The film, in essence, is that journey. The film is also that adaptation, describing Susan Orlean’s (Meryl Streep) relationship with free-spirited, inwardly beautiful Orchid poacher, John Laroche (Chris Cooper.) The audience are enticed into feeling some of the passion that this man feels for these rare, beautiful flowers in the same way Orlean’s initial repulsion to Laroche turns to enchantment and awe. Scenes from the original book weave through the whole film, as the story of its neurotic adapter, slowly going mad with writer’s block and doubt, deconstructs alongside. Like the previous film, ‘Being John Malkovich,’ this sounds terribly complicated and daunting to follow but similarly it flows like a dream, twisting and turning, accelerating and slowing down, never leaving the audience along the way. Add to this Kaufman’s twin brother, Donald (who in real life did actually co-write this script with Charlie) is himself trying to forge his way into screenwriting with rather less integrity, via Hollywood screenplay seminars (Brian Cox as overblown screenwriting guru, Robert McKee is brilliant.) Kaufman is offended and dismissive of his brother’s formulaic, superficial serial killer script, however, it is soon snapped up by his agent. The film itself apes this script as well, adapting the car chases and hot pursuit clichés to its own means, making the audience warm to the more ambitious, less idealistic brother by making him the more loving and sympathetic of the pair. The two stories interplay, overlap and mimic each other towards a deeply touching but incompletely complete ending by which time you are so engaged with the characters and the complex worlds they inhabit, that you simply don’t want it to end.

I’m not a great fan of Nicholas Cage but he is perfect in these roles – as the sweaty, gauche, self-searching Charlie and his Midus-touched but loveable brother, Donald. It’s good to finally see Chris Cooper in a substantial role and Streep back on board. Also lovely cameo by Catherine Keener, who inadvertent ladies man Donald befriends on the set of ‘Being John Malkovich,’ much to brother Charlie’s dismay.

Following up a film as well-received as ‘Being John Malkovich’ must have been incredibly daunting, but Spike Jonze has done so by not only making a better film, but one which compliments his previous success in a way few would have the audacity to even think about, let alone attempt. Top rate.

Laura Hird is the Orange and Whitbread nominated author of the collection, ‘Nail and Other Stories’ and novel, ‘Born Free.’ Her short stories have been published in numerous magazines and anthologies internationally. Her new collection of short stories is due to be published by Canongate Books in May 2005. She runs and edits her own loosely arts-related website on which she seeks out and publishes new poetry, short stories, reviews, interviews etc. She was born and lives in Edinburgh.

---

© 2004 Laura Hird All rights reserved.