A stunning scene at the end of the film shows puppeteer Malkovich, with Craig inside pulling his strings, operating an intricate Malkovich puppet. It’s made all the brighter by unsuspended disbelief and the realization that it’s actor Malkovich, channeling Cusack impersonating Malkovich’s character, operating a puppet version of himself.

When Craig leaves the Malkovich ship, he moves on to a much simpler life, adopting Lester’s hairstyle and wardrobe and marrying Floris – who apparently never gets old. Upon their release from Malkovich’s subconscious, Maxine confesses to Lotte that she is the father of Maxine’s baby. Craig, Lotte and Maxine briefly reunite on the side of the turnpike but the women reject Craig and he vows to reinstate Malkovich and win back Maxine’s heart – oblivious to the fact that he will be relegated to a passenger soul in his daughter Emily (Kelly Professor).

We then fast forward another seven years and see Maxine, Lotte and Emily laughing by the pool while – unbeknownst to them – Craig sits hopelessly trapped inside Emily, unable even to look away from the devastating sight of his two exes living their lives. happy new life together.