From Penn’s ‘Capote’ to Warhol’s ‘Marilyn': “Malkovich, Malkovich, Malkovich” Tributes History’s Photographic Greats

15 years since the iconic “Being John Malkovich” came to our screens, American photographer Sandro Miller has collaborated with the actor, which is also his long-time friend, John Malkovich to recreate some of the most famous portraits captured throughout history.The project, which is titled Malkovich, Malkovich, Malkovich: Homage to Photographic Masters.

Richard Avedon – Ronald Fisher, ‘Beekeeper’, 1981

Andy Warhol – ‘Green Marilyn’, 1962

At the age of sixteen, upon seeing the work of Irving Penn, Sandro Miller knew he wanted to become a photographer. Mostly self-taught, Sandro relied on books published by many of the great artists canonized in photographic history. Through their pictures, he learned the art of composition, lighting and portraiture.

Malkovich, Malkovich, Malkovich honors photographs that have impacted Sandro. Pieces include Irving Penn’s photograph of Truman Capote in a corner; Bert Stern’s photographs of Marilyn Monroe; Dorothea Lange’s image of a migrant mother; Robert Mapplethorpe’s self-portrait with a gun; Annie Leibovitz’s iconic image of John Lennon and Yoko Ono; Richard Avedon’s beekeeper, among many others.

When speaking about Malkovich, Sandro states:

John is the most brilliant, prolific person I know. His genius is unparalleled. 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.