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Engrossing tale of creativity and passion
By Lin Murray
Posted Mon, 10 Mar 2003
I am tempted to write this review about how I couldn’t write this review. Why not? Charlie Kaufman did it with 'Adaptation' by reaching in and plucking a magnificent piece of work right out of the murky labyrinth of his own writer’s block. Why can’t I do the same?
But do you really want to know all about my neuroses, my insecurities, my fear of failure and my inability to encapsulate the true essence of 'Adaptation' to be read by all? No, I didn’t think so.
So, kudos to clever Charlie Kaufman then, for turning his claustrophobic inner struggle in trying to write a screenplay for Susan Orlean’s novel 'The Orchid Thief' into a movie about that very thing — and for pulling it off. But then what else could you expect from the person co-responsible for the brilliant 'Being John Malkovich'?
'Adaptation' is an incredibly multi-layered movie, playing and replaying on illusion and reality, truth and fiction, with no time boundaries whatsoever. The movie defies conventional Hollywood narrative, and yet still manages to spin an engrossing story. About what? Who knows? Does it matter? Did you feed the cat?
One moment we see the beginning of humankind, the next we see Charlie Kaufman (played by Nicholas Cage) on the set of 'Being John Malkovich'. Then we see him typing up the beginning of 'Adaptation', describing a scene that is exactly the one that we have just seen. Intersperse this with the story of Susan Orlean (played by Meryl Streep) and her study — say, two years back to the script, of renegade Florida orchid expert John Laroche and watch how Kaufman writes himself into the movie, thereby turning truth into fiction and vice-versa.
Oh, and I haven’t even mentioned Charlie’s twin brother, Donald (also played by Cage) who is a fictitious character but whom the “real” Kaufman credits as co-writer of 'Adaptation’s' script.
I know it sounds messy, but Kaufman and director Spike Jonze, with the dexterity of magicians, turn this ragged spagetti nest of action and introspection into a finely crafted film. And it works, it really works. Perhaps that’s because 'Adaptation' is one of those rare movies where there are so many different meanings that you are allowed to make up your own mind about how you feel, and can decide for yourself what you would like to take home with you. It’s liberating cinema in a non-heavy sense.
The movie manages to turn everything on its head, thereby cocking a snook at Hollywood whilst being a part of it at the same time. It’s interesting to note that 'Adaptation', as a movie that spoofs the movie industry in a not-so-subtle way, has been nominated for an Oscar for ‘Best Adapted Screenplay’ — which either means that no one understood a word of it, or Tinsel Town is finally starting to learn to laugh at itself. One has to wonder though, if 'Adaptation' does win the Oscar, who will accept the award — the “real” Charlie or the “fake” Donald?
But while 'Adaptation' is a roller coaster ride of absurdity, there are some beautiful still moments. At its heart, it addresses the theme of passion — inevitably on many levels, but mostly by capturing the emptiness and longing that people feel when there’s an absence of passion in their lives.
Nicholas Cage, as both Charlie and Donald who, although twins, are complete opposites, is brilliant and every bit deserving of an Oscar nomination for Best Actor (not that I think Hollywood will go that far in actually giving it to him). Cage’s performance as a fat, sweaty, neurotic Charlie would have done Woody Allen proud (not to mention his brillo pad head of hair) and as a jolly Donald, he is lovely. The interplay between the two characters is seamless and it’s great to see Cage doing some real acting for a change.
Meryl Streep (nominated for Best Supporting Actress) is superb, as always, by being so very human and sexy and sad. Chris Cooper (also nominated for Best Supporting Actor) rounds up the threesome — or should that be foursome — with a colourful portrayal of John LaRoche.
Not everybody will like this movie, but I dare you to give it a try. If Kaufman and Jonze can turn taking a risk into a huge success, then so can you.
To find out more about the movie, go to www.sonypictures.com/movies/adaptation/
Read what other critics are saying:
"What a bewilderingly brilliant and entertaining movie this is."
- Roger Ebert, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
"Features what is surely the funniest and most accurate depiction of writer's block ever."
- Jonathan Foreman, NEW YORK POST
"Adaptation's success in engaging the audience in the travails of creating a screenplay is extraordinary."
- J. Hoberman, VILLAGE VOICE
"Kaufman and Jonze take huge risks to ponder the whole notion of passion - our desire as human beings for passion in our
lives and the emptiness one feels when it is missing."
- Kirk Honeycutt, HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
"Adaptation may not be the first movie to examine the creative process. But it's the most playfully brilliant."
- Desson Howe, WASHINGTON POST
"Adaptation is simply brilliant."
- Stephen Hunter, WASHINGTON POST
