For more than four decennary , John Malkovichhas carved out a name for himself as among Hollywood ’s most interesting and wide-ranging performers . With unnumbered beloved roles across activity , comedy , dramatic event , and a master of ceremonies of other genres , the main thing that categorize a Malkovich performance was his acute commitment to his roles and willingness to go the extra mi in his characterization . As a lead man , supporting hero , and sinister baddie , this two - clip Academy Award nominee has truly shew himself to be a uniquely gifted addition to New celluloid .

Part of Malkovich ’s appeal was that audiences never knew what they would get from one execution to another . After building up his reputation in movies by acclaimed director like Steven Spielberg and Wolfgang Petersen , Malkovich confounded all expectations with one ofthe most uniquely acute performancesever seen in the highly original filmBeing John Malkovich . As a performer associated with laughable , magnetic , and often stir up theatrical role , John Malkovich has had an astounding career packed with iconic roles .

10Burn After Reading (2008)

John Malkovich as Osborne Cox

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burn down After Reading is a obscure drollery thriller directed by Joel and Ethan Coen . The film asterisk George Clooney , Brad Pitt , Frances McDormand , and John Malkovich , revolving around a disk containing the memoir of a CIA agent that inadvertently gets into the hand of two gymnasium employees . Their ill-conceived attempt to benefit from their breakthrough lead to unforeseen result and entanglement with CIA operatives .

John Malkovich has worked with some of the groovy filmmakers of all clock time , and to see him pair with the Coen Brothers inBurn After Readingwas a match made in heaven . This crime comedy saw Malkovich play Osborne Cox , anembittered alcoholic former CIA analyst who , after being forced to quit his job , decided to save a memoir . However , two dimwitted gym employees ( Frances McDormand and Brad Pitt ) found his mislay narrative and , slip it for classified government document , tried to turn a profit from it .

As a farce comedy of misadventures , miscommunication , and mismanagement , combust After Readingwas a fine addition tothe Coens ' impressive catalogof clever thrillers with comedic twists . Malkovich excelled in his role as the only straight man surrounded by “ a conference of morons , ” as everyone around him believed themselves to be part of a eminent - stake espionage confederacy , when in fact , there were never any stakes at all . In typical Coen Brother way , Burn After Readingwas funny , offbeat , and well - written .

Collage of Willow and Clash of the Titans

9In The Line Of Fire (1993)

John Malkovich as Mitch Leary

In the Line of Fire is a thriller plastic film where a veteran Secret Service agent , Frank Horrigan , played by Clint Eastwood , is haunted by his failure to protect President John F. Kennedy in 1963 . decade later , he is assigned to inquire a deep threat on the animation of the current US President , while a psychopathological assassin , Mitch Leary , played by John Malkovich , begins to haunt and taunt him .

Part of John Malkovich ’s prayer was his incredibly varied career , and a prime example of this was his villainous part in the political thrillerIn the Line of Fire . With Clint Eastwood as Secret Service agent Frank Horrigan , who , as a youthful military man , failed to stop the assassination of President John F. Kennedy , 30 class by and by , a clever bravo constitute Mitch Leary ( Malkovich ) gave him another chance to save the life of a posture president . As a aboveboard thriller from director Wolfgang Petersen , In the Line of Firedelivers activity , drama , and suspense .

As a disillusioned and obsess former CIA agentive role with a desire to drink down the chairwoman , Malkovich gave a charismatic performance as Mitch Leary , a clever would - be killer whale also lead under the aliases James Carney and Booth . Malkovich played well opposite Eastwood , as both actors have always make out how to get the good out of a good script and imbue their theatrical role with astuteness and complexity . In the Line of Firewas a thrilling game of cat and mouse mixed with psychological torment and one of the most underrated thriller of the 1990s .

Mary looks on with shock on her face as events unfold in Downton Abbey

8Ripley’s Game (2002)

John Malkovich as Tom Ripley

Ripley ’s Game is a 2002 thriller based on Patricia Highsmith ’s novel of the same name . Directed by Liliana Cavani , the film stars John Malkovich as Tom Ripley , a wealthy and unscrupulous nontextual matter dealer who enlists an innocent humanity , played by Dougray Scott , into a dodge of murder . As events spiral out of control , the pic explores themes of deception , ethical motive , and the outcome of criminal behavior .

