This Photographer Put John Malkovich Into Iconic Portraits Of The Past

A combination of John Malkovich's legendary acting prowess and photographer Sandro Miller's image editing skill gives history the Malkovich edge it always needed.

by Beckett Mufson

September 23, 2014, 6:00pm

Alberto Korda / Che Guevara (1960), 2014. All images © Sandro Miller courtesy of Catherine Edelman Gallery Chicago

Legendary actor John Malkovich's vast catalog of characters includes a defunct secret agent, a religious figurehead on an alien planet, a Kubrick-impersonating con man, and several hilariously dramatized versions of himself. Now, in Malkovich, Malkovich, Malkovich: Homage to Photographic Masters, by photographer Sandro Miller, Malkovich is playing the roles of a lifetime—as characters in 25 of the most recognized photographs in history.

Miller directed, photographed, and edited each image himself, collaborating with Malkovich to recreate the images that have inspired the photographer throughout his career. From the shutterbug's personal favorite, Alfred Hitchcock with Goose (1973), originally photographed by Albert Watson, to Alberto Korda's revolutionary portrait, Che Guevara (1960), Miller seamlessly integrates Malkovich into decades of photographic history. It's an effect Miller says wouldn't have been possible without the acclaimed actor's expertise: “John is the most brilliant, prolific person I know. His genius is unparalleled," Miller says in the project's exhibition statement. "I can suggest a mood or an idea and within moments, he literally morphs into the character right in front of my eyes. He is so trusting of my work and our process… I’m truly blessed to have him as my friend and collaborator.” For the full exclusive interview with John Malkovich, check out publication, 7-Post, and French newspaper, Libération.

Malkovich, Malkovich, Malkovich… is the most recent series in a 16-year-long relationship between the two artists, one which began when Miller shot a series for the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago. For us, any excuse for more Malkovich is a good one—even if history is altered in the process.

Check out the images below to find out what the world would look like if its most iconic figures had looked just like John, and see the photos in person at the Catherine Edelman Gallery in Chicago from Nov. 7, 2014 to Jan. 31, 2015.