Reviewed August 2011
I am bowled over. No words to describe Charlie Kauffman's imagination and vision. I thought 'Being John Malkovich' was the craziest one can go, the same man behind it tops it in a couple of years. Credit should also go to the director, editor and a string of talented actors who give their best for transferring this complex multi layered script to the screen devotedly.
I can think of 2 reasons why Charlie Kauffman did not win the Oscar. 1) Jury didn't know whether to look at it as original or adapted screenplay. 2) Charlie Kauffman took help from an imaginary Donald Kauffman. I am not sure how to put a brief synopsis of this movie like I do in most reviews, let me give it a try. Charlie Kauffman (Nicolas Cage) is stuck in a writer's block after he was asked to adapt a non- fiction book 'The Orchid Thief' about experiences of the author Susan Orlean (Meryl Streep) with a plant enthusiast John Laroche (Chris Cooper). David Kauffman, a little dimwit yet relaxed identical twin of Charlie comes to stay with him and also planning to write a mass thriller. Charlie out of last resort plans to take help from his brother to finish the script. It definitely brings to mind two other movies though this is completely fresh, 'Stranger than Fiction' and 'Being John Malkovich'.
Meryl Streep sleepwalks the role in her good way, Nicolas Cage's character resembles a bit of Craig Schwartz and he does a terrific job. Chris Cooper deserves the Oscar all the way. I would've given it a 100% had the climax not dragged a bit. The narration is mostly thoughts of the writer, he contradicts his thought process and seconds it back and forth through out. It was an amazing experience sitting through this and would definitely look forward to more of Charlie Kauffman's work.
If you have not seen this one yet, you should. There aren't many like this.
I am bowled over. No words to describe Charlie Kauffman's imagination and vision. I thought 'Being John Malkovich' was the craziest one can go, the same man behind it tops it in a couple of years. Credit should also go to the director, editor and a string of talented actors who give their best for transferring this complex multi layered script to the screen devotedly.
I can think of 2 reasons why Charlie Kauffman did not win the Oscar. 1) Jury didn't know whether to look at it as original or adapted screenplay. 2) Charlie Kauffman took help from an imaginary Donald Kauffman. I am not sure how to put a brief synopsis of this movie like I do in most reviews, let me give it a try. Charlie Kauffman (Nicolas Cage) is stuck in a writer's block after he was asked to adapt a non- fiction book 'The Orchid Thief' about experiences of the author Susan Orlean (Meryl Streep) with a plant enthusiast John Laroche (Chris Cooper). David Kauffman, a little dimwit yet relaxed identical twin of Charlie comes to stay with him and also planning to write a mass thriller. Charlie out of last resort plans to take help from his brother to finish the script. It definitely brings to mind two other movies though this is completely fresh, 'Stranger than Fiction' and 'Being John Malkovich'.
Meryl Streep sleepwalks the role in her good way, Nicolas Cage's character resembles a bit of Craig Schwartz and he does a terrific job. Chris Cooper deserves the Oscar all the way. I would've given it a 100% had the climax not dragged a bit. The narration is mostly thoughts of the writer, he contradicts his thought process and seconds it back and forth through out. It was an amazing experience sitting through this and would definitely look forward to more of Charlie Kauffman's work.
If you have not seen this one yet, you should. There aren't many like this.