though his part was relatively small in the movie overall. Much love to John Malkovich! ❤
I constantly have this vision of sitting in a gorgeous lodge in the alps, snowing heavily outside the windows, a glass of some deeply aged bourbon, next to a giant fireplace and just having conversation with him for hours about any and all things of fascinating topics. What an honor it would be to pick his brain....
Wow, much respect for the writer of Being John Malkovich for sticking to his guns and refusing to change anything about his script, even if doing so would have guaranteed a chance to get it produced. Obviously it worked out anyway but that was a brave thing for him to do. Gotta respect that integrity.
17:24 I’m so happy the interviewer asked him about this. Every time I think of Rounders, I think of that Matt Damon interview where he mentions that. 😂
His presence and talent is unbelievable, no matter what he says it grabs my interest , even if it’s a short joke and there’s nothing more to say …. He’s an all time Legend to me
Empire of the Sun!! How do you not cover this with Malkovich?? We need it back in print on Bluray as well!! One of Spielberg’s most underrated and under appreciated movies.
Absolutely fascinating. John has such intelligence and superior acting skills. I will say, though, it was incredibly amusing see him do an impression of Keanu Reeves. I want to see that again. Maybe we can get “Being Keanu Reeves” starring John Malkovich?
I watched "Empire of the Sun" at least once a week for a year during high school. Absolutely brilliant film and Basie was where I fell in love with Mr. Malkovich's presentation of character.
would have loved to see him talk about "In the line of fire". Was a kid back then and i think it was the first time ive seen him in a movie. Such a great actor.
@@jamespohl-md2eq I have “seen” all his films. In my opinion, his most memorable role was “In The Line Of Fire”. It’s bizarre they didn’t include that here.
Love you John!! Thank you for your film insights. You are one of the few great story tellers in character that is wonderful to watch, take in, or be amazed and engaged with. My very favorite is Dangerous Liasons.
@GQ, yall have done lots of amazing actor breakdowns but this is the best one of all. THANK YOU. and you just let him talk-it is endlessly fascinating and generous. and inspiring!!!
The Con Air segment is so great. Nice to see he has no vanity or derision about it, that he knows the kind of film it is and enjoyed working on it.
I always thought he hated it just like John Cusack did
That movie is a top 30 action film all-time.
It's funny how he tells the story where the other author thinks he threw the script across the room because it was rubbish and artistically beneath him, whereas Malkovich obviously instantly saw the potential to be a legendary bad guy in a fairly run of the mill ten a penny action movie, and it would pay the mortgage very nicely.
@nickmaclachlan5178 it's a great film and Malkovich is definitely one of the best villains of all time
@@tinalevan1984top 5 IMO
He remembers the name of the cinematographer, and the stunt coordinators. Massive respect.
And language coordinator's!
But it's funny because he didn't refer to the director by name, just as The Director.
One DP won an oscar
Many people remember their coworkers' names... I mean, cinematographers and coordinators are all very important and involved people on set.
Seriously? Unless he has dementia, that should really be the basic requisite level of respect for one's co-workers, especially on intense projects like a film set where you are the lead or one of the main characters.
i love how he doesn't just talk about himself in the films ,he talks about and compliments all the other people he worked with. ❤️🔥
Noticed that too. John seems very grounded and modest despite his level of fame.
Killer hypothesis
I love his candour, his pragmatism, his ability to admit when he’s wrong, his love for cinema. What a great interview of a great screen actor.
this is by far the best "actor breaks down his most iconic roles" ever. the detail he goes into is immaculate. makes the variety videos look like tiktok.
Unless u love listening to pompous actors sniff there own 🍑 for 30 mins thinkin there the 💩 i dont kno how u thijnk this is amazing
Many actors went into great details in these interviews, you just enjoyed John's the most, that's it. Also, if you were Ukrainian, like me, you wouldn't appreciate his details and seeming reverence about playing (and enjoying it) a freaking russian.
