Adaptation · written by Charlie Kaufman and Donald Kaufman · 2002

Charlie struggles to talk with Alice, who warmly recommends key lime pie and says she loves orchids.

Scene 39 of 202 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Kaufman
Alice

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 24 min into a 1:57 film

The story so farBefore scene 39

Unable to find a conventional story in The Orchid Thief, screenwriter Charlie Kaufman turns his own crisis into an increasingly self-referential adaptation.

Scenes 1–9
Charlie inhabits an isolated, self-condemning world while Orlean’s book supplies a distant model of obsession.
Scene 10
Valerie and Margaret give Charlie the assignment to adapt The Orchid Thief.
Scene 31
Donald’s rivalry and affection give Charlie a living counterpoint to his isolated view of himself.
Just before
Scene 36
Donald pitches Charlie a serial-killer thriller built around a killer who is also cop and victim.
Scene 37
Orlean approaches Laroche after the hearing and tests whether he will give her an honest quote.
Scene 38
A flower blooms in time-lapse as a narrator explains orchid anatomy.
Scene 39
This scene

39INT. CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN - DAY

Kaufman, in a booth, reads his orchid book, takes notes.

KAUFMAN (V.O.)

The Orchidaceae is a large, ancient...

He's bored, looks up, watches a waitress with glorious, orange hair, pouty lips, soulful eyes, and a voluptuous form turning slowly around, scanning her station.

She sees Kaufman, approaches, and smiles warmly down at him. Her badge reads: Alice, Arcadia, CA. Kaufman sweats.

ALICE

So what looks good today?

KAUFMAN

Um. Hi. Thank you. The key lime pie,

please. A small slice. I'm watching

my... And a coffee, please. Skim milk.

ALICE

(sees book)

Orchids! I absolutely love orchids.

He goes blank.

KAUFMAN

Yes. They're really great.

He flinches at his response. A small awkward pause.

ALICE

So, I'll be right back with your pie.

She smiles warmly again and leaves. Kaufman is humiliated.