Adaptation. (2002) ****

Today happens to be the 20th anniversary of Adaptation., which coincides with its release on 4K UHD. The last time I watched the film was more than 10 years ago, a few months after it was released on Blu-ray. I had forgotten how funny this film is. It's perhaps not Nicolas Cage’s best film or his most recognized role but it's certainly his best acting (and a painfully relatable character). 

Cage brilliantly portrays the dual role of screenwriter Charlie Kaufman and his fictional brother Donald in "a movie about a book to screenplay adaptation of the movie you're watching." Kaufman’s self-reflexive script (or “self-indulgent, narcissistic, solipsistic,” as movie-Kaufman opines) contains probably the best use of inner monologue in a movie ever. Chris Cooper is also particularly impressive and effective. 

Ironically (given the advice of Brian Cox's character, based on Robert McKee, whom he actually resembles), I find that the movie loses steam in its third act. But it works in a Kaufman/deconstructionist sort of way because, while it doesn't "wow" me, it does intentionally use a deus ex machina to solve its conflict (as well as the forbidden voice-over). Either way, it's a fantastic and unique film.

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