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Being John Malkovich (Patreon)

Published:
2025-11-22 13:00:08
Imported:
2025-11
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Go to this site: Cinebingers.ca for the unedited versions of all our content.

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movie runtime: 01:53:45

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Being John Malkovich | Canadian First Time Watching | Movie Reaction | Movie Review | Commentary

Full length/Unedited: https://www.patreon.com/Cinebinge https://www.instagram.com/cinebingechannel/ Merch: https://www.cinebinge.ca BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/cinebinge.bsky.social Simone & George are reacting to Being John Malkovich for the first time! Canadians React! Subscribe | Like | Share | Comment Early Access & Full Reaction available on Patreon! #moviereaction #moviereview #johnmalkovich Instagram: @cinebingechannel

Comments

Skitzobunny

Malkovich was already a two time Oscar nominee whose early movie roles were well received (lots of Oscars etc). The role that catapulted him to stardom was Dangerous Liasons, which ironically was based on the same source material as Cruel Intentions (the modernized version). Crazy, huh? And that scene where Malkovich was hit in the with head with a can by a random passenger in a car—that was some random passerby and they kept it in the movie 😂

Anthony Fontana

Without going into any detail, "Adaptation" is such a fantastic follow-up to watch at some point. Hope we can get it on the polls eventually!

dudewheresmycar

Well I'm not gonna sleep tonight after seeing that thumbnail.

Skitzobunny

Charlie Kaufman is one of my favorite screenwriters. This, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Adaptation, etc.

sb

Did Simone say she's scared of scaring people? Did she create a brand new phobia? I must research this.

Mike FromOz

Hahaha omg... I thought the 'Shark Tale' thumbnail was cursed... hooo-boy! This is great, thank you 😁

Peter Rosin

The movie with Matt Damon and John Malkovic where Malkovic has an extreme accent is Rounders. It's a great movie, you should watch it. It also has Edward Norton in it.

Leenis

George trying to convince us he couldn't be a spy because he would stand out is sus. Methinks you protest too much!

Matt Dellarosa

Well done Simone! Lol, I'm surprised by how accurate your guess was on the plot of this movie was. I guess the poster gives it away a little but it's still such a bizarre concept that I don't think I could have guessed it myself. Very funny reaction, loved watching yall wrap your minds around this concept and laugh at some of the wierd parts. I forgot how dark this movie is. I remember feeling kinda sorry for John Cusacks character the first time I watched this but I forgot about him tying up his wife. So now not so much. It's a wierd movie but also super sad in alot of ways. Glad yall enjoyed it.

Chris Kelley

If you like the actor John Malkovich I need to recommend In the line of fire (1993) and Rounders (1998).

Ben Stevens

either you're an ugly spy or a sexy assassin. you can't have it both ways.

JBK405

You mentioned the similarities to "Get Out", and there's actually a theory that "Get Out" is a stealth sequel to this film. That Catherine Keener is playing the same role in both, and Missy Armitage is just Maxine Lund having learned how to take part in the mechanics of the transference. Jordan Peele has said that was NOT intentional, but he did notice the similarities when it was pointed out to him. John Malkovich's middle name is not "Horatio", it's "Gavin". The different name in the film is meant to indicate that he's playing a fictional version of himself, not himself for real.

Jordan Hume

You guys SERIOUSLY need to watch Counterpart on Amazon Prime. It's a hugely underrated show that has two seasons (the show was planned for 2 seasons from the beginning). JK Simmons is phenomenal. You guys would really like it. I promise.

Ea-nāṣir, the worst copper merchant in history!

You shouldn't be attractive as a spy. That stands out too much. You should be charismatic to build rapport with the people you need. As an assassin, you need to be as inconspicuous as possible, so neither ugly nor good looking. You shouldn't get noticed by others enough to be regarded as charismatic as well. Charisma could be useful to talk yourself out of suspicious situations though.

R. Chang

Regarding the opening conversation, you guys absolutely must watch Spy, starring Melissa McCarthy. It is simultaneously a very funny comedy and a very good spy movie. Melissa McCarthy is an "unattractive" spy who ends up getting sent out with a cover identity as a lonely cat lady.

Matt Dellarosa

Adaptation needs to be on the channel. Another wierd but good movie.