@@yevgeniyaleshchenko849 relax.
You can't stand John Malkovich enjoying playing a fictional Russian character in a movie? C'mon. You sound too precious to live. @yevgeniyaleshchenko849
The way he can hold you in the palm of his hand just by speaking casually is quite telling of how talented an actor he is.
I disagree, he is able to do that because he is a well spoken and interesting individual, there is plenty of talented actors who just need to STFU you know?
The only other actor who can do that is Kevin Spacey.
Legend!
@@ssisnakethis is exactly how I felt but couldn’t articulate and you did it. Well done.
I found his shaky voice the opposite. It was very distracting and I couldn't go us on what he said
33:17 - "You know, you can feel very strongly about something and be absolutely wrong" - wisdom in these words.
John Moskvich very underrated actor!!!
John Malkovich: "I don't sound anything like that."
Bill Hader: "No, no you sound EXACTLY, like this."
THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT WHEN I SEEN THIS! 🤘🏻😂🤘🏻
He did his best not to sound like that in this interview
but he still sounded like that
Yes yes you do 😂😂😂
I like how he made this an actual interview and not just a promotional fly by. He’s fascinating to listen to.
Low-key one of the most recognizable voices in film. Love this guy.
Low-key? How so?
Not low-key then.
@@jimjam5012many of the newer generations have no idea who he is
What's with the low-key? Did you mean Loki? Are you saying Loki is now a voice actor?
Low key? Just cut that part out and you have a real sentence.
Marvin Boggs in RED and RED2 is one of my favorite movie characters of all time. He steals every scene.
I was looking for a comment about him in RED. Such a fun movie
I agree. You can watch those movies over and over. There was so much subtlety in his acting! He was always in character and the chemistry between him and Bruce was excellent. I just feel like John filled the voids in that melody’s dance!
I like him in Space Force as Dr Mallory. Absolute comedy.
Love these films; they’re really well done and so entertaining. The relationship between JM and Bruce Willis’ characters is played beautifully.
@@tristan4893 exactly
What an incredible and enigmatic actor. One of the best of his generation. John Malkovich is a national treasure
I was lucky enough in 1982 to see John Malkovich and Gary Sinese - total unknowns outside of Chicago - in TRUE WEST at the tiny Cherry Lane Theatre in NYC. Malkovich's performance was one of the greatest I have ever seen. A truly brilliant night at the theatre
If you knew who he was, he wasn't unknown.
@@WheresWaldo05 When the production came to NYC they were "unknown", I knew who he was AFTER seeing the play. Peace.
These two also starred together in 1992's "Of Mice and Men".
Wow! Cool
@@WheresWaldo05It’s called illustrative hyperbole.
My favorite movie he’s been in is “In The Line Of Fire” starring Clint Eastwood and Rene Russo. Malkovich always plays a brilliant bad guy. Wish they would’ve covered that movie here.
Same! That's my #1 missing here. A first-ballot Hall of Fame character actor just needs more movies on these features. But I'm very happy to see that they did this.
Same. That movie was easily his best and most terrifying role.
He got nominated for a best supporting actor for it. I don’t know how that wasn’t included.
I love his performance in that. It would've been very interesting to see him talk about it here, missed opportunity.
ABSOLUTELY!!!
cant belive he is 70 years, looks amazing
I can believe he is 70...even older. Still bright though.
Being bald and looking older at thirty doesn't leave too much room to look getting older for the next forty years.
He does?
For 70? I think he looks great!
Look 76 lol
guys memory is incredible....doesnt even have to take a split second to recall amything, he just fires it off....
The way he shows respect and remembers everyone makes him a true professional and a gentleman.
Maybe it's the influence of working in the theater
"Burn After Reading" , such an underrated Coen Brothers film.
His memwahs
my favourite film!
Based on this interview, I plan to see it tonight.
Great performances all round.
