A frustrating film full of overplayed men-as-dogs metaphors, it’s only watchable for Malkovich, who could probably read a social studies exam and still be commanding.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
John Malkovich has played some odd ducks in his career, but for sheer unsavoriness, few can match the blandly monstrous Cape Town poetry professor he brings to off-putting life in Disgrace.
Anchored by another marvelously quirky yet deadly serious performance from John Malkovich, and likely to be relished by the fan base of J.M. Coetzee's Booker Prize-winning novel, this is a strong, perceptive, old-school arthouse picture.
New York Daily News by Joe Neumaier
The film, unfortunately, hasn't the depth Malkovich brings to his performance.
After a compelling opening act and some shocking late-film developments, the film feels disengaged from the action at hand and the issues raised.
Entertainment Weekly by Lisa Schwarzbaum
Newcomer Jessica Haines is transparent and heartbreaking as the prof's unorthodox daughter, a victim of violence as the old ways crumble.
The New York Times by Stephen Holden
Mr. Malkovich is one of the few actors capable of conveying genuine intellectual depth.
I cannot tell a lie. I derive great satisfaction watching John Malkovich act.