Matt Dellarosa

John Malcovich was very well known when this movie came out. One of his earlier roles that I highly recommend watching is In the Line of Fire starring Clint Eastwood. He also played Lenny in Of Mice and Men but I dont remember the timing of it. Just know it was before this movie.

cincassette

I'm really glad you enjoyed it! I've been looking forward to this reaction all week :) You should watch Spike Jonze and Charlie Kaufman's follow up, "Adaptation," next. You've seen Charlie Kaufman's work on display before as the writer of "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," but that's just the tip of the iceberg. His scripts and films really are unlike anyone else’s. "Adaptation" (without spoiling anything) also has direct ties to "Being John Malkovich," so I think you'll enjoy that a lot.

Big Mac

The guy at the end of the movie being interviewed is David Fincher btw. Fincher was an owner of Propaganda Films which was the production company that produced this film.

maikeru

Malkovich malkovich malkovich? Malkovich malkovich malkovich, malkovich malkovich.

RabidMango

I feel like I'm on an island by myself saying this, but I saw Adaptation as a teenager and it changed me. Before I thought movies were fun, and I still do. But when I saw that I was like, woh... how'd that writer do that? Kinda pushed me to being a film buff.

Brad Lowry

It’s amazing, based on George’s comment at the end about growing into celebrity and understanding how to negotiate it, that they did in fact cast Carlie Sheen! Unlike John Malkovich, Charlie Sheen did NOT have the possibility of growing into fame and negotiating it. He was thrust into it by way of his father being a Hollywood Golden Boy already. Perhaps there is a lesson there about how fame and stardom didn’t fare well for Charlie and his cacophony of excesses.

Brad Lowry

As Cinebingers in Chicago know (as well as just theatre fans) John Malkovich was indeed, as the mini-bio points out, a founding member of Steppenwolf Theatre. The list of those that have blessed the Silver Screen after starting there is lengthy. Notable AND reactable is “Places in the Heart” which, I’m pretty sure, is the film where Malkovich was nominated for his first Oscar (and where Sally Field won her first Oscar).

Some Guy Some Where

I've been hoping you would watch this for years! Such an interesting, weird movie. This was a spec script that launched Charlie Kaufman's career. You have already seen Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. The other esential Kaufman film is Adaptation, another great one. There's also his directorial debut Synechdoche, NY.

cincassette

I understand that completely! It's the most incredible thing, when a movie manages to capture you in that way and reprogramme your brain in some way. For me it was probably Jacques Tati's "Playtime." The first time I saw it I immediately rewatched it that same night, and 2-3 more times that week, but every once in a while a film manages to broaden my horizons of what a movie can be, really sticking in my brain and reminding me why I love cinema.

Rob

Synechdoche NY is great but it's a really heavy film

Jonathan Eaton

Now you've seen Charlie Kaufman's movies Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Being John Malkovich, the next should be Adaptation (2002) Comedy/Crime starring Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep, Chris Cooper, Tilda Swinton.

Jonathan Eaton

Synechdoche, NY was beyond my comprehension. But Adaptation is brilliant!

BangDroid

So happy you watched this one guys! One of my all favorite movies from my teens, I probably watched it 20 times on VHS, no one I know likes it as much as me so it was great to enjoy the reaction.

Simone's Coconut Squire

I ADORE Adaptation for the same reason I love this movie, it stretches the boundaries of what a movie can be. The one caveat I have for reactors doing that movie is that I feel like they should have a modicum of backstory to the creation of the movie.

matan ron

Apparently Kaufman already wrote the script as 'Being John Malkovich' and refused to change it into 'Being Tom Cruise' or some other more popular and well known actor during pitching the movie.

KM

This was also the first feature film that Spike Jonze directed.

KM

Unless you're engaging in some sort of honeypot scheme.

akaTheBAY-AY-RON

I don't think I have it in me to be a spy/assassin. I DO however, have what it takes to be a black and white photo inside an envelope that's handed to a spy or assassin. Not because I'm a corrupt person who has any sway or power, I just feel like I bother a lot of people. Eh... What can you do? Anyways, you guys should add "Election" (1999), a dark comedy with Matthew Broderick to the list, not sure if it's been recommended yet. also "Cable Guy." I imagine that one's been suggested but it's also a dark comedy from the 90s with Matthew Broderick in it (along with a certain rubber-faced comedian), so worth a mention.

