1149. Adaptation

Adaptation
2002
Directed by Spike Jonze

My boyfriend and I are in disagreement about the merits of Nicolas Cage's acting career. I hope we know each other well enough at this point for you to guess which side I'm on. This movie, along with Raising Arizona are often invoked in his defense.  For my part, I cite the remainder of his filmography. I'll admit this is a good movie, but it's a good movie in spite of Cage, not because of Cage.

Sometimes the only thing to do to cure writer's block is to write about having writer's block. Charlie Kaufman is struggling to adapt Susan Orlean's The Orchid Thief to a screenplay. His twin brother Donald has moved into his house and mooches off of Charlie. Oh, like Cage is the first person to play a pair of identical twins. Ahem, anyway, Charlie goes to New York City to discuss the screenplay with Orlean. Charlie's social awkwardness once again hampers him from having a successful career. Twin antics ensue.

Obviously, the presence of Meryl Streep elevates a movie, even if it can't save it entirely. I found this relatable, as I constantly deal with writer's block. It was never predictable, and I really enjoyed trying to guess what would happen next. 

It's a little smug, but so are writers.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Nicolas Cage said he ignored all his acting instincts in this role and just played the part exactly how Spike Jonze wanted it. That explains a few things.

All three main stars of Con Air appear in this movie. The reunion we were all waiting for. 

942. Being John Malkovich

Being John Malkovich
1999
Directed by Spike Jonze

I know I was supposed to fall in love with this film's originality and absurdity, but I was unable to take to this one.  Maybe it's because I can't stand Cameron Diaz.  I have also been cold towards John Cusack since I saw the trainwreck that was 1408.

An unhappily married puppeteer, Craig, develops a crush on his coworker Maxine after being hired as a file clerk.  He discovers a portal behind a filing cabinet that allows him to enter the mind of John Malkovich.  If I was going to become a Yeerk (points to readers that understand that nerdy reference), John Malkovich would be low on my list of desired targets.  Craig reveals to the portal to Maxine, and the two begin to charge admission.  It isn't long before Craig learns how to make Malkovich one of his marionettes and um...things escalate logically from there.

There is certainly an original idea behind this film, but I think it might have better been explored in a less comedic way.  I mean, the implications of this universe are staggering, but the movie gives us very little information.  I wouldn't be complaining if the comedic aspects had worked better, but I didn't find the characters quite as amusing as I was supposed to.

I can see the appeal of this film, but in the end, I just didn't mesh well with it.

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

Spike Jonze has said that one producer asked him to rewrite the film as Being Tom Cruise.  That would quickly turn into a horror movie.