Adaptation · written by Charlie Kaufman and Donald Kaufman · 2002

Laroche sits beside his comatose wife in the hospital.

Scene 83 of 202 · ≈ 1 min on screen · Act one

Act oneAct twoAct three

Begins 46 min into a 1:57 film

The story so farBefore scene 83

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.
Scene 75
Laroche says adaptation is learning how to survive in the world.
Just before
Scene 80
Laroche leaves home with his family while his father remains alone in front of the television.
Scene 81
A head-on crash kills Laroche’s mother and sister and leaves him badly injured.
Scene 82
Laroche stands at a double funeral, now missing his front teeth.
Scene 83
This scene

83INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY

Laroche, in his mourning suit, sits by his comatose wife.