There have been flock of adaptations of Patricia Highsmith ’s series about the murderousadventures of the anti - zep Tom Ripley , from Matt Damon ’s fantabulous portrayal inThe gifted Mr. Ripleyto Andrew Scott in the exceptional Netflix seriesRipley . However , JohnMalkovich devote a extremely underrated execution inRipley ’s Game , a motion-picture show that die at the box office but was praised by critic . The best affair aboutRipley ’s Gamewas Malkovich ’s performance as the owing talents of his atomic number 27 - stars Lena Headey , Dougray Scott , and Ray Winstone .

Malkovich captured the essence of Ripley ’s character reference as he oozed charm and charisma and walked the fine channel between heartlessness and genuine unassumingness . Ripley ’s Gametruly make for the titular psychopath to life and told it a thrilling tale of blackmail , deceit , and secrecy . Interestingly , this would not be Malkovich ’s only appearance in a Highsmith adaptation , as he also appeared in Netflix’sRipleyas Reeves Minot in 2024 .

Kristen Stewart with Bella hugging Robert Pattinson as Edward in Twilight.

7Con Air (1997)

John Malkovich as Cyrus “The Virus” Grissom

Con - Air is a 1990s action mechanism offense - thriller star Nicholas Cage as former U.S. Ranger turned to convict Cameron Poe . Poe , in an act of self - defensive measure and love , is court - martialed for accidentally killing the man he protected his married woman from . Having served his time and achieve Parole , Poe is on his way home with one problem - the transport airplane he ’s on has been hijacked by several dangerous convicts , led by one of the worst in the United States .

John Malkovich ’s life history included many prestigious striking roles , but he was also just as comfortable in over - the - top activity movies that served as pure popcorn amusement . consider this , Malkovich was unfeignedly gross for his use as the primary villain in the Nicolas Cage cult classicCon Air , Cyrus the Virus . Malkovich played the psychopathic reprehensible and serial murderer who masterminded the airplane highjacking in this thrilling action movie produced by Jerry Bruckheimer .

Along with Cage ’s unbelievable performance , Malkovich helped makeCon Airone of the most enjoyableaction movies of the 1990s . Cyrus the Virus was a deranged yardbird who spent most of his animation in prison and was known for murdering eleven inmates , instigating three riots , and consistently get away custody . As one of the most outrageous activity moving-picture show ever made , Malkovich gave his all toCon Airand contribute to its major loge office achiever , with the film taking in $ 234 million globally ( viaBox Office Mojo . )

John-Malkovich-in-Burn-After-Reading-and–In-the-Line-of-Fire

Custom image by Yeider Chacon.

6Empire Of The Sun (1987)

John Malkovich as Basie

As the act entry of 12 - class - old Christian Bale , Empire of the Sunwas a coming - of - age motion-picture show by Steven Spielbergthat charted the history of a young son identify Jim becoming a captive of war in a Shanghai imprisonment camp operated by the Japanese during WWII . John Malkovich play Basie , an American merchant navy man who oversee Jim in the encampment , whose hustling nature meant he was always looking for a way to exploit his state of affairs . An epic in the truest sensation of the word , theLawrence of Arabiadirector David Lean was in the beginning bond to this task ( viaCollider . )

At its substance , Empire of the Sunwas about how hard circumstances pull Jim to grow up tight , as his aliveness story was one fraught with difficulties . imperium of the Sunhas persist one of Spielberg ’s most underrated movies and acted as a definitive moment in the other life history of not just Bale and Malkovich but also a young Ben Stiller . As an emotional and visually striking drama about loss , family , and the revulsion of warfare , Empire of the Sunwas an staggering success .

5The Glass Menagerie (1987)

John Malkovich as Tom Wingfield

As a dreamy version of Tennesse Williams ’s dramatic play , The Glass Menageriewas a powerful showcase of John Malkovich ’s spectacular skills . As the last film direct by Paul Newman , Malkovich star opposite the director ’s married woman , Joanne Woodward , in this memory play of misshapen recollections and lost love . The Glass Menageriewas the write up of a son who , along with his timid babe , live under the crush expectations of his stifling female parent , Amanda , meet by Woodward .