Justin Leone

I think the majority of spying is not about blending in, so much as it's about social engineering. All else being equal, attractive people make friends easier. Friends are more likely to be trusted and get privileged information from people than anonymous nobodies. But I bet it depends on the type of spying and the target. I'd think that some spying can be done by simply being a faceless member of an organization and keeping your ear to the ground, while gathering more sensitive, highly guarded information (or making an enemy do something stupid) would require a more proactive approach involving direct manipulation.

Tyler Foster

Echoing everyone that says now you need to do Adaptation.

Jeff K.

Well now I just want George and Simone to watch the Redford/Pitt movie Spy Game after reading your comment.

Jesse Coombs

Adaptation is the perfect follow-up.

Jeff K.

For John Cusack: I wanna recommend Better Off Dead and One Crazy Summer to throw it back to his very brief, very niche, very distinct "outsider who happens to also be cool and charming but isn't popular" run of movies.

Jesse Coombs

And if they really want to go down the Charlie Kaufman rabbit hole, they should check out "Synecdoche, New York", "Anomalisa", and "I'm Thinking of Ending Things." All touch on similar themes in different ways and all are fascinating.

Jeff K.

Shout out to my absolute all-time favorite Steppenwolf Theatre alum, John "Marty Crane" Mahoney.

Simone's Coconut Squire

Yeah he was one of those guys that didn’t work a lot, but every role was a homerun.

Jonathan Eaton

Synecdoche was beyond what I could comprehend. But I would love to watch them react to it.

Max Krause

George you wouldn't have to be a band member. You could completely blend in with the roadies and somehow, weird stage accidents would start happening...

Ari Ramirez

Malkovich! Malkovich malkovich malkovich malkovich, malkovich, malkovich "Malkovich" malkovich.

Foamy

George dropped a Hobbit reference. I wonder if he's aware that Orson Bean played Bilbo in the 70's as well as the boss in this movie.

Pam Nail

I still say "fork ah did" to this day.

Layan

A movie you guys need to check out is Sunset Boulevard (1950). It’s a classic film noir, and it has one of the most iconic characters ever Norma Desmond uttering a great line after great line. It’s directed by Billy Wilder, an excellent director, and it would be fun to dive into his filmography because he made many great movies like The Apartment, Some Like It Hot, Double Indemnity, and Witness for the Prosecution (the greatest courtroom thriller with the craziest plot twist).

Ea-nāṣir, the worst copper merchant in history!

I’d argue charisma is more important there too. If you send some mid-range looking, it’s far less obvious it’s a honey-trap. If a beautiful 25 year old blond with a great smile and big … you know… I’d know it’s something fishy. If a divorced but charming single mom of 40 starts taking an interest I might fall for it.

punterjoe

Many British spy movies (with notable exceptions like 007) feature ... not UGLY... but ...ordinary folks as spies. Michael Caine's Harry Palmer was a fairly plain looking spy. (BTW, Ken Russel's "Billion Dollar Brain" is an UNHINGED spy film that's not ...intentionally... a spoof.) Matt Damon in DeNiro's "The Good Shepherd" is a very ordinary looking spy too. Thanks for watching Malkovich. I love this movie and still marvel that it actually got made. I try to imagine the Pitch Meeting ....and CAN'T!

Will Sofer

Did you not watch the trivia/outro?

Jesse

Please watch Adaptation, another Charlie Kaufman film and I'd say it is his best.

Justin Leone

Yeah, James Bond is... Not usually a very good spy. Ironically, it's one of the silliest Bond movies (Die Another Day) which seems to be the most self-conscious of this fact, when another character refers to him, derogatorily as "a blunt instrument who's primary method is to provoke and confront". And she's right. But his methods work because the villains' methods are frequently to tell him their whole plan while underestimating his ability to escape. His best spy work, where he actually spends much of the movie deceiving and manipulating, is probably License to Kill, which is perhaps the greatest departure from the usual Bond formula (and one of the better movies in the franchise, imo).

Data Cable

Appropriate that they have a discussion about fictional spies being implausibly glamorous, right before a film in which Cameron Diaz plays an unglamorous character.

