John Malkovich Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

John Malkovich breaks down his most iconic roles from film and television including ‘Being John Malkovich,’ ‘Con Air,’ ‘Rounders,’ ‘Dangerous Liaisons,’ ‘Burn After Reading,’ ‘Shadow of the Vampire’ and ‘The New Look.’
0:00 John Malkovich’s Iconic Characters
0:19 Being John Malkovich
7:52 Con Air
14:45 Rounders
19:35 Dangerous Liaisons
25:26 Burn After Reading
29:01 Shadow of the Vampire
33:30 The New Look
Director: Noel Howard
Director of Photography: Charlie Jordan
Editor: Robby Massey
Talent: John Malkovich
Producer: Camille Ramos
Line Producer: Jen Santos
Production Manager: James Pipitone
Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Hymes
Talent Booker: Lauren Mendoza
Camera Operator: Christopher Eustache
Gaffer: Niklas Moller
Sound Mixer: Mike Guggino
Production Assistant: Griffin Garnett
Groomer: Liz Olivier
Post Production Supervisor: Rachael Knight
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Rob Lombardi
Additional Editor: Jason Malizia
Assistant Editor: Billy Ward
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[@TiagoSeiler]

He remembers the name of the cinematographer, and the stunt coordinators. Massive respect.

[@CathalCots]

And language coordinator's!

[@SM-pc2uy]

But it's funny because he didn't refer to the director by name, just as The Director.

[@MoteKinTrol]

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.

[@ssisnake]

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?

[@youtub4925]

The only other actor who can do that is Kevin Spacey.

[@tiananesbitt7156]

Legend!

[@chicouno8536]

@@ssisnakethis is exactly how I felt but couldn’t articulate and you did it. Well done.

[@dylanhoward718]

I found his shaky voice the opposite. It was very distracting and I couldn't go us on what he said

[@donesgerrard]

cant belive he is 70 years, looks amazing

[@johanvoellner1849]

I can believe he is 70...even older. Still bright though.

[@PhantomFilmAustralia]

Being bald and looking older at thirty doesn't leave too much room to look getting older for the next forty years.

[@willwemmer2732]

He does?

[@markuss4133]

What does he look like to you? 23😂

[@edmeds1336]

For 70? I think he looks great!

[@DamnWhoAsked]

Low-key one of the most recognizable voices in film. Love this guy.

[@jimjam5012]

Low-key? How so?

[@mansnotbot4160]

Not low-key then.

[@fatshoelace]

​@@jimjam5012many of the newer generations have no idea who he is

[@johnmortell3087]

What's with the low-key? Did you mean Loki? Are you saying Loki is now a voice actor?

[@FluffyBunnySlippers]

Low key? Just cut that part out and you have a real sentence.

[@dharmajanitor]

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.

[@JCVDfan4life]

I always thought he hated it just like John Cusack did

[@tinalevan1984]

That movie is a top 30 action film all-time.

[@nickmaclachlan5178]

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.

[@JCVDfan4life]

@nickmaclachlan5178 it's a great film and Malkovich is definitely one of the best villains of all time

[@revolverocelot0088]

​@@tinalevan1984top 5 IMO

[@bodyfarmbrat]

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. ❤️‍🔥

[@Missjunebugfreak]

Noticed that too. John seems very grounded and modest despite his level of fame.

[@MrCoreyRobert]

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.

[@morell1185]

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

[@wvusmc]

"Burn After Reading" , such an underrated Coen Brothers film.

[@byronic-heroine]

His memwahs

[@beanplot]

my favourite film!

[@KutWrite]

Based on this interview, I plan to see it tonight.

[@radicaltuesday6347]

Great performances all round.

[@carolina.6365]

"This is crucifixion! This is political!!" LOL

[@ShermanWilliams-ri4fy]

Describing his accent in rounders as "in primary colors" is a really beautiful way of describing that performance

[@drphalanges1520]

PYAY THYAT MYAN HYIS MYONEY

[@poindextertunes]

“Pyay that myan his myoney” is lowkey one of the dopest lines of all time

[@patarratap4231]

HE BYEAT ME!

[@tonymuto7294]

Marvin Boggs in RED and RED2 is one of my favorite movie characters of all time. He steals every scene.

