Adaptation.
Valerie Thomas hires Charlie Kaufman to adapt Susan Orlean’s nonfiction book, “The Orchid Thief”, while his latest film Being John Malkovich (1999), is still in production. Thomas purchased the rights to the movie before Orlean published the book. It was an article in The New Yorker. This book tells the story about John Laroche the rare orchid hunter. Orlean was inspired by John’s passion for orchids, and his horticulture to discover beauty and passion in life. Charlie wants to faithfully adapt the book. However, despite Laroche being a fascinating character, Charlie has difficulty finding enough material to make a film about Laroche. Charlie also has other problems in his personal life. He is insecure as a person and he doesn’t want to be vulnerable. Charlie’s brother, the pretentious Donald has also moved in to his home with the goal of becoming a screenwriter. Charlie, despite not liking Donald’s screenwriting abilities, asks him for advice. They feel there’s an interesting subtext to the book that Orlean can explain if Charlie is brave enough to speak to her. They may need to discover the subtext’s meaning if she won’t, or can’t, elaborate. –Huggo
Director: Spike Jonze
Actors: Brian Cox, Cara Seymour, Chris Cooper, Meryl Streep, Nicolas Cage, Ron Livingston, Tilda Swinton
Country: United States
