I don't know a single person who has seen Being John Malkovich, so I haven't had anyone recommend it. It just floated up in my Blockbuster queue. I'd never read the DVD case and suggest the same for people considering watching it. Just go in blind.
I was expecting some sort of mockumentary about John Malkovich. Don't laugh - I'm serious! Instead I got an artsy examination of the soul. "Examination" is a strong word -- it's an artsy string of visuals and dialogue on the soul. What if you could access a portal into another person? Well, if it was John Malkovich, you'd be fugly with a round, hairless belly.