John Malkovich, a name synonymous with intense, captivating performances across film, television, and theater, remains a figure of intrigue and relentless creativity. Born on December 9, 1953, in Christopher, Illinois, John Gavin Malkovich has carved a unique path in the world of acting, marked by his dedication to the craft and an intriguing detachment from the trappings of celebrity. This profile delves into the mind of this remarkable actor, drawing from an insightful interview that reveals his thoughts on work, time, and the ever-evolving nature of his career.
A Prolific Career: John Malkovich on Work and Time
Mr. Malkovich’s work ethic is nothing short of astounding. Even for an actor of his stature, the sheer volume of projects he undertakes is remarkable. When questioned about his seemingly tireless schedule, especially considering his age, John Malkovich offers a perspective that is both pragmatic and philosophical.
Speeding Up, Not Slowing Down
Far from slowing down, John Malkovich suggests he’s actually increased his pace. He recounts a recent year brimming with activity: shooting five films and a television series, rehearsing a play in Riga, Latvia, embarking on classical music tours, acting in a film based on Schubert’s song cycle, and developing new projects concurrently. This whirlwind of activity showcases a man driven by an internal engine of creativity and a deep-seated love for his profession.
Embracing the Present: Time’s Limited Nature
This relentless pursuit of work isn’t fueled by mere ambition, but by a profound awareness of time’s fleeting nature. John Malkovich, at 68, acknowledges the finite nature of life, stating, “I have an awareness that it all could end tomorrow or this afternoon — God knows… So I am not really afraid of losing steam: there are just things I want to do still and I am aware that my time is limited.” This poignant understanding of mortality fuels his desire to engage fully with his passions and continue pushing his creative boundaries. He even posits that his enjoyment of work has intensified with age, a testament to his evolving relationship with his craft.
The Evolution of an Actor: John Malkovich’s Work Ethic
John Malkovich’s journey into acting wasn’t a straightforward path paved with unwavering conviction. He candidly admits to a less-than-stellar work ethic in his early years, a period marked by uncertainty and exploration.
From Laziness to Labor of Love
Reflecting on his younger self, John Malkovich confesses to being “lazier,” lacking a strong work ethic and unsure if acting was his true calling. His initial foray into theater, co-founding the Steppenwolf Theatre Company with a group of peers, was challenging and filled with self-doubt. While he appreciated the achievements of the group, he wasn’t entirely convinced acting was his definitive life path. This honesty reveals a refreshing vulnerability and a journey of self-discovery that resonates with many who find their passions through experience and time.
Still Figuring It Out: A Lifelong Journey in Acting
Unlike a sudden epiphany, John Malkovich’s love for acting grew organically over time. He uses an anecdote about Paul Bowles, author of The Sheltering Sky, to illustrate this gradual realization. Bowles, when asked when he decided to permanently reside in Morocco, responded that he was “still thinking about it” even after 30 years. Malkovich finds this answer insightful, applying it to his own career. He humorously admits, “I may still be figuring out how I get out of becoming an actor!” This self-deprecating humor underscores his ongoing reflection on his career and a sense of perpetual exploration, even after decades of success. For John Malkovich, it’s about focusing on the immediate task, the current project, and the demands it presents, rather than grand pronouncements about destiny.
Character and Connection: John Malkovich’s Approach to Roles
John Malkovich’s approach to character selection is pragmatic and detached. He doesn’t seek roles that mirror his own personality or life experiences. His choices are driven by the work itself, rather than a need for personal resonance.
Work is Work: Detachment from Characters
John Malkovich classifies his roles simply as “work,” devoid of romantic notions of character immersion or seeking personal connection. Genre holds little appeal for him, and he is equally comfortable working with seasoned directors or newcomers, in leading roles or supporting parts. He states definitively, “I wouldn’t know a character that I personally had much in common with, and I don’t look for that.” This professional detachment allows him to inhabit a wide range of characters with authenticity and without blurring the lines between his personal and professional life.
Beyond Personal Stories: Disinterest in Self-Promotion
This detachment extends to his views on personal narratives and self-promotion. John Malkovich finds the inherent self-interest demanded by press interviews somewhat unappealing. He acknowledges that interviews can be engaging with insightful journalists, but often finds them “silly and uninteresting” because they necessitate a focus on oneself. He prefers to avoid press if possible, not out of arrogance or false modesty, but from a genuine lack of interest in self-aggrandizement. He believes everyone has a story, but after decades in the public eye, he feels his own narrative has been sufficiently explored. He jokingly refers to his origins as a “Little fat boy from a little village in Southern Illinois…” suggesting a weariness of the familiar tropes of his biography.
Reflections on Life, Death, and the Quietude
Despite his public persona, John Malkovich reveals a preference for a quiet, contemplative life rooted in nature and solitude. He reflects on his upbringing and his perspective on mortality with a characteristic blend of thoughtfulness and candor.
From Small Town to Global Stage: Finding Peace in Quiet
Growing up in a small town with limited distractions fostered John Malkovich’s imagination and self-reliance. He spent considerable time in nature with his father, canoeing and enjoying the outdoors. This early connection to nature remains a significant part of his life. Having owned a farm in Provence for 30 years, he expresses contentment in rural settings and doesn’t crave the bustling social and cultural life of cities. He finds happiness in “the quiet,” a sentiment that contrasts with the frenetic pace of his professional life. Before his acting career fully took off, John Malkovich worked in Glacier National Park in Montana on a trail crew, further solidifying his connection to the natural world. This experience, involving trail maintenance, bridge repair, and even dynamiting snow slides, provided a starkly different environment from the world of acting, grounding him in physical labor and the raw beauty of nature. He also served on the rescue crew, facing potential dangers like forest fires, which instilled in him a profound “awareness of what can happen in life very suddenly.”
Facing Mortality: Awareness, Not Fear
John Malkovich’s reflections on mortality are unflinching and realistic. He recounts a poignant phone call from an old friend who decided to stop fighting his terminal illness, choosing to “check out” with dignity. This experience brought John Malkovich face-to-face with the inevitability of death and prompted introspection about his own mortality. He acknowledges the emotional complexities of grief, noting the inherent human reaction of relief that it isn’t oneself. Having witnessed the deaths of siblings and his father at relatively young ages, John Malkovich is no stranger to loss. He states, “So, am I afraid of death? Not that I know of, but I’m aware of it.” This acceptance of mortality, coupled with his continued passion for work, paints a portrait of a man who embraces life fully while acknowledging its finite nature, driving him to make the most of his time and talents.
In conclusion, John Malkovich emerges as a complex and compelling figure. His prolific career is not just a testament to his talent, but to his disciplined work ethic and his philosophical approach to life and art. He remains an enigma, an actor who captivates audiences while maintaining a grounded perspective on fame, character, and the preciousness of time.
