Adaptation. 2002

A screenwriter's existential crisis unfolds as Nicolas Cage embodies Charlie Kaufman, a hapless L.A. scribe torn between self-doubt and sibling rivalry with his identical twin. As he navigates the complexities of adapting Susan Orlean's "The Orchid Thief," Kaufman's life careens from despair to absurdity, mirroring the entwined searches for passion that bind him, Orlean, and her book in a surreal dance.

A screenwriter's existential crisis unfolds as Nicolas Cage embodies Charlie Kaufman, a hapless L.A. scribe torn between self-doubt and sibling rivalry with his identical twin. As he navigates the complexities of adapting Susan Orlean's "The Orchid Thief," Kaufman's life careens from despair to absurdity, mirroring the entwined searches for passion that bind him, Orlean, and her book in a surreal dance.

Does Adaptation. have end credit scenes?

No!

Adaptation. does not have end credit scenes.

Actors

Meet the cast of Adaptation. and learn about the talented actors who brought the characters to life. Explore their roles and career highlights.


Ratings

Discover how Adaptation. is rated on popular platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Explore audience and critic scores to see how this movie ranks among the best.


Metacritic

83

Metascore

8.1

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

90%

TOMATOMETER

review

85%

User Score

IMDb

7.7 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

74

%

User Score

Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Adaptation. with an engaging quiz. Test your memory of the movie’s characters, plot twists, and unforgettable moments.


Adaptation Quiz: Test your knowledge on the intricate narrative and characters of the movie Adaptation.

What tragic event turns John Laroche's life upside down?

Discover the awards and nominations received by Adaptation.. Explore the history of Adaptation. and its cast and crew.


75th Academy Awards 2003

Nicolas Cage
Nomination

Actor in a Leading Role

Nicolas Cage
Chris Cooper
Win

Actor in a Supporting Role

Chris Cooper
Meryl Streep
Nomination

Actress in a Supporting Role

Meryl Streep
Nomination

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

56th British Academy Film Awards 2003

Nicolas Cage
Nomination

Best Actor in a Leading Role

Nicolas Cage
Chris Cooper
Nomination

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

Chris Cooper
Meryl Streep
Nomination

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

Meryl Streep
Win

Best Adapted Screenplay

8th Critics' Choice Awards 2003

Nomination

Best Picture

Chris Cooper
Win

Best Supporting Actor

Chris Cooper
Meryl Streep
Nomination

Best Supporting Actress

Meryl Streep

9th Screen Actors Guild Awards 2003

Nicolas Cage
Nomination

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role

Nicolas Cage
Chris Cooper
Nomination

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role

Chris Cooper
Nomination

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture

60th Golden Globe Awards 2003

Nomination

Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy

Nicolas Cage
Nomination

Best Performance in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (Actor)

Nicolas Cage
Chris Cooper
Win

Best Supporting Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama, Musical or Comedy (Actor)

Chris Cooper
Meryl Streep
Win

Best Supporting Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama, Musical or Comedy (Actress)

Meryl Streep
Spike Jonze
Nomination

Best Director – Motion Picture

Spike Jonze
Charlie Kaufman
Nomination

Best Screenplay – Motion Picture

Charlie Kaufman

Plot Summary

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Get the full story of Adaptation. with a detailed plot summary. Dive into its themes, characters, and the twists that make it a must-watch.


John Laroche, a dedicated nursery owner in Florida, faces an unimaginable tragedy when a car accident claims the lives of his mother and uncle, leaving his wife in a coma. Once his wife awakens, the couple divorces as she sues him. Just a month later, their home is devastated by Hurricane Andrew, plunging Laroche into further despair. Seeking solace, he finds work with the local Seminole tribe, who recruit him for his extensive knowledge of flowers and orchid poaching. However, his initial belief that they are using the valued Ghost Orchid for traditional ceremonies crumbles when he discovers that it is instead being utilized for drug purposes.

As Laroche navigates these difficulties, he finds himself entangled in a legal battle that captures the interest of journalist Susan Orlean from New York. What begins as a simple professional relationship blossoms into a profound friendship and then a romantic involvement, despite Susan’s own unhappy marriage back in New York. Susan channels her experiences into the book The Orchid Thief, which later gains attention from Columbia Pictures for adaptation.

Meanwhile, struggling with agoraphobia and self-doubt, Charlie Kaufman is brought on board to write the screenplay for The Orchid Thief. His battle against writer’s block intensifies as he discovers the book lacks conventional structure, adding to his melancholic depression. Charlie is further frustrated by his twin brother Donald’s aspirations to become a screenwriter, especially after Donald’s spec script makes a significant sale.

Charlie seeks guidance and ends up visiting Susan in New York, yet he struggles to gather the courage to face her directly. Instead, he attends a seminar hosted by Robert McKee, hoping to find some direction. Donald, who poses as Charlie to interview Susan, soon becomes suspicious of her narrations, deeming them too perfect. The brothers eventually trace Susan to Florida, where they uncover Laroche’s surprising connection to a drug made from the Ghost Orchid, which triggers a series of dangerous events.

Tensions rise when Laroche and Susan engage in a risky relationship that Charlie inadvertently witnesses. Feeling threatened, Susan coerces Charlie at gunpoint to take her out to the swamp for a sinister purpose. In a twist of fate, amidst the chaos, Donald is accidentally shot by Laroche, leading to a series of tragic confrontations that culminate in Donald’s death during a car crash with a ranger’s vehicle.

As chaos erupts around them, Charlie flees into the swamp, eventually emerging transformed. He reconciles with his mother and confesses his lingering affections for his former love, Amelia. Completing his screenplay, he expresses a desire for Gérard Depardieu to portray him on screen, wrapping up his tumultuous journey with a voice-over proclaiming the script’s completion. This wild and unpredictable narrative reflects Charlie’s evolution amid heartbreak and creativity.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Videos

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ADAPTATION Trailer

Official Trailer

Official UK Re-Release Trailer

Keywords

Discover the keywords that describe the themes and topics of the movie. Explore the keywords that define the essence of the film.


lonelinessfemale full frontal nudityfemale frontal nudityopen vaginavaginathieftwinwritingassmagical realismmetafictionvoice over inner thoughtsmeta filmlonerisolationjunglefemale nuditysatireself hateluckcharles darwin characterwoman wears eyeglassessatiricaldark comedyshowbiz comedyfellini esquepostmodernoriginal author as characterthe everglades floridasurreal comedysatire comedyshowbiz dramaalternative comedyhigh concept comedypsychological dramaorchidbookscreenwriterscreenplayscripteccentricityinsecurityhorticulturefloridawritermise en abymeswearingprofanityf wordgun

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