An artist struggling to find the perfect inspiration for his work is where director Spike Jonze takes us in his latest film Adaptation. In Hollywood’s world of mega action flicks where the heroes never die, or even get hurt, Jonze’s film is a breath of fresh air.
The movie has a simple plot. Real-life screenwriter Charlie Kaufman (played by Nicolas Cage), famous for films Being John Malkovich and Human Nature, attempts to write the screenplay version of a real-life nonfiction book, The Orchid Thief, written by author Susan Orlean of The New Yorker (played by Meryl Streep).
The film begins on the set of Being John Malkovich, and it travels back in time several years, examining Orlean’s making of her book, and then Kaufman’s passion to capture the true essence of Orlean’s work. During the screenwriter’s pains to be original and come up with a masterpiece screenplay, he looks for inspiration in the very orchids, while fending off interruptions from his twin brother Donald (also played by Cage). During his journey, he studies the works of evolutionist Charles Darwin and real-life screenplay guru Robert McKee (played by Brian Cox), and the audience is provided with perspectives about orchids, which are portrayed as both inspiring and appealing.
Jonze and Kaufman manage to create a brilliant film out of simple plot elements in a very original way. Since Adaptation is not a real adaptation of a book into a screenplay – it is about the process of adapting the book – the film becomes a fresh experience for viewers.
For the first half of the movie, Kaufman’s vulnerability is dissected. His doubts and fears about his work are what drive the plot forward.
The subplot of the film is a very engaging tale between Orlean and the protagonist of her book, John Laroche (played by Chris Cooper).
The author falls for Laroche, since he is able to allow her to explore her sexuality and independence. Laroche is a peculiar character who audiences will most likely appreciate toward the end of the movie.
In the end, the shy Kaufman also confronts his own timidity, with the help of his more ambitious brother Donald, who co-wrote the film with him.
With superior acting by every cast member, Adaptation is a unique movie about triumph and overcoming obstacles.
Columbia Pictures’ Adaptation is currently playing nationally at major theaters. It is rated R for language and sexuality. q