[@phillipgrunkin8050]

I was looking for a comment about him in RED. Such a fun movie

[@jjjohnson4691]

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!

[@tristan4893]

I like him in Space Force as Dr Mallory. Absolute comedy.

[@ManCave1972]

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.

[@docproc144]

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.

[@ashotonehlobyjacksilverste4416]

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.

[@razielvonwaig7572]

Same. That movie was easily his best and most terrifying role.

[@raytimpson3361]

He got nominated for a best supporting actor for it. I don’t know how that wasn’t included.

[@gigatronusprime]

I love his performance in that. It would've been very interesting to see him talk about it here, missed opportunity.

[@ad6417]

ABSOLUTELY!!!

[@uTubeNoITube]

John Malkovich: "I don't sound anything ike that." Bill Hader: "No, no you sound EXACTLY, like this."

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

You have to admire John's ability to play these complex and unique characters, Pure talent

[@DaveDexterMusic]

you're suggesting that as if we haven't already figured it out

[@johnmichaelsantamaria2298]

Eh, I feel that Matt Bomer would have played a better "John Malkovich". But, John Malkovich did okay with what he was given.

[@hakkinenfanboy]

Yeah, characters like John Malkovich.

[@Galactic123]

33:17 - "You know, you can feel very strongly about something and be absolutely wrong" - wisdom in these words.

[@Jutlander83]

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.

[@MiketheratguyMultimedia]

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.

[@MJ-dq8ik]

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

[@ThePauseMenuVlog]

GQ really has made some of the best content on KZbin with this series. The value in all of these interviews is immeasurable

[@wolffman2445]

Agreed. My only complaint is that they aren’t longer. Both this and Kurt Russell could warrant part twos.

[@EvanFowler]

That cravat is the most Malkovich item of clothing I've ever seen.

[@zetetick395]

But of course, my dear!

[@adematti]

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. ❤

[@laurazepam8382]

Johnny Cusack and David Chapelle 😅

[@saturniin3]

And William Hurt as Bill! That was so sweet.

[@mhxistenz]

I'm so disappointed that he didn't get to discuss The Empire of the Sun. His insights are fascinating.

[@LESTIFISA]

Give it back to me when its over

[@ruthyvonne5240]

Yes! Fantastic character.

[@maximoreeves2199]

Literally watching this for his insight on that character...disappointing.

[@carolinehaf21]

Oooo yeah that character is awesome too I almost forgot!

[@CcC-ct9tb]

Exactly my thoughts! Wth

[@Woozlewuzzleable]

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.

[@leerollins]

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.

[@CentipedeCentralLawnCare]

Yes amazing performance and movie

[@andydowling881]

0

[@arthurchen6464]

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.

[@kobiianardo]

love his description of his initial reaction

[@RicardoZambrana]

He wasn't cynical about it... he was... CYrus.

[@amaddness]

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.

[@timmy_5372]

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.

[@droganstv]

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.

[@vanityk7068]

Lmao I love that scene and that line delivery 😂

[@thomdotexe]

this was actually me, it was my turn being John Malkovich, I mostly just winged it, glad you guys enjoyed 👍

[@jjbreck2628]

Him remembering all the costumers, camera operators, choreographer, and names of everyone on set in Dangerous Liaisons is crazy!

[@JACOBSJohn818]

His role in "Places in the Heart" was great..

[@raytimpson3361]

No In The Line of Fire? He got nominated for an Oscar for it.

[@JarOfMoMack]

Exactly. Would have been wild to hear him talk about his role in “Jennifer 8”; he steals the show in that movie.

[@tylerwhitney3443]

Us early 80s babies got baptized by that one

[@jamespohl-md2eq]

Nominated for Places in the Heart. Better performance.

[@alexanderjager3747]

No!

[@heldinahtmlhell]

Nobody cares about Oscars

[@anthonyevilblack]

What an incredible and enigmatic actor. One of the best of his generation. John Malkovich is a national treasure

[@AtlasTurner]

That Keanu impression was GOLD! 'Just another day in Babylon' 😂😂😂

[@davidbuhagiar5784]

The way he shows respect and remembers everyone makes him a true professional and a gentleman.

[@Fergus316]

Maybe it's the influence of working in the theater

[@JohnCranberry23]

I really needed Of Mice and Men and In the Line of Fire in this interview. 😭

[@diamonddoggspuppy7755]

Facts. Those two I was really forward to.

