Spike Jonze’s wildly inventive comedy about a portal into the mind of actor John Malkovich is set in New York – but filmed largely in Los Angeles, with the New Jersey Turnpike for its surreal finale.
Where was Being John Malkovich filmed?
Being John Malkovich was filmed largely in Los Angeles, with the New Jersey Turnpike for its finale.
Every Being John Malkovich location, explained
1
The 7½ floor office – Los Angeles
The strange low-ceilinged office and its world were built in Los Angeles.
2
The city – LA as New York
The urban scenes used Los Angeles, standing in for New York.
3
The portal’s exit – New Jersey Turnpike
The portal famously spits people out beside the New Jersey Turnpike.
4
The studio sets
The film’s surreal spaces were built on LA sound stages.
Planning a visit
Los Angeles – and the famous New Jersey Turnpike – are the real, accessible anchors of the film’s strange world.
Being John Malkovich Fun Facts
1
Filmed in LA Despite its New York setting, the film was shot largely in Los Angeles.
2
The New Jersey Turnpike The mind-portal famously spits people out beside the Turnpike.
3
A floor 7½ The office sits on a half-height floor of a building.
4
A Charlie Kaufman script The mind-bending screenplay came from Charlie Kaufman.
5
Jonze's debut It marked the feature debut of director Spike Jonze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Being John Malkovich filmed?
Largely in Los Angeles, with the New Jersey Turnpike for its finale.
Where does the portal lead?
It leads into John Malkovich’s mind, and exits by the New Jersey Turnpike.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Los Angeles is accessible.
Who directed it?
Spike Jonze.
Who wrote it?
Charlie Kaufman.
