Charlie Kaufman | BAFTA Screenwriters’ Lecture Series

Charlie Kaufman is one of modern cinema’s most celebrated writers, with work including surreal fantasy Being John Malkovich, cerebral sci-fi Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, comedy drama Adaptation and extraordinary animation Anomalisa. In this lecture held at BAFTA on 30 September 2011, he discusses the techniques of writing for the big screen.
Sponsored by The JJ Charitable Trust.
Listen to this talk on Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/bafta/charlie-...
Read the transcript on our website: www.bafta.org/media-centre/tr...
The Screenwriters' Lectures are presented as originally recorded. Some of the lectures may contain outdated comments or views which some listeners may find insensitive or offensive.
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#BAFTA #CharlieKaufman #Anomalisa

[@Sam-dm8vh]

charlie kaufman is like a character in a charlie kaufman film

[@getsome4806]

Whoa...like...that's heavy, man.

[@apullcan]

shows how truly authentic his work is.

[@jimmysteinbeck3391]

its more like charlie kaufman characters are like charlie kaufman

[@derryckstrachan8316]

he's like an actor playing the part of Charlie Kaufman in a film directed by Charlie Kaufman about an actor playing the part of Charlie Kaufman directing a film about Charlie Kaufman

[@samschleif8977]

I mean to be fair he is the main character in adaptation

[@anthonysiebenmorgen7216]

"Failure is a badge of honor. It means you risked failure."

[@charlie5thumbs351]

"And if you offer yourself with authenticity and generosity, I will be moved." I love that.

[@J9black]

Thank you..I couldn't hear that last word.

[@daniellos333]

He's very open and sincere about his anxiety, which is very noble.

[@ikercompean2490]

It is so comforting to listen to him; noble, as you say, and brave of someone so successful to open up like this. It really makes you feel not so alone.

[@JetSetDex]

what a humble