EPISODE · Dec 16, 2011 · 1H 2M
Adaptation. • The Next Reel
from The Next Reel Film Podcast · host TruStory FM
###"I wonder who's gonna play me? Someone not too fat. I liked that Gerard Depardieu, but can he not do the accent? Anyway, it's done. And that's something." It's the second collaboration between director Spike Jonze and screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, and it's another brilliant film to talk about. This time, it's 2002's Adaptation. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Charlie Kaufman series with this cute, cliché, self-referential, meta film. We talk about how the self-referential nature of the film works and how unique it is by creating the two sides of Kaufman's personality by not only writing himself into the novel adaption but also creating a fictional twin brother for himself. We talk about how the brilliant the performances are, from Nicolas Cage to Chris Cooper to Meryl Streep. We talk about the nature of writers writing themselves into their own works, referencing Hunter S. Thompson as one example. We talk about what the real Susan Orlean, the author of the novel on which the movie is "based," thought of how she was written into the film. And we chat about all the clichés that spring to life in the 3rd act, yet how it all works well because of the introduction of them earlier when the character Kaufman gets advice from screenwriting guru Robert McKee, played brilliantly by Brian Cox. We have a great time talking about this film. Listen in! Film Sundries Contests! We love ‘em. Want to increase your odds of winning them? Support The Next Reel on Patreon and you’re on the list for the #PonyPrize! — http://patreon.com/thenextreelWatch this film: iTunes • AmazonScript (2nd draft revised, 21 Nov, 2000)Script (2nd draft, 24 Sept, 1999)Original theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSusan Orlean's thoughts on the filmThe Ebert Reviews: 2002, 2008Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible
What this episode covers
###"I wonder who's gonna play me? Someone not too fat. I liked that Gerard Depardieu, but can he not do the accent? Anyway, it's done. And that's something." It's the second collaboration between director Spike Jonze and screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, and it's another brilliant film to talk about. This time, it's 2002's Adaptation. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Charlie Kaufman series with this cute, cliché, self-referential, meta film. We talk about how the self-referential nature of the film works and how unique it is by creating the two sides of Kaufman's personality by not only writing himself into the novel adaption but also creating a fictional twin brother for himself. We talk about how the brilliant the performances are, from Nicolas Cage to Chris Cooper to Meryl Streep. We talk about the nature of writers writing themselves into their own works, referencing Hunter S. Thompson as one example. We talk about what the real Susan Orlean, the author of the novel on which the movie is "based," thought of how she was written into the film. And we chat about all the clichés that spring to life in the 3rd act, yet how it all works well because of the introduction of them earlier when the character Kaufman gets advice from screenwriting guru Robert McKee, played brilliantly by Brian Cox. We have a great time talking about this film. Listen in! Film Sundries Contests! We love ‘em. Want to increase your odds of winning them? Support The Next Reel on Patreon and you’re on the list for the #PonyPrize! — http://patreon.com/thenextreelWatch this film: iTunes • AmazonScript (2nd draft revised, 21 Nov, 2000)Script (2nd draft, 24 Sept, 1999)Original theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSusan Orlean's thoughts on the filmThe Ebert Reviews: 2002, 2008Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or <a href="https://trustoryfm.memberful.com/checkout?plan=54112" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer...
NOW PLAYING
Adaptation. • The Next Reel
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Mar 19, 2026 ·34m
Feb 18, 2026 ·11m
Feb 11, 2026 ·45m