Being John Malkovich (1999) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
One day at work, unsuccessful puppeteer Craig finds a portal into the head of actor John Malkovich. The portal soon becomes a passion for anybody who enters its mad and controlling world of overtaking another human body.
Rated R • 1999 • 1h 52m
A puppeteer discovers a portal into the mind of John Malkovich — and begins selling tickets. Charlie Kaufman and Spike Jonze's debut collaboration. The R rating covers sexual content, language, and the film's genuinely strange and disturbing ideas. One of the most original American films ever made.
Cast
Is Being John Malkovich appropriate for kids?
A puppeteer discovers a portal into the mind of John Malkovich — and begins selling tickets. Charlie Kaufman and Spike Jonze's debut collaboration. The R rating covers sexual content, language, and the film's genuinely strange and disturbing ideas. One of the most original… Read more — free account
Content severity in Being John Malkovich
What happens in Being John Malkovich, moment by moment
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
- 0:12 💬 Language 4/10
- 0:42 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
Sex and nudity in Being John Malkovich
A love triangle involving identity possession. Sexual content that is disturbing because of its identity dimensions — a woman experiencing intimacy through another person's body. Adult sexual content consistent with R.
Violence and gore in Being John Malkovich
None.
Language in Being John Malkovich
Strong language consistent with R rating.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Being John Malkovich
None of significance.
Mature themes in Being John Malkovich
Identity and possession — what does it mean to inhabit someone else? The desire to be someone other than yourself. A marriage in which neither partner is fully present. The film raises genuinely unsettling philosophical questions through a wildly inventive premise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Being John Malkovich appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Being John Malkovich is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. A puppeteer discovers a portal into the mind of John Malkovich — and begins selling tickets. Charlie Kaufman and Spike Jonze's debut collaboration. The R rating covers sexual content, language, and the film's genuinely…
What age rating does Being John Malkovich have?
Being John Malkovich is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is Being John Malkovich about?
A puppeteer discovers a portal into the mind of John Malkovich — and begins selling tickets. Charlie Kaufman and Spike Jonze's debut collaboration. The R rating covers sexual content, language, and the film's genuinely strange and disturbing ideas. One of the most original American films ever made.
Is there sex or nudity in Being John Malkovich?
A love triangle involving identity possession. Sexual content that is disturbing because of its identity dimensions — a woman experiencing intimacy through another person's body. Adult sexual content consistent with R.
How violent is Being John Malkovich?
None.
Is the language in Being John Malkovich appropriate for kids?
Strong language consistent with R rating.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Being John Malkovich?
None of significance.
What mature themes appear in Being John Malkovich?
Identity and possession — what does it mean to inhabit someone else? The desire to be someone other than yourself. A marriage in which neither partner is fully present. The film raises genuinely unsettling philosophical questions through a wildly inventive…
How long is Being John Malkovich?
Being John Malkovich runs 112 minutes, directed by Spike Jonze, released in 1999.
Where can I read the full Being John Malkovich parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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