TheNeonRabbit

This may be the most horrifying thumbnail you've ever done

Happy Hanukkah

It is unfair to label Catherine Keener a spy, despite her involvement with both a prominent minister as well as a Soviet naval attaché at the same time.

Z. Mulls

What blows my mind is that those are his *only* acting nominations. I thought for sure he was nominated for this film, but he wasn't. Utterly criminal, his commitment to playing not only a version of himself, but nailing the styles of John Cusack and Orson Bean (plus the physical comedy of fighting to control himself -- and the dance sequence).

Brien

Rounders Rounders Rounders. You will love him in it. Stacked cast.

Tyler Foster

Obviously, there's subjectivity at play, but honestly all of the flashback stuff in Malkovich's subconscious is actually just a joke. It's one of those things where it's like...part of the gag is that this is a cartoon version of Malkovich, which draws from his real life but which is also largely nonsense. If you were doing a spoof movie gag about a character with a "rough childhood," you might come up with some of these scenarios as stereotypical "scenes you've seen in movies."

Dan Holmes

You can just not do a thumbnail for this one ya know, that'd be ok...

Brien

Speaking of Severance, John Turturro is also in Rounders..Match made in heaven.

PropheticSage

The intro talking about spies has me hoping for a Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy reaction

Ken

Simone should go heavy on the goth makeup and not mention it to George, just to get George's reaction when he goes to edit :P

Some Guy Some Where

It’s so impressive that they managed to get it made at all, let alone do such a great job with it.

Ken

And the interview Simone was talking about with Matt Damon was about the movie Rounders, awesome flick. You guys should watch it.

FranciscoGios

First off, cool shirts by both of you and last and not least Simone owns the people who voted for this movie new DOOR NOBS, okay thanks Simone. There is no good theater with John Malkovich y’all

paul rai

Hope you guys watch Adaptation, as it’s sort of a sequel/meta-follow up to the Being John Malkovich (also directed by Spike Jonze and written by Charlie and Donald Kaufman*)

Matt Blanchette

THEY TOD ME "MALKOVICH", BUT I DIDN'T BELIEVE THEM!!! :-O *WHY* DIDN'T I BELIEVE THEM?!?!?

Matt Blanchette

"Billion Dollar Brain" is gorgeous and INSANE. But the first film, "The IPCRESS File", was directed and produced by Canadians!

Tyler Foster

Yes please to both Election and The Cable Guy.

Tyler Foster

Also, Con Air was already out by this time.

Tyler Foster

To clarify this a little: Fincher plays a fictional writer for, I think, the New York Times in the documentary that Malkovich watches about his puppetry career on television.

fwfwfwfwf wfwfw

i loved the scene with the animal crackers. i felt it was a nice romance warming scene that brought you into their world while they were being goofy :-).

Persnickity

This movie gave me contact high. I recommend RED for more malkovich

KM

This is the first time I've heard anyone say "it's a good look for him" when referring to John Cusack in this movie. I totally agree, this is a creepy, dark movie! There's no other movie like it. It was Spike Jonze's first feature film, and I think it was Kaufman's, too. I love Being John Malkovich, and I'm glad it won the poll, but Adaptation (another Spike Jonze + Charlie Kaufman collaboration) is better. It references this movie, though, so you had to watch this one first.

Tay Schumaker

Everything Charlie Kauffman's written has deeply affected me somehow, this one maybe the least. But his writing is deeply fucked and amazing

Kenneth thomas

You guys should DEF continue the Charlie Kaufman written films, and check out Adaptation if you haven't seen it. Its my personal favorite of his.

jay

i'm really hoping this convinces them to continue the charlie kaufman train, he has so many of my all time favorite works. one of the most inspirational people alive for me right now

jay

"i feel like i'm not high enough right now" he says as i went to light my 3rd bowl of the night lol

Daniel Jones

Since you liked this movie, you should watch the rest of Charlie Kaufman’s filmography, especially his directorial debut Synecdoche, New York!

Jay Perry

John Malkovich played a French jewel thief and descendant of James II, Pascal Sauvage, in the 2003 film Johnny English.

