Charlie Kaufman is unquestionably one of the most talented writers working today. His screenplays have brought storytelling to new horizons, and he is never afraid to break the rules. While some of his stories, like Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, are more conventional, most of his scripts are surreal, mind-blowing, and dream-like. As a writer, Kaufman is never afraid to take risks. His unconventional methods are seldom seen in Hollywood, and Kaufman has demonstrated over and over again his sheer capabilities. His career has evolved throughout the years, and now Kaufman is also an acclaimed director, most recently directing I’m Thinking of Ending Things for Netflix.
Kaufman was born in New York City and had a strong passion for the arts from a very young age. He studied film at New York University where he met his frequent collaborator, Paul Proch. Upon graduating, Kaufman wrote articles for National Lampoon while trying to sell his screenplays. After receiving recognition for one of his scripts, Kaufman moved to Los Angeles, where he wrote for several television shows including Seinfeld and The Larry Sanders Show. Kaufman received success and recognition with his acclaimed screenplay Being John Malkovich, for which he earned an Academy Award nomination. Since then, Kaufman has become an industry leader and has written and directed several memorable films. Let’s take a look at all of his movies, ranked.
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8 Human Nature
Fine Line Features
Kaufman wrote the 2001 comedy-drama, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Michel Gondry. The story follows a love triangle after a scientist (Tim Robbins) and a naturalist (Patricia Arquette) discover Puff (Rhys Ifans), a man who was born and raised in the wild. The highly original film explores many themes including emotional behavior, freedom, and what it means to be human. The combination of Kaufman’s writing and Gondry’s direction makes for an artistic and thought-provoking film. The performances, most notably Ifans’, are all on-point, and the film is a good blend of comedy and drama. Although Human Nature received mixed reviews, it marked the beginning of professional collaboration between Gondry and Kaufman who would go on to work together again in the future.
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7 Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind
Miramax Films
Confessions of a Dangerous Mind tells the story of a television producer, Chuck Barris (Sam Rockwell), who is recruited by the C.I.A. and trained to become an assassin. The film is a comedic look into the television industry, while also showing the ruthless killing and violence that goes along with becoming an assassin for the C.I.A. The film features a strong performance from Rockwell who incorporates drama and comedy from start to finish. The film proved George Clooney’s capabilities as a director and the film has an A-list cast including Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Drew Barrymore. Kaufman’s dialogue is sharp, and the film is a fun, wild ride showcasing an entertaining story and strong performances.
6 I’m Thinking Of Ending Things
Netflix
Kaufman directed and wrote the screenplay for I’m Thinking of Ending Things, adapted from the acclaimed novel of the same name. The surreal film follows a young woman (Jessie Buckley), who embarks on a road trip with her boyfriend (Jesse Plemons) to meet his parents. After getting to their house, she is catapulted into a surreal and physiological odyssey. At the same time, the film follows a janitor (Guy Boyd) working at a highschool. Kaufman adapted the material and once again proved his capabilities as a director. The story creates psychological suspense and by the time it’s over, your mind will surely be blown. At the same time, the performances are all top-notch, and the film is equally thought-provoking as it is creepy.
5 Anomalisa
Paramount Pictures
Kaufman collaborated with Duke Johnson to direct the stop-motion animated film Anomalisa, written by Kaufman. The film is an achievement when it comes to its animation and the story is highly original and, at many times, heart-breaking. The story follows a customer service expert, Michael Stone (David Thewlis), who struggles with making meaningful connections with anyone. While promoting his book, he forms a relationship with Lisa (Jennifer Jason Leigh), a shy and insecure fan. The movie dives deep into human nature, love, and relationships. Although Stone thinks his love for Lisa is real, he soon becomes frustrated with her, proving that he is incapable of forming loving relationships. The script is sharp, and the animation is masterfully done creating a very well-done film.
4 Synecdoche, New York
Sony Pictures Classics
In Kaufman’s directorial debut, he tells the story of Caden Cotard (Philip Seymour Hoffman), a theater director who dedicates his life to creating an epic and honest play. At the same time, he explores love, relationships, and what it means to be alive. The film is a surreal, dream-like experience, and one of Kaufman’s most original screenplays to date. It is an exploration into the persona of Caden and Hoffman gives a fantastic performance. At many points, it feels as if the film takes place in an entirely other universe, in a very good way. Although the movie might not be for everyone, it was a filmmaking achievement that should be seen at least once.
3 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Focus Features
Kaufman wrote the screenplay for Michel Gondry’s artistic and surreal film following Joel (Jim Carrey), a man who decides to erase the memories of his ex-girlfriend (Kate Winslet). The film is an odyssey into the mind and self-consciousness of Joel as we travel through his memories. The editing and production design are on-point and the film was something that audiences have never seen before. At the same time, the story is an honest take on relationships and the struggles that come with them. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind features several great cast members including Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo, and Tom Wilkinson.
2 Adaptation
Sony Pictures Releasing
Nicolas Cage plays Charlie Kaufman as well as his fictional twin brother in this highly original film. Kaufman is struggling to write his next screenplay, an adaptation of Susan Orlean’s (Meryl Streep) book The Orchid Thief. The film is an in-depth look into the persona of Kaufam, focusing on his insecurities and struggles as a writer. Cage gives one of his best performances to date playing dual roles. Adaptation is entertaining from start to finish and delivers several laughs. One of the greatest parts behind the film is that it is based on Kaufman’s actual experience of trying to adapt Orlean’s novel and, instead, creating a movie mostly about himself.
1 Being John Malkovich
USA Films
Kaufman’s breakthrough script tells the story of a puppeteer (John Cusack) who finds a portal into the mind of John Malkovich, allowing anybody to be him for a matter of minutes. The film is entertaining from start to finish and features several of Kaufman’s trademarks including wacky characters and surreal, dream-like sequences. Spike Jonze’s direction is on-point and his collaboration with Kaufman created one of the best films of his career. All the performances shine including Malkovich who plays himself. The film is a great blend of comedy and fantasy and is unquestionably a story that you have never seen before.
