Review: Adaptation (2002)

Adaptation (2002)

ADMIT ONE to the mind-bending, meta world of Charlie Kaufman's psyche. This film is the epitome of what I will refer to as the intellectual's mindfuck. It is like what Dazed and Confused or Pineapple Express are to stoners, but for the thinkers out there. Adaptation is equally trippy as these films, but in a very different and more cerebral way.

I will try to briefly explain what the film is about, however, for those that are unfamiliar with it, I imagine you will quickly think to yourself, "what in the fuck..."

Adaptation is stated to be based on the real novel The Orchid Thief by Susan Orleans but the film is really about Charlie Kaufman's struggle to adapt the novel into a complete screenplay. So, yes, the film is about the writing of... the actual film. This film, as such, is one of the most meta stories you will find out there, and that is much of the fun and complexity of it. The audience has to contend with constantly trying to determine which parts of the film are true (i.e. Kaufman's real life struggle to adapt the book) and which are fictitious and highly satirical (i.e. Kaufman's invented twin brother for the film, Donald Kaufman, and many other plot points I will not spoil).

Kaufman and his twin, Donald, are both played by Nicholas Cage. The dual roles lets him really shine as he is able to let loose with Donald, as, for better or worse, he often does, and then reign it in for a more nuanced performance with Charlie. The VFX of the two-Cages is actually quite extraordinary to watch here as Cage seems to have a real en

ergetic chemistry, well, with himself... The other leads are Meryl Streep who plays author, Orleans, and Chris Cooper who plays, John LaRoche, the titular, orchid thief, and subject of her novel. All three are exceptional throughout this film, each giving strong, comical and evocative performances. Accordingly all three were nominated for multiple acting awards and Cooper ended up winning Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars.

This film will very much be determined by whether you enjoy unraveling a complicated and ambiguous plot line that will have your mind working in overdrive throughout its run time. That is not to say that the film isn't also extremely entertaining, funny and engaging. Yes, Kaufman may write a screenplay like the physics in an Escher painting but, like Escher, he does it with exceptional class and ability. He, too, rightfully was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay for the film. I absolutely recommend watching Adaptation if you want a truly unique film experience.
8.5/10