Adaptation is a unique, bizarre, funny, clever, terrifically acted film,  extremely well written by Charlie Kauffman  and exceptionally directed by Spike Jonze.

Much like Kauffman’s and Jonze’s previous film Being John Malkovich, Adaptation’s central characters are based on real people, but it is not a biography. Rather, it shows the making of a movie within the movie itself, weaving in and out of reality and fantasy, past and present.        

Nicolas Cage stars as Charlie Kauffman, a socially awkward screenwriter hot off the success of his latest feature film. Asked to adapt the novel “The Orchid Thief”, written by journalist Susan Orlean (Meryl Streep), Charlie eagerly accepts, relishing the idea that he will be able to write an original screenplay that does not fall into the trappings of generic Hollywood story telling.

Yet Charlie’s enthusiasm is short lived when he develops writers block. In desperation, he reaches out to his dissimilar twin brother Donald (Nicolas Cage) for help. In flashbacks, the movie focuses on the romance between Orlean and eccentric exotic plant collector John Laroche (Chris Cooper), whom she based her novel on.       

Nicolas Cage gives magnificent performances as Charlie Kauffman and his fictional twin brother, Donald, and it is something of a wake up call for those who thought that he had lost his acting chops and credibility during his ‘action phase’ between the mid to late ‘90s.      

Meryl Streep still possesses the radiance and natural ability to bring her character to life that makes her such an incredible actress, while Chris Cooper (who has made a solid career through various supporting roles) is brilliant as the over the top, front tooth less, egocentric, passionate conservationist/collector/thief John La Roche.

Tilda Swinton, Cara Seymour and an always in form Brian Cox (who portrays the aggressive screenwriting guru Robert McKee) round out a fine cast.

A fine accomplishment from all involved, especially from Charlie Kauffman, who has written a bewildering and captivating movie, which bares his mind, heart and soul.