Jay Perry

The film Being John Malkovich was released in 1999.

jay

speaking of nolan and inception, i would love to see you guys react to the animated japanese film paprika directed by satoshi kon. and his mini series paranoia agent, i think it's either 12 or 13 episodes at 22-25 min runtime each not related to anything else but i hope somehow save the green planet could get done down the line, not sure if there's been a lot of reqs for bugonia (the new remake with emma stone) for whenever it's on digital (i haven't seen it yet), but the original is one of the most bizarre and also... just one of the most fucked up things i've ever seen, but also some of the greatest editing i've seen. watching 28 years later recently it reminded me of the editing in that one a lot the more i thought about it

jay

cars 2 anyone?

jay

and malkovich was in the game right?

jay

willie garson plays one of my favorite characters ever in white collar and i just know george would get such a kick out of it, simone too... in her own way, but anyone who's seen it knows it's directly up george's alley lol and honestly i wouldn't be surprised if he's seen it or a bit at least

David S

you should check out Spielberg's "Empire of the Sun" with Malkovich and a very very young Christian Bale (in one of his best performances, even though it may have been his first).

Marcus Hicks

That puppet show towards the start would probably appeal to Bender (IYKYK).

Marcus Hardy

Adaptation is a must follow up. One of Nic Cage's best role in my opinion.

gfixler

Well, if it's really a legal requirement, then I guess I have to admit that I'm a spy... for Popcorn in Bed.

Thirty Year Old Mulberry Field

I seem to be a guy who has one of those “familiar faces” and at some point I aquired the skill of recalling names well, would that put me on the track to a career in espionage? The puppetry in this movie reminds me of a time in elementary school where we were treated to a puppet show of “Rumpelstiltskin”. So that makes me happy :) I mean, before I’m reminded of all the existential themes frequently associated with Charlie Kaufman scripts :| Given my aforementioned challenges with physiognomy, I’ve been in rooms with some doppelgängers every now and then, its quite a head trip. So that iconic scene with Malkovich is oddly relatable. And of course count me among the many here who hope y’all watch “Adaptation” with BJM fresh on your minds, its a doozy.

Naturekitty5309

What happened to your Forrest Gump reaction. Can't find on the new site.

Andras Beck

That. TTSS is awesome! I also would love to have an "The Americans" series reaction.

Jonas

I have been looking forward to this one for years. It was my favorite movie for a long time, and I knew it would be a great Cinebinge movie. Super dark comic fantasy is a perfect fit for this channel. People keep recommending Adaptation as the next Charlie Kaufman film, but don't sleep on "Synecdoche, New York." It's an even darker, even more comic, even more fantastical Kaufman film that he wrote and directed.

Skitzobunny

That dance sequence 😂😂😂😂

Simon Pegged Me

Shhh. I'm presently being George. Don't ruin the experience for me.

Ben Stevens

you guys are about ready for Rounders now too. better put it on a poll!

Cinebinge

Our Forrest Gump reaction received a DMCA take down a while back and had to be deleted. Unlike a regular YouTube copyright strike where only the video on YT needs taking down, a DMCA request means all content related to it has to be deleted. Regardless of platform, it is the recordings themselves. So everything to do with that specific reaction and recording is gone.

zona999

Seeing the poster for Dangerous Liaisons in this film is a reminder that Cinebinge NEEDS, HAS to react to that! A brilliant film and one of Malkovich's best performances and to erase the memory of that cheesy sclock fest, Cruel Intentions, which is based on it.

Kimmie Koneko

One of my favorite films of all time. I just love that combination of weird humor and dark fantasy. I agree that Adaptation should be your next Charlie Kaufman reaction, and Synecdoche, New York after that, but don't sleep on Human Nature! It's maybe a sillier, minor Kaufman film, but with a lot of the same themes. BTW, on the topic of spies, I just recently learned that there was a British spy in the 60's that got caught immediately. Why? He didn't do anything suspicious, it's just that his real name happened to be...James Bond.