"This is crucifixion! This is political!!" LOL
John referring to John Cusack as Johnny Cusack was so cute! I love that they worked together in the first two movies he talked about in this video. ❤
Johnny Cusack and David Chapelle 😅
And William Hurt as Bill! That was so sweet.
Well his name is also John, so Cusack couldn't be John with him around.
I'm so glad he has fond memories of Con Air. Always thought he thought a film like that was beneath him, which honestly it was. But glad to learn he wasn't cynical about it all and actually still had fun and enjoyed the process.
love his description of his initial reaction
He wasn't cynical about it... he was... CYrus.
He was so random for the movie but i think he really made it. If i was having a bad day and someone put that movie on it would make me smile for sure.
I'm so disappointed that he didn't get to discuss The Empire of the Sun. His insights are fascinating.
Give it back to me when its over
Yes! Fantastic character.
Literally watching this for his insight on that character...disappointing.
Oooo yeah that character is awesome too I almost forgot!
Exactly my thoughts! Wth
Describing his accent in rounders as "in primary colors" is a really beautiful way of describing that performance
PYAY THYAT MYAN HYIS MYONEY
Also not beautiful describing playing freaking russian(s) with such revery. You would understand if you were to Ukraine.
@yevgeniyaleshchenko849 definitely understand what you mean. Stay well friend!
It's actually funny because John speaks a little Croatian (grandparents) so he'd know a little more about Slavic accents than, say, the average US actor. It's also why when he talked about Spike Jonze's way of speech he thought he might be Easter European originally.
@@yevgeniyaleshchenko849 This ain't the place to discuss that stuff.
GQ really has made some of the best content on TH-cam with this series. The value in all of these interviews is immeasurable
Agreed. My only complaint is that they aren’t longer. Both this and Kurt Russell could warrant part twos.
this was actually me, it was my turn being John Malkovich, I mostly just winged it, glad you guys enjoyed 👍
Cyrus: Considering the audience, I'm gonna make this very quick, very simple. This is the convoy, this is the boneyard, this is the hangar and this is our plane.
Viking: What's that?
Cyrus: That's a rock.
One of my brothers favorites scenes in Con Air. Once in a while he'll say, "That's a Rock." and I know which movie he's talking about.
Lmao I love that scene and that line delivery 😂
"Oh....."
You have to admire John's ability to play these complex and unique characters, Pure talent
you're suggesting that as if we haven't already figured it out
Eh, I feel that Matt Bomer would have played a better "John Malkovich". But, John Malkovich did okay with what he was given.
Yeah, characters like John Malkovich.
“Pyay that myan his myoney” is lowkey one of the dopest lines of all time
HE BYEAT ME!
How can you not include "Of Mice and Men" in this? His portrayal of Lenny was absolutely amazing.
Yes! That, and Mary Reilly. He was exceptional as Jekyll and Hyde. It's a shame that Julia Robert's involvement (and miscasting) devolved the appreciation that the film would've otherwise had.
I just rewatched Of Mice and Men since I was a kid and he really knocked that role out of the park, he really got lost in the role and was different than anything else that he has done.
The entire cast of that movie was great. I had not read the book when I first saw it, but I should have known what the ultimate tone of the movie would be given it was written by Steinbeck. Needless to say I was stunned silent at the end of the movie.
Yes amazing performance and movie
Well he experimented a lot in his career, he doesn't have some stock role or film type he does over and over again.
John Malkovich and Christoph Waltz need to make a film together
Yes ill write it with you
Enjoyed every second of this breakdown. Thank you for not cutting this down
This is the best of these actor 'interviews' by far. The way he really explains things and the way he speaks about the people and just everything is wonderful
I need a part 2 of this. Whatever it takes to hear more of his roles like Space Force, RED and In the Line of Fire
Yup. His comic performances were brilliant.
Empire of the Sun
Ripley’s Game
I’m really impressed at his ability to remember the names of everyone he has ever worked with and how gracious he is at acknowledging everyone. Such a classy actor.
