Apple Selects John Malkovich as Latest Siri Pitchman

Just last month Apple selected actors Samuel L. Jackson and Zooey Deschanel to cement the iPhone 4S as the world's default smartphone via for Siri. Now one of the more elusive celebrities who for many represents the ultimate anti-mainstream, coffee house intellectual and master of all things quirky—John Malkovich—has joined the Siri campaign.

The two commercials are titled Joke and Life, and in true Malkovich fashion, the spots are minimalist with a touch of the profound. Joke (below) features a suited Malkovich sitting alone in his study listening to opera, cradling a white iPhone 4S thoughtfully. After asking for the weather and restaurant suggestions the actor turns the conversation in an unexpected direction by asking Siri to tell him a joke. The ensuing laughter from Malkovich could be seen as his ironic response to an inanimate object telling a joke, or perhaps a natural reaction to Siri's attempt at humor. That's the magic of Malkovich—you don't know. His acting persona is a consistent enigma, and Apple uses this trait to great effect.

Of course some hardcore Malkovich fans will take offense and see these new commercials as Apple's attempt to turn an alt-culture icon into a mainstream sellout. In fact, on YouTube the videos have already garnered a noticeable amount of "dislike" votes from some viewers.

But those concerns are largely unfounded, at least in relation to Apple, as Malkovich became the commercial spokesperson for Nespresso, the international coffee company, several years ago. The actor appeared in a long series of commercials alongside fellow actor George Clooney, plyaing a mischievous version of "God" who constantly bullied, cajoled, and tricked Clooney into handing over his Nespresso products.

The other Apple spot, meanwhile, Life, shows Malkovich in the same setting as the first asking Siri, in a matter-of-fact fashion, for the meaning of life. The spot underscores how, beyond the fun and games, our computers are transcending the role of simple technological tool and indeed becoming an important part of our lives on a personal level. We won't spoil the answer Siri gives Malkovich, you can watch it for yourself below.