Being John Malkovich at a film festival

The actor is visiting Turkey to promote his latest film, "Disgrace," which he watched for the first time at its premiere screening in the 28th International Istanbul Film Festival, organized by the Istanbul Culture and Arts Foundation, or IKSV, this week. When asked why he had not yet seen his movie, Malkovich said, "The DVD of the film that they sent me only worked intermittently." Malkovich did not have much to say about the film itself. As he walked into the stunning conference room of the Marmara Hotel Istanbul, the actor’s eyes were not on the cameras but on the panoramic views of the Bosphorus, which seemed to have taken his thoughts far away. "I did not have much involvement with the interpretation element of the film and novel," Malkovich said. "My role was as a professional actor who was directed to perform the role."

When asked if he had seen any Turkish films or if he had an opinion about Turkish cinema, Malkovich told the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic Review that he was not much of a filmgoer and did not have an opinion on any kind of cinema, be it Turkish or Chinese. He added that he had once seen a Turkish film in Cairo, but could not remember its name or subject. The only comment Malkovich made about Turkey was that he had visited the country before and found it full of beauty.

Throughout the hour-long press conference, Malkovich was asked a series of question about his films and his life, but only provided short answers of a few words or single sentences as his attention alternated between the room and the view.

Born in the United States, Malkovich has spent time living in different European countries. "Life is too short," he said. "It is important to move around after you have spent so much of your life in one place." During his visit to Istanbul, Malkovich received an honorary award from the IKSV.