[@julioramirez1053]

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

[@davidlynch9049]

Yup. His comic performances were brilliant.

[@CcC-ct9tb]

Empire of the Sun

[@SophieMcKenzie-Shaw]

Ripley’s Game

[@rdwoodw]

Love his speaking cadence.

[@Deelo92]

He said "David Chappelle" 😂 I love this guy

[@davidladjani108]

Is that his actual name ?

[@Deelo92]

@@davidladjani108 yeah but the way he says it is funny to me

[@hoilst265]

"Jerry Broke-heimer" was my favourite.

[@usern4metak3ns]

David "pinball" Chappelle.

[@zetetick395]

Only his mum, and John Malk call him "David" 👌😸

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

John Malkovich is an International treasure

[@Hardlyadayhardlyanight]

24:12 His Keanu Reeves impression is hilarious.

[@radlogo]

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! ❤

[@rmfc1306]

Yes!!!

[@commanderkeen3787]

John Malkovich and Christoph Waltz need to make a film together

[@user-rg8xb7ow7i]

Yes ill write it with you

[@michellemiles9966]

Dangerous Liasons is such a great movie. It should have gotten more awards than it did. Very well acted by the whole amazing cast.

[@minixtvbox]

Uma aborted their baby secretly in Germany

[@orions221]

I just listened to him narrate the Vonnegut book Breakfast of Champions. Highly recommend

[@jjbreck2628]

Wow, thank you for that! Going to listen tonight!❤

[@mickbanner]

Enjoyed every second of this breakdown. Thank you for not cutting this down

[@Jack-thx77]

He's on a different level completely to many actors around, a real treasure! Crackling with a natural non-pretentious, non-egotistical intellect! I wish they'd had the time to ask him to talk about In the Line of Fire too, as I adored his performance in that. Stole the show!

[@chantalkennedy3649]

This could be 2 hours longer and I'd watch every minute

[@Lamtitude]

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. 😂

[@Noodles1771]

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.

[@CcC-ct9tb]

Yes! That’s the main reason why I was excited to watch this.. then nothing.

[@ethgratz2186]

Enjoyed how he basically talks up all of his co-stars and people working on the films the whole time.

[@AFGuidesHD]

Pascal Savauge is his most iconic character to me lol

[@kristianchristensen2254]

Hello there, fancy you meeting here on this side of KZbin!

[@JacksonKillroy]

Jumped up frenchman

[@animatorFan74]

oh that name looked super familiar, so had to look it up..... yes yes, Johnny English is sooo classic :)

[@orangewarm1]

never heard of him. It's Valmont.

[@zainnnzy]

Haha was looking for this comment.

[@carl_anderson9315]

He’s in Annie Lennox’s video “Walking on Broken Glass” (1992) and he’s fantastic even there.

[@MrHoblo]

He was fantastic in RED also. Loved that movie

[@jamesrein648]

John's character in RED was the best part of that movie

[@alannazaritz5396]

@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!!!

[@Amber-bz2ks]

One of the best ! Love him so much into dangerous liaisons. And he remained so humble and normal

[@dylancochrane6296]

He was brilliant in The Killings Fields

[@Rad9000]

As a teenager, I watched Dangerous Liaisons when it first was released on video with my parents. My Dad liked your typical macho action films of the era but my Mom tended to go in for more cerebral stuff. Lucky me, because I knew instantly upon that first watch John Malkovich would always be one of my favorite actors. And he still is.

[@PrimalElf]

Malkovich Malkovich MALKOVICH!

[@gnhonho]

Malkovich? Malkovich Malkovich

[@chewey3rd]

John Malkovich is a Legend.

[@MarR310]

BIG TIME ❤🔥🔥

[@damienthorne861]

" Nothing could be sadder than the agent lost his bladder on the airplane " 😂😂 Love this guy

[@eye_straindigital]

Thanks for posting 30+ mins. This dude is the real deal and his insights are incredible.

[@tamasdmmolnar9450]

Actually , "That's a rock" was the funniest bit :))

[@DrMetPhD]

PYAY THIS MYAN HIS MYONEY

[@redoctober1991]

MYAHNEY*

[@danielosorio9365]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@danielosorio9365]

YOU MAST BE KEEKING YYOURSELF FOR NOT WEALKING AWAY EARLIER. BAAD JEUGEMIENT!!!!