With profound intensity , Malkovich beguile the compelling pain of Tom Wingfield , whose shopworn and boring life sentence was categorized by whileing away his days watching movies at the local picture palace . With beautiful light and incredible photographic camera piece of work , The Glass Menageriewas filled with heartbreaking monologues as the unfilled expectation of its characters ’s lives were brought to the cutting edge . From the pining for her years as a glamorous Southern belle , the babe ’s distressing , unreciprocated passion for her sibling ’s friend , and the subtext of Tom ’s unspoken sexuality , there ’s a fortune of depth to this knock-down adjustment of Williams ’ 1944 play .

4Dangerous Liaisons (1988)

John Malkovich as Vicomte Sébastien de Valmont

grave Liaisons is a photographic film adaptation of the 18th - century novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos . aim by Stephen Frears , the flick stars Glenn Close , John Malkovich , and Michelle Pfeiffer . It explore idea of manipulation , deception , and conquest within the Gallic nobility . As former devotee , the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont scheme to destroy the lives of those around them for their amusement .

Based on the 1782 French novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos , Dangerous Liaisonswas a romantic flow dramaof scheming love liaison as a manipulative ex-wife - lover ’s bet on the adulterous corruption of a recently married woman . With hefty carrying into action from Glenn Close , John Malkovich , and Michelle Pfeiffer , Dangerous Liaisonswas categorise by virginal wit and an instantaneousness rarely attend in period play of this kind . With everyone involved fire on all cylinders , director Stephen Frears rightfully got the best out of an extraordinarily gifted cast .

InFriendsSeason 4 , Episode 12 , “ The One with the Embryos , ” while playing a quiz about how well the eccentric jazz one another , it ’s discover Rachel Green falsely claimedDangerous Liaisonswas her pet pic , but her actual favorite motion picture wasWeekend at Bernie ’s .

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Burn After Reading is a dark comedy thriller directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. The film stars George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Frances McDormand, and John Malkovich, revolving around a disc containing the memoirs of a CIA agent that inadvertently gets into the hands of two gym employees. Their misguided attempts to profit from their find lead to unforeseen consequences and entanglements with CIA operatives.

However , it was John Malkovich as Vicomte Sébastien de Valmont , the fallacious ladiesman at the heart of the scheme , who in truth stole the show . With a spirit level of magical spell and charisma far exceeding anything he had previously showcased , Malkovich was rightfully credible as the darkly sinister help to revenge . Dangerous Liaisonshad everything going for it and was a must - watch film for fan of romantic period dramatic event .

3Of Mice And Men (1992)

John Malkovich as Lennie Small

John Steinbeck ’s sinful novella of two wayward ranch workers during the Great Depressionreceived a fantastic adaptation in 1992 . With John Malkovich as Lennie Small and Gary Sinise as his quick - witted best friend , George Milton , this story of aspiration , company , and innate human struggles was a beautiful deconstructionism of the American Dream and the desire to find a place of belonging . As a devout , well - acted , and close adaptation of its source material , Of Mice and Mencaptured the perfume of Steinbeck ’s timeless story .

While the entire cast deserved congratulations , Malkovich was particularly effective as Lenny , whose heart - wrench portrayal of a good - intentioned intellectually disabled man became all the more harrowing considering the story ’s tragic conclusion . Malkovich showcased the depth of emotion he was able of utter as Lenny ’s utter - hearted intentions were bring to the cutting edge only to be stripped off as his brute posture unintentionally led to the death of a young woman . Of Mice and Menwas a powerful narration about how , despite their good intentions , workings - class people have little power to make headway meaningful exemption and rise out of poverty .

2Death Of A Salesman (1985)

John Malkovich as Biff Loman

The1985 adaptation of Arthur Miller’sDeath of a Salesmanwas an incredible made - for - telecasting moving-picture show that was as good as any theatrical release . With Dustin Hoffman in one of his greatest role as the disruptive traveling salesman Willy Loman , this phantasmagorical adaption breathed new life history into this 1949 Pulitzer Prize - winning play . As a deconstruction of Willy ’s fractured relationships , in particular with his son Biff ( John Malkovich),Death of a Salesmangot the very heart of the death of the American Dream and the sad regret that those who finger they never live up to their potentiality must endure .

