Malkovich Being Stanley Kubrick

Stanley Kubrick is simultaneously one of the 20th century's greatest directors and a complete mystery. As the mastermind behind Dr. Strangelove, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and Eyes Wide Shut, Kubrick's vision was known to millions of film lovers. But how many of them would recognize his actual face? Based on real events, the film Colour Me Kubrick details the story of a modest London travel agent who tries to usurp one of Hollywood's most famous identities-and succeeds.

In the latter half of the 1990s, an unknown by the name of Alan Conway was able to fool hundreds of people in the London area into thinking that he was actually Stanley Kubrick. The film's perspective is strengthened by the fact that the director, Brian Cook, and screenwriter, Anthony Frewin, were actually working with the real Kubrick on the set of Eyes Wide Shut when they heard about the imposter in London.

John Malkovich has the challenge of playing Alan Conway impersonating Kubrick, and he ultimately shines in his role. The character of the fake Kubrick is dynamic, and it is enhanced by Malkovich's beaming self-confidence. While Alan Conway may have walked around in three-piece suits as Stanley Kubrick, John Malkovich ups the ante in leggings and garters, full makeup, and even a dress or two.

As the only big name in the movie, Malkovich's character and presence outshine pretty much everyone else. Almost all of the other characters are forgettable, with the notable exception of Lee Pratt's portrayal of Jim Davidson, a fictional British TV star. Pratt is the only character who even comes close to the homoerotic lunacy and grandeur that John Malkovich exudes. In real life, Pratt himself met and was fooled by Alan Conway's impersonation of Stanley Kubrick. In an interview with Magnolia Pictures, he recalls first meeting Conway: "I was highly flattered to learn that Kubrick knew me! Tricking me was as easy as that!"

What the film captures-beyond its dark humor and shamelessly nonchalant homoeroticism-is the story of a man and a bunch of fools. The pathetic people who are manipulated by Malkovich-as-Conway-as-Kubrick-whether it's just for cab fare or more extravagant things like dinners, shows, and luxury hotel suites-elicit raw sympathy. And yet, as someone who so desperately wants to be someone else that it doesn't matter who he hurts or what damage he causes to a community, Conway elicits sympathy as well, .

Brian Cook's creation is a true cinematic feat, especially considering that this is the first film that he's directed. The tale of Alan Conway is simultaneously satiric, cynical, and authentic, yet it is a fable. The movie gives audiences a glimpse into the depth of human gullibility-as well as a strong distrust for any celebrity who isn't as immediately recognizable as Michael Jackson.