Jacob King

Great movie. I’m not sure if Simone realised the two doorknobs were a matching pair. One led to the portal and the other led to Lester’s Malkovich room. It’s a cool little detail. The giant Emily Dickinson puppet at the beginning is warning Craig that it is better to be an unknown entity than “somebody” known who is on display. Craig doesn’t listen but Lotte and Maxine call their daughter Emily. I think it’s a happy ending.

jay

is this... real? lmao, i need an article or something of the sorts if so. insanity

Kinokind

First, Charlie Kaufman is certainly a genius. It should have been obvious after seeing "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind". "Adaptation" is also brilliant. So brilliant that Kaufman and his twin brother both won Oscars for the screenplay. Except he doesn't have a twin brother. But his Magnum Opus is "Synecdoche New York". Kaufman wrote and directed it. It is so stark, that one of the New York critics watched it and spent the rest of the night alone in a bar getting drunk. When Roger Ebert reviewed it, he said nothing about the film, but ruminated on the meaning of life and mortality. It's one of the most amazing films ever made. As for "Malkovich," I saw it in the theater, and was startled and perplexed by it. Is it a comedy or tragedy? Both. But Kaufman doesn't follow the convention of three act construction. When, during a rare lecture, a student asked Kaufman how to know which script writing rules to ignore, he replied, "There are no rules." PS- I just realized, one of the producers was Michael Stipe!?

Shibby

What a weird and interesting movie, I never would have watched it without this reaction and I'm glad I did. John Malkovich is hilarious in RED with Bruce Willis and I can highly recommend it.

Cory Garron

My first time watching, and the ending completely lost it for me. Maxine's redpemption made no sense to me. She was selfish and selfabsorbed, and didn't deserve it.

funky weapon

this is a horror movie and nobody can convince me otherwise. is it quirky? yep. is it weird? yep. but it's a horror movie. even the ending is horrifying. for everyone.

Jpsynergy

I agree though none of the three deserved any kind of happy ending.

Cory Garron

Agreed, and Craig didn't

Tyler Explains It All

Well, the English voice actor for Naruto's dad was a spy, and he was an average looking overweight man. They tend to hire average looking people who blend in and not stand out. At least in the United States they want to hire people you wouldn't notice but have a charm and personality to them.

Angela D. Mitchell

In historical real life, most spies were/are prized for their forgettability and ability to blend in. They weren't glamorously going around seducing, they were watching and listening and passing info, etc. Personally, I'd think the perfect spy wouldn't be a knockout, but someone ordinarily attractive who can use makeup to dress themselves up or down as needed. (Speaking of which, if you guys didn't watch "The Americans," you absolutely should! Great show.) I forgot how awful everyone is in this (except poor Malkovich). Even Lotte, who is definitely the best person in it, tries to kill a pregnant woman! Aghgh. The one person I was still rooting for by the end was Elijah the chimp! The ending of the movie is so, so dark. It actually struck me as being even darker this time than when I first watched it a few decades back. It's interesting to watch this after "Lost in Translation" knowing that Anna Faris's character there is widely believed to be a wicked (and very accurate) parody of Cameron Diaz's real-life sweet-but-not-too-bright personality -- right down to the stories she tells in the movie. Coppola later denied it, but it's pretty accepted that it was directly based on Coppola's real-life interactions with her while (and after) her fiancee/husband at the time Spike Jonze shot this movie. But on the plus side, Cameron is really good in this movie, so kudos to her. (She is also superb in a little sleeper film called "Things You Can Tell Just By Looking at Her" that hardly anyone has seen, but it's just wonderful.)

Angela D. Mitchell

I totally agree -- I definitely wish they'd watched DL first, before Cruel Intentions.

cagney

Synecdoche, NY is one of my favorite movies. I love Kaufman's work in general though. They may be long shots for a reaction at any point but both Anomalisa and I'm Thinking of Ending Things are worth watching as well.

Holy Squire

The Antichrist leaves an impression like an ax wound to the back of the head. Willem Dafoe is incredible.

Holy Squire

There's a logically constructed ridiculousness.

Amelie W

Movies steer you wrong right from the start. The usual way to get a spy is not really training an especially motivated, intellectually and physically gifted individual into an elite assassin/infiltrator/provocateur from childhood, but you find someone already on the inside and turn them. You'd be looking for someone willing to turn on their boss or whoever, so it would be someone unhappy with their station who's open to your offers. The more lonely, bitter, broke and bullied the cheaper they come. So you'd think most spies don't have looks going for them. Although the other side knows this too, so they'll treat the most unattractive people as bigger security risks, and you end up more with the most unassuming, average-looking people. (I could never be a spy cause I'm too much of a weirdo to ever be allowed near stuff worth spying on.)