Malkovich perfectly capture the hungriness of Biff ’s fictional character as , unlike his don , he longed to dig deeply into the frustration of everyday life and was one of the few characters inDeath of a Salesmanto accomplish some illusion of personal growing . dying of a Salesmansaw Biff becoming disillusioned from heartbreaking fantasies of his beginner , and Malkovich ’s carrying out highlighted the complexity of hereditary relationships . Malkovich ’s rich and superimposed performance help makeDeath of a Salesmana truly effective adaptation .

1Being John Malkovich (1999)

John Malkovich as John Malkovich

Being John Malkovich : This flick follows the story of an abortive puppeteer named Craig who discover a hepatic portal vein that leads into the creative thinker of thespian John Malkovich . The phenomenon soon entices others to explore the bizarre and moderate world of inhabiting another person ’s consciousness .

As one of the most astoundingly original movies ever made , it will come as no surprisal that John Malkovich ’s greatest performance was when he played himself in the extremely unusual and eccentric filmBeing John Malkovich . WithSpike Jonze direct a handwriting by Charlie Kaufman , Being John Malkovichwas a extremely originative story that have proper to the heart of its themes around identity operator , solitariness , and self - fulfillment . As the level of a puppeteer finding a hepatic portal vein into the brain of John Malkovich , this was a highly metanarrative that consistently surprise watcher with its ingeniousness .

Being John Malkovichwas the select example that a movie could truly be about anything , and the only constraint were the limitations of thespian , writers , and directors ' own creativeness . Malkovich committed entirely to the premise of this film as it delved into the profundity of his own psychological science and deconstructed the very nature of selfhood . John Malkovichwill forever be associated with this movie , and more so than any other role , it was the performance that flex him into a household name .

Headshot Of George Clooney

author : Box Office Mojo , Collider

Headshot Of Frances McDormand In The Los Angeles Premiere Of <code>Women Talking</code>

In the Line of Fire (1993) - Poster - Clint Eastwood

In the Line of Fire is a thriller film where a veteran Secret Service agent, Frank Horrigan, played by Clint Eastwood, is haunted by his failure to protect President John F. Kennedy in 1963. Decades later, he is assigned to investigate a mysterious threat on the life of the current US President, while a psychopathic assassin, Mitch Leary, played by John Malkovich, begins to stalk and taunt him.

Headshot Of Clint Eastwood In The AFI Fest 2011

Tom Ripley Ripley&rsquo;s Game

Headshot Of Dougray Scott In The 2019 CW Upfront

Headshot Of Lena Headey In The New York premiere of &lsquo;White House Plumbers&rsquo; at 92nd Street

Headshot Of Ray Winstone In The London premiere of Netflix series &lsquo;The Gentlemen&rsquo;

con air

Con-Air is a 1990s action crime-thriller starring Nicholas Cage as former U.S. Ranger turned to convict Cameron Poe. Poe, in an act of self-defense and passion, is court-martialed for accidentally killing the man he protected his wife from. Having served his time and achieving Parole, Poe is on his way home with one problem - the transport plane he’s on has been hijacked by several dangerous convicts, led by one of the worst in the United States.

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Headshot Of Dave Chappelle

John Malkovich in a scene from Empire of the Sun.

John Malkovich and Joanne Woodward in The Glass Menagerie

Dangerous Liaisons - Poster

Dangerous Liaisons is a film adaptation of the 18th-century novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. Directed by Stephen Frears, the movie stars Glenn Close, John Malkovich, and Michelle Pfeiffer. It explores themes of manipulation, deceit, and seduction within the French aristocracy. As former lovers, the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont scheme to destroy the lives of those around them for their amusement.

Headshot Of Glenn Close

Lennie and George walking in a field in Of Mice and Men

Dustin Hoffman in Death of a Salesman

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Being John Malkovich: This film follows the story of an unsuccessful puppeteer named Craig who discovers a portal that leads into the mind of actor John Malkovich. The phenomenon soon entices others to explore the bizarre and controlling world of inhabiting another person’s consciousness.