[@endlessfreedomful]

Nis

[@345mrse]

SO UNSAYTEESFAYING.

[@jbeechuk]

No In The Line Of Fire? His best performance of all.

[@jamespohl-md2eq]

He has two Oscar nominations. Something tells me you haven’t scene both.

[@jbeechuk]

@@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.

[@jamespohl-md2eq]

⁠@@jbeechukIs it bizarre they didn’t Places? Or his Emmy nominated?

[@freaknature823]

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.

[@USArmyVet91]

One of the all time greats. Can’t not love this guy. 🫡🫡

[@tyengineer0]

Truly without a shadow of a doubt, one of the single greatest actors to ever grace the steps of Hollywood

[@LukeLjJames]

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

[@04stangman]

One of the most amazing actors of our time

[@aaronryder4008]

Should've added RED 1 and 2 as well. That series was great.

[@bazzyg]

Errr hello??? In the Line of Fire? Why wasn't that one mentioned? He was amazing in that

[@mikeoley13]

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.

[@doctorsyndrome]

How can you not include "Of Mice and Men" in this? His portrayal of Lenny was absolutely amazing.

[@Lady_Vengeance]

Malkovich seems like such a genuinely cool guy. Really fun one.

[@biligator]

I know it probably wouldn't appeal to everybody, but I'd really love to hear him talk about some of the smaller projects he did early in his film career. Malkovich was incredible in the lead role in the film adaptation of The Glass Menagerie (1987), directed by, of all people, Paul Newman. He also played Lenny in another great adaptation, Of Mice and Men (1992) opposite his longtime creative partner Gary Sinise. Sinise also directed, so it would be cool to hear him talk about being directed by your best friend. Maybe I'll just do some digging and find other Malkovich interviews.

[@duelinglectrics]

To sit and chat with John must of been great

[@benjaminniemczyk]

Malkovich is as original a person, character and actor the world has ever seen.

[@mikethemountie4959]

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?

[@TheRafaelRamos]

Malkovich is a legend, respect!

[@kitchenpeurter]

I think this is my favorite one of these. He really goes into detail.

[@buffythehaterslayer6918]

IN THE LINE OF FIRE!!! He was fantastic in that.

[@thesingleequestrian413]

Listening to him talk about Mcsorley is hilarious 😂 Im not at all surprised to hear he picked him up easily.

[@cherryboom724]

Just watched burn after reading, his scene with brad Pitt in the car was hilarious

[@hawkman_cards]

guys memory is incredible....doesnt even have to take a split second to recall amything, he just fires it off....

[@parioceanchicago]

He is one of this great actor. I mean, in every of his movies I only see the caracter he is playing. Amazing!

[@BigHush]

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.

[@Orcishihi]

This could go on for hours and hours and I would watch it all to the end. Loved this.

[@rhondadearborn3265]

Great interview, one of the best I've seen in a while. One of my favorite movies of all time is Dangerous Liasons.

[@Woozlewuzzleable]

I liked him as the jewel thief, why didn’t they cover that movie?

[@last7509]

Been hooked on John since dangerous liaisons

[@Sab_MJsMama]

I LOVE Dangerous Liaisons! I feel like it's fallen into obscurity like a lot of historical dramas pre-2000s.

[@dannitomachristensen97]

He really took his time with this and i loved it. For me every detail is worth it. Thanks for this.

[@myunclesnephew]

John Malkovich as himself is both a genius and a comedy role and that is what makes him legendary

[@andrewmoore8992]

“no, you sound ex-act-ly like this”

[@joselopez7973]

"I don't sound like that" I was looking for this comment lol

[@donking420]

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.

[@joshallenimages]

One of my most inspirational spots, guys. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@RebeccaEdwardsJamesEdwards]

Brilliant actor. Whatever he's in,..he commands the screen.

[@CcC-ct9tb]

Empire of the Sun..come on

[@dr.aniasara7038]

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.

[@IlRyanWilsonlI]

I love seeing this side of actors. A lot are very down to earth people and it's awesome to see.

[@KingofThaJungle09]

He’s been in so many cool movies great actor