It's not so difficult to remember the names of your coworkers...
@@yevgeniyaleshchenko849 It is when you've worked with hundreds of people, spanning decades
This mans memory is insane.
That cravat is the most Malkovich item of clothing I've ever seen.
But of course, my dear!
How do you not have In the Line of Fire here? One of the best villains of all time. When he yells at Clint Eastwood and slams the phone. I get chills.
Enjoyed how he basically talks up all of his co-stars and people working on the films the whole time.
All these great movies he's been in, and he didn't even mention his part in Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy!
He was PHENOMINAL, even though his part was relatively small in the movie overall.
Much love to John Malkovich! ❤
Yes!!!
He didn't ''mention'' it because he wasn't asked about that film. They don't decide what films to talk about.
His role in "Places in the Heart" was great..
Thanks for posting 30+ mins. This dude is the real deal and his insights are incredible.
Dangerous Liasons is such a great movie. It should have gotten more awards than it did. Very well acted by the whole amazing cast.
Uma aborted their baby secretly in Germany
One of the best !
Love him so much into dangerous liaisons. And he remained so humble and normal
I constantly have this vision of sitting in a gorgeous lodge in the alps, snowing heavily outside the windows, a glass of some deeply aged bourbon, next to a giant fireplace and just having conversation with him for hours about any and all things of fascinating topics. What an honor it would be to pick his brain....
I just listened to him narrate the Vonnegut book Breakfast of Champions. Highly recommend
I really needed Of Mice and Men and In the Line of Fire in this interview. 😭
Facts. Those two I was really forward to.
I think if you listen, he has a French accent. He’s lived there for so long it isn’t surprising.
Wow, much respect for the writer of Being John Malkovich for sticking to his guns and refusing to change anything about his script, even if doing so would have guaranteed a chance to get it produced. Obviously it worked out anyway but that was a brave thing for him to do. Gotta respect that integrity.
Charlie Kaufman... Famous writer/director now.
Everything JM is involved in turns to gold with his acting. Comedic roles, chaotic ones, the villain, his range is astonishing
Pascal Savauge is his most iconic character to me lol
Hello there, fancy you meeting here on this side of TH-cam!
Jumped up frenchman
oh that name looked super familiar, so had to look it up..... yes yes, Johnny English is sooo classic :)
never heard of him. It's Valmont.
Haha was looking for this comment.
That Keanu impression was GOLD!
'Just another day in Babylon'
😂😂😂
17:24 I’m so happy the interviewer asked him about this. Every time I think of Rounders, I think of that Matt Damon interview where he mentions that. 😂
Truly without a shadow of a doubt, one of the single greatest actors to ever grace the steps of Hollywood
He burned an impression on me with his role in In The Line of Fire. Would've been fun to hear him discuss that one.
No In The Line of Fire? He got nominated for an Oscar for it.
Exactly. Would have been wild to hear him talk about his role in “Jennifer 8”; he steals the show in that movie.
Us early 80s babies got baptized by that one
Nominated for Places in the Heart. Better performance.
No!
Nobody cares about Oscars
One of the best Actors We ever had/I love These Breaks down things.
He said "David Chappelle" 😂 I love this guy
Is that his actual name ?
@@davidladjani108 yeah but the way he says it is funny to me
"Jerry Broke-heimer" was my favourite.
David "pinball" Chappelle.
Only his mum, and John Malk call him "David" 👌😸
His presence and talent is unbelievable, no matter what he says it grabs my interest , even if it’s a short joke and there’s nothing more to say …. He’s an all time Legend to me
I’ll watch con air, rounders, or burn after reading any day of the week. Malkovich’s performances are probably the biggest reason for that.
Love Con-Air!, but I also liked him in that "Deep Water Horizon". Hilarious in "Burn After Reading" blahahaah!. Love that movie!. Great actor!👍 truly.
