film: review

> ADAPTATION. (2002)
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By John C. Lyons
Film Critic

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep, Chris Cooper

Directed by: Spike Jonze

Written by: Susan Orlean (book)
Charlie Kaufman (screenplay)

Genre: Comedy/Drama

Our Rating: 7.5/10

You have to give props to Spike Jonze (Director) and Charlie Kaufman (Screenwriter) for originality. Following Being John Malkovich, which oddly enough is included to some degree here, they come back with another creatively quirky story. Adaptation. follows a screenwriter (Charlie Kaufman, played by Nic Cage, who also plays his twin brother Donald) as he struggles with his latest project and his life. The pacing is very slow at points until its final chapters, but the characters are so interesting you barely notice. Mr. Cage proves that, yes, he can still act. Meryl Streep plays a different but great role for her, although what role isn't good for Meryl. And Chris Cooper is hilarious as the odd flower hunter John Laroche. Spike Jonze shows us some great visuals and you really bond with the brothers as the story unfolds. One line in particular that Donald shares with Charlie in the swamp really got me good. In the end I felt happy and refreshed. This is good filmmaking.

(03-0117)

related links:

Adaptation. - official site