1. "The Dancer Upstairs" (2002)
In a South American country, the atmosphere buzzes with tension. Children, manipulated as instruments of terror, threaten the government's stability. Policeman Agustin Rejas chases a revolutionary leader whose influence grows with each passing day.
As the detective delves deeper, he's caught in a web of betrayal, love, and moral dilemmas. The chase is relentless, the suspense palpable.
2. "The Sheltering Sky" (1990)
They traveled, Paul and Kit, through North Africa's desert landscapes. It wasn't just a journey through the scorching Sahara; it was an exploration into the recesses of their relationship. Amidst the vast expanse, they confronted isolation, cultural clashes, and their own volatile emotions.
Malkovich's character, Paul, unravels as the alien environment around him becomes increasingly unpredictable.
3. "The Object of Beauty" (1991)
Jake and Tina, a couple spiraling into debt. In an English hotel, they scheme. At the center of their troubles: a valuable Henry Moore sculpture. As the couple's debts mount, so does the temptation to commit a heinous act.
With Malkovich playing Jake, the film unravels their plan's consequences, mixing crime with sharp wit. Can materialism replace love?
4. "Mary Reilly" (1996)
In the dark corners of Victorian London, the story finds its setting. Mary, a housemaid, steps into the home of Dr. Jekyll.
What she witnesses therein, however, is beyond comprehension. Splitting his existence, Dr. Jekyll, interpreted by Malkovich, becomes Mr. Hyde. Two sides, one more menacing than the other, battling for dominance. The world through Mary's eyes reveals secrets and horrors unimaginable.
5. "The Great Buck Howard" (2008)
Magic, or perhaps mere illusion, defines the life of Buck Howard, a once-famous magician striving to reclaim his past glory. But this tale isn't merely about Buck. It's equally about his assistant, played by Malkovich.
Navigating the world of show business, the film captures a captivating dynamic between the two as they confront both failure and fleeting success.
6. "Eleni" (1985)
The stage is set in war-ravaged Greece. Nick Gage's quest is one fueled by memories of his mother, Eleni. Flashbacks narrate her sacrifices during the civil war, the ultimate price she paid, and the trauma that young Nick witnessed.
Fast forward years, and now journalist Nick, brought to life by Malkovich, is on a personal mission. He's hunting down the man responsible for his mother's death, navigating a labyrinth of old wounds and fresh confrontations.
7. "Disgrace" (2008)
From the bustling streets of Cape Town to the remote corners of the South African countryside, the narrative follows Professor David Lurie.
After a scandalous affair at his university, Lurie, portrayed masterfully by Malkovich, is forced to resign. He seeks refuge with his daughter on her farm, only to face a different form of chaos. A violent attack challenges their existence, and the aftermath paints a raw picture of post-apartheid tensions.
8. "Beyond the Clouds" (1995)
Four cities, four stories, all connected by fate. In one, Malkovich plays a director, mirroring perhaps the film's own director, Antonioni. Each tale is a mosaic of love, betrayal, and moments that question human connections. These fleeting moments, interspersed with Malkovich's introspection, create a tapestry of emotions and encounters that linger in the mind.
9. "Ripley's Game" (2002)
Tom Ripley lives luxuriously in Italy, but when old feuds resurface, a sinister plot unfolds. The unsuspecting Jonathan Trevanny is dragged into a world of crime. Ripley, embodied by Malkovich, orchestrates a series of assassinations using Jonathan as his pawn. A dance of deceit and morality ensues, with lives hanging precariously in the balance.
10. "Klimt" (2006)
Art and the artist blur in this vivid portrait of the famed painter Gustav Klimt. With Vienna as its backdrop, the narrative weaves through Klimt's tumultuous life, artistic struggles, and passionate affairs. Malkovich, as Klimt, immerses himself in the world of Art Nouveau, confronting censorship and society's shifting sands. Every brushstroke reveals a piece of the artist's soul