Adaptation MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 Content: -4

In this comedy/drama written by and about screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, Charlie (Nicholas Cage) is signed to write the big-screen adaptation of Susan Orleans (Meryl Streep) book The Orchid Thief, which is about finding passion in life. In order to write the screenplay, Charlie decides to insert himself into the story. He becomes obsessed with Orleans and flies to New York to meet her. Once there, he doesnt have the courage to speak to her, so he allows twin brother Donald (also played by Cage) to meet with her. Spying on Orleans, the brothers follow her to the Florida Everglades where they discover the subject of the book, orchid-breeding fanatic John Laroche (Chris Cooper). When Charlie discovers that the relationship between Orleans and Laroche is more than professional, he and his brother are pulled into the middle of the story, leading to a tragic turn of events that affects everyone.

Cage, Cooper and Streep have all been nominated for Academy Awards for their work in this film. Despite the good acting, Adaptation has several disturbing elements. From the opening scenes of the big bang and creatures emerging from the ocean, an endorsement of Charles Darwins theory of evolution is prevalent throughout this movie. Orleans is a married woman who thinks of leaving her husband. Through her book research, she becomes involved in an adulterous affair with Laroche. Kaufman is an insecure man who has sexual fantasies that he entertains through self-gratification. The orchid grower, Laroche, is a foul-mouthed, disrespectful character who decides to start an internet porn site in his spare time. And two graphically bloody car crashes are shown. These elements, along with some sexual humor, female nudity and rough language make Adaptation a negatively rated, offensive film.

Preview Reviewer: Bob Nusser
Distributor: Columbia