Adaptation.
Seen it?2002 | 115 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
Friday Night FlickWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (90% on Rotten Tomatoes), it won an Oscar and it's still drawing plenty of interest. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for crime-drama fans and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! or Arsenic and Old Lace, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Provocative satire that goes after everyone.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 55 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Charlie Kaufman is a confused L.A. screenwriter overwhelmed by feelings of inadequacy, sexual frustration, self-loathing, and by the screenwriting ambitions of his freeloading twin brother Donald. While struggling to adapt "The Orchid Thief," by Susan Orlean, Kaufman's life spins from pathetic to bizarre. The lives of Kaufman and Orlean's book become strangely intertwined as each one's search for passion collides with the other's.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 83 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.3 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 1 Oscar: Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor. Won 2 Golden Globes: Golden Globe Awards: Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture, Golden Globe Awards: Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture. Won 1 BAFTA: British Academy Film Awards: Best Adapted Screenplay. Won 3 Critics' Choice Awards: Critics' Choice Movie Awards: Best Original Screenplay (Public Winner), Critics' Choice Movie Awards: Best Supporting Actor, Critics' Choice Movie Awards: Best Writer. Won 1 Berlin award: Berlin International Film Festival: Best Cast Ensemble. Also nominated for 3 more Oscars, 4 more Golden Globes and 3 SAG Awards. Plus 15 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$33 million worldwide on a $19 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 428K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!
Saturday SpecialAnother satirical crime comedy, and a Saturday Special.
Matchstick Men
Sunday Safe BetAlso stars Nicolas Cage, in another crime drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Arsenic and Old Lace Saturday SpecialAnother crime comedy, and a Saturday Special.
Throw Momma from the Train
Weeknight WatchAnother crime comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Young Adult Sunday Safe BetAnother dramedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Spike Jonze
- Nicolas CageCharlie Kaufman / Donald Kaufman
- Meryl StreepSusan Orlean
- Chris CooperJohn Laroche
- Tilda SwintonValerie Thomas
- Jay TavareMatthew Osceola
- LitefootRussell
- Roger WillieRandy
- Jim BeaverRanger Tony
- Cara SeymourAmelia Kavan
- Doug JonesAugustus Margary