24:12 His Keanu Reeves impression is hilarious.
Such a brilliant actor, hugely watchable in everything he does...!!!
Love his speaking cadence.
I think this is my favorite one of these. He really goes into detail.
IN THE LINE OF FIRE!!!
He was fantastic in that.
One of the all time greats. Can’t not love this guy. 🫡🫡
Empire of the Sun!! How do you not cover this with Malkovich?? We need it back in print on Bluray as well!! One of Spielberg’s most underrated and under appreciated movies.
Yes! That’s the main reason why I was excited to watch this.. then nothing.
This could go on for hours and hours and I would watch it all to the end.
Loved this.
This could be 2 hours longer and I'd watch every minute
Absolutely fascinating. John has such intelligence and superior acting skills. I will say, though, it was incredibly amusing see him do an impression of Keanu Reeves. I want to see that again. Maybe we can get “Being Keanu Reeves” starring John Malkovich?
He’s in Annie Lennox’s video “Walking on Broken Glass” (1992) and he’s fantastic even there.
Great memory! Was the French Revolution theme of the music video meant as an homage to John's character in Dangerous Liaisons?
Oh wow!
I love seeing this side of actors. A lot are very down to earth people and it's awesome to see.
He is one of this great actor.
I mean, in every of his movies I only see the caracter he is playing. Amazing!
I watched "Empire of the Sun" at least once a week for a year during high school. Absolutely brilliant film and Basie was where I fell in love with Mr. Malkovich's presentation of character.
He was fantastic in RED also. Loved that movie
John's character in RED was the best part of that movie
He really took his time with this and i loved it. For me every detail is worth it. Thanks for this.
Actually , "That's a rock" was the funniest bit :))
I could listen to his stories for hours and remain enthralled every single minute.
Sooo glad he talked about Con Air! I loved his Cyrus!
Other great movies with him I loved are "Mary Reilly" and "Heart of Darkness"
No mention of him in In The Line Of Fire " with Clint Eastwood..... he made a great villian in that movie...very cold and calculating
And so terrifying calm.
Malkovich seems like such a genuinely cool guy. Really fun one.
would have loved to see him talk about "In the line of fire". Was a kid back then and i think it was the first time ive seen him in a movie. Such a great actor.
No In The Line Of Fire? His best performance of all.
He has two Oscar nominations. Something tells me you haven’t scene both.
@@jamespohl-md2eq I have “seen” all his films. In my opinion, his most memorable role was “In The Line Of Fire”. It’s bizarre they didn’t include that here.
@@jbeechukIs it bizarre they didn’t Places? Or his Emmy nominated?
Impossible to ignore Mr Malkovich!! awesome
Listening to him talk about Mcsorley is hilarious 😂 Im not at all surprised to hear he picked him up easily.
I was just thinking of John Malkovich a few days ago.. and hoping someone would do a video like this. Nice!
John Malkovich is an International treasure
This is by far the best interview in this series.
Malkovich is as original a person, character and actor the world has ever seen.
I love how Malkovich is slowly turning into Richard Wilson.
John Malkovich is a Legend.
BIG TIME ❤🔥🔥
Love you John!! Thank you for your film insights. You are one of the few great story tellers in character that is wonderful to watch, take in, or be amazed and engaged with. My very favorite is Dangerous Liasons.
He was brilliant in The Killings Fields
Criminal not to include "In The Line of Fire" in this interview
@GQ, yall have done lots of amazing actor breakdowns but this is the best one of all. THANK YOU. and you just let him talk-it is endlessly fascinating and generous. and inspiring!!!
Malkovich & Gary Sinise “True West” stage play is one of the best plays I’ve ever seen.
Errr hello???
In the Line of Fire?
Why wasn't that one mentioned? He was amazing in that
Should've added RED 1 and 2 as well. That series was great.
To sit and chat with John must of been great
One of the best villians in cinema history. His performance in In the Line of Fire was outstanding.