
Adaptation.
2002 · Movie · R · 115 min · ★ 7.3 · 87% critics
A blocked screenwriter struggles to turn a nonfiction book about orchid hunting into a movie, while a more confident sibling chases easy success. As frustration grows, the project blurs with questions about passion, creativity, and what makes a story worth telling.
Based on The Orchid Thief
Also known as The Orchid Thief
Where to watch
Streaming on Sony Pictures Core.
2 hours to watch.
Stream (included)
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Years
- 2002
- Release date
- 2002-12-06
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
- Runtime
- 115 min
- Critic score
- 87/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.3/10 (2,783 votes)
- Box office
- $32,801,173
- Budget
- $19,000,000
About
You may like this if you enjoy offbeat, self-aware stories like Being John Malkovich; Not for you if you want a straightforward comedy or an easy, feel-good watch.
Pros: original layered premise; strong performances; dark humor | Cons: can feel confusing; uneven for some; not feel-good
Themes
- based on novel or book
- marriage crisis
- alligator
- writer's block
- orchid
- writer
- twins
- cynical
- philosophical
- satirical
- reflective
- introspective
- +1 more
Awards & recognition
- Academy Award — Best Supporting Actor · 2003
- Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize · 2003
- National Board of Review: Top Ten Films
- Academy Award — Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay · 2003 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Supporting Actress · 2003 · nominated
Show all 7 awards →
- Academy Award — Best Actor · 2003 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Supporting Actor · 2003 · nominated
Cast & crew

Nicolas Cage
as Charlie Kaufman / Donald Kaufman

Meryl Streep
as Susan Orlean

Chris Cooper
as John Laroche

Tilda Swinton
as Valerie Thomas

Jay Tavare
as Matthew Osceola

Litefoot
as Russell

Roger Willie
as Randy

Jim Beaver
as Ranger Tony

Cara Seymour
as Amelia Kavan

Doug Jones
as Augustus Margary
Directed by Spike Jonze