"It's not Coetzee's assertion that the white minority South Africans must go a ways toward assimilating into African life to remain relevant that invites deep scrutiny, but the narrow vision presented here of Africanization as something akin to wilding." - Ryan Stewart

One of Malkovich's finest (and meatiest) screen performances is the centrepiece of masterful character study. Consistently involving and hypnotic from the word go, and doggedly unpredictable; Malkovich makes his central character someone to care for, despite his often pig-headed arrogance. Exquisite supporting performances right down the line help enhance an intelligent screenplay, that certainly convinces on a visceral level and presents the viewer with a genuine moral and ethical quagmire.

After blunt beginning the story got more interesting at countryside. John Malkovich was acting John Malkovich. Jessica Haines and Fiona Press were interesting fresh faces. Symbolism was nice. I also liked the plot, though the film was a bit too simple for my taste.

Interesting.

Not quite on the level of Coetzee's often bitingly sharp, consistently insightful book, but still a very good attempt at making it into a movie with some great tracking shots, geometrical composition and - in particular - use of silence and non-movement. It really does rock inertia. Also: Malkovich seems spot on as David Lurie, and Jessica Haines does well as his daughter too.

Difficult at times to watch but a satisfying movie. John Malkovich gives a superb performance.

Great. I didn't really like this film. The female lead whose tragedy we are supposed to empathize with is so unlikeable, perhaps intentionally, it frustrates you to the point of anger. In my personal opinion, this film is hard to watch because of the subject matter and how its handled, the only redeeming quality I found was Malcovich's excellent performance as the compulsive fornicator and that's what my 72 score is for. Not recommended.