Being John Malkovich

The more consistent you become, the more fulfilling your life will be

The world doesn’t need more ego-driven individualism, the consequence of which is uncertainty, both economic and political. The world needs more consistency. The world needs more John Malkovichs (or should that be Malkoviches?).

Consistency has been key to Malkovich’s output. This does not always translate as quality, but the actor is renowned for going where few of his peers dare to.

In a success-focused, happiness-chasing society where we are taught from an early age to try for the summit, it is useful to know that some people are just as content with soul-enriching projects, even if they are less financially remunerative. In Malkovich’s case, this scenario has played out in films where the process of building a character and exploring the depth of it has been more important than the amount of zeroes on the cheque.

Be Not the Person They’ll Easily Forget But the One They’ll Always Remember

Consistency stops people on their tracks and makes them look at you differently. You’re not someone who shoots to fame quickly only to disappear without a trace a couple of years after (sometimes even before that!). On the contrary, you’re someone who, cleverly, manages to craft a Zelig-like existence, turning up in the least expected places (Malkovich on David Letterman in 1999 comes to mind. On the show, the actor was asked to utter ten phrases that sounded “creepy when said by John Malkovich”, which he, then, delivered masterfully). Consistency can also be a springboard for bolder projects. Once a strong foundation is built, experience acquired with it and trust with the audience established, it’s less difficult to face up to challenges.

We could use some of Malkovich’s have-a-go-at-it attitude. Instead of letting our ego call the shots, we could rein it in and turn it into a long-term ally.

We’re told to think big, to be ambitious. For aspiring actors, the advice is to focus on the big blockbuster in search of instant fame, money and recognition. A more reality-based approach would benefit would-be thespians. Malkovich started his career in theatre (Chicago’s Steppenwolf, founded by his friend, Gary Sinise). What followed was a lot of stage work, including Death of a Salesman, alongside Dustin Hoffman (the play eventually became a made-for-TV movie in 1984 and earned Malkovich an Emmy). His film debut was in the Oscar-nominated Places of the Heart, for which he himself was given the nod in the Best Supporting Actor category.

Time to Unlock Your Inner Valmont, Cyrus and Mitch

In my own professional career as a teacher and writer I have occasionally adopted John’s attitude to work. Many years ago, whilst still in the travel business as a tour-operator, I was told I had the potential to rise to head of the operations department (even to make it as far up as one of the directors of the agency) if only I put more hours in. I won’t deny that the prospects looked enticing. More money, a nice bonus every couple of months and prestige. It was as swift a journey up the career ladder as anyone could have wished. All I had to do was increase my hours. However, at the time I had a toddler and a baby. Their mum did most of the child-rearing. I realised I was missing out.

I left the travel agency and went to work for a local social enterprise in my neck of the woods in London. My job primarily involved managing community and education projects. The change felt so much more enriching and fulfilling. In the evenings I was home to read stories to my children. Because I was no longer commuting I had time to meet friends again. I had gone for consistency instead. There had been an imbalance in my life and the only way to deal with it was to do a Malkovich, even if back then I was not aware that it was the Illinois-born actor I was emulating. In time, I re-trained as an English language teacher and went back to one of my passions: writing. My first non-fiction book is due to be published this year. Consistency had won.

Consistent People Stick Around Longer

Consistency breeds a “je ne sais qoui” about a person. You’re not a one-hit wonder but a grafter. It also interrupts the pattern dictated by society. Once people realise you’re not a money-minded individual, your opinions and ideas will be sought out. Your input will be welcome. It’s the experience, skills and knowledge you possess that become a commodity. Not whether you drive a BMW or have a second house in France. Once again, John gives us a useful template: The Killing Fields, Dangerous Liaisons, In the Line of Fire, Time Regained and Casanova Variations are proof (if proof were ever needed) of an actor who is as comfortable in a blockbuster as in an art-house film.

This is the main lesson Malkovich has taught me. You’re not smart by peaking early and quickly. You’re smart when you plan your road ahead and factor in both your strengths and weaknesses. You’re smart when you think of the opportunities open to you and potential threats to your projects.

Consistency is precious. More so now, in these Covid-19-infused, uncertain times. Consistency can help us build a better world.