Plantspotting: Adaptation

Pictured: The last scene from Adaptation (2002); Spike Jonze, dir.; Lance Acord, cinematographer

Plantspotting is an ongoing series which aims to highlight the presence or mention of plants in film, television, and the overall pop culture. This post was originally published in the section titled The Pop Culture File in our PlantPop Zine, produced by Art Parkerson.

Honestly, it's not even that great of a time lapse, but when a major motion picture - by a kickass director - has a final scene of flowers growing, while traffic buzzes past...yes, we love it. It's the perfect ending to a great film...that just happens to be about horticulture (sort of).

There's a time lapse sequence at the beginning of Adaptation as well, with just a bit of Alfalfa sprouting. They didn't really try too hard, did they? Sadly, there's no blooming-orchid sequence in the film. That would have been amazing.

But all good 'horties' should see Adaptation. If you already have, check out cinematographer Lance Acord's short film about Ed Ruscha on Vimeo, where the artist shows off his garden and collection of plant tags.

Best quote: "Why can't there be a movie just about flowers?"

Worst quote: "The real reason [people obsess over orchids] is that life has no meaning."

Spike Jonze, director

Lance Acord, cinematographer

Movie still