Jonze and Kaufman re-teamed for this comic, self-reflexive story of a screenwriter suffering from writer’s block. Cage is wonderful as two sides of the author: purist Charlie and crass brother Donald Kaufman. Charlie’s been hired to adapt a (real) non-fiction book by an actual author (played with comic bravado by Streep). This highly entertaining hall of mirrors time-travels across three layers of flashbacks, incorporating real people and absolutely strange set-pieces in a whirl of creative genius and utter madness.
REVIEWS
“[A] comedy with some neat narrative trampolining, Adaptation is funny, profound and wild” Total Film
“[A] funny, complex take on the idea of storytelling, the tyranny of three-act narrative and how the movies absorb literary properties.” Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
“Charlie Kaufman is a genius.” Nev Pierce, BBC Films
aWARDS
Oscar ’03 – WINNER
– Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Chris Cooper)
BAFTA ’03 – WINNER
– Best Adapted Screenplay (Charlie Kaufman, Donald Kaufman)
Golden Globes ’03 – WINNER
– Best Supporting Actor (Chris Cooper)
– Best Supporting Actress (Meryl Streep)
Berlin International Film Festival ’03 – WINNER
– Silver Berlin Bear Jury Grand Prix (Spike Jonze)