i'm still conflicted about this movie. there were some real brilliant moments in this film, and i think spike jonze did an excellent job with the script - (there is alot of the script that isn't in the movie too.)

as for the screenplay, i suggest you read it before you really dog it, because it is really well written and very eloquent and succinct. but you guys do bring up some good points concerning the over indulgent self-references, and giving up in the end and catering to the hollywood game. i would have preferred something more akin to a revolt of the hollywood storytelling techniques, but i agree with alan denton, the story had many layers concerning what it means to adapt something and how everything is affected by their surroundings. where the orchids appearance was affected by how the insect that pollinated it, the screenwriter was affected by the environment that seems to foster and award those types of scripts that become lazy mind numbing predictable action thrillers.

either way, i definately recommend reading the script, because i can ensure you, it shows that not just any joe could have written it.

http://beingcharliekaufman.tripod.com/adaptation.pdf

" I won't show you tonight what requires many hours of progressive and
scientific exercises to even begin to make itself visable; besides I
would need space and air, and especially a head of steam -- which I
haven't got."

http://www.lostheadfactory.com

Well, the only difference I saw between the screenplay and the movie was that it explored even more of Charlie's distance from women. The very last scene though was worse than in the movie though. In the movie he didn't have to tell a chick he was a screenwriter to get with her. At least the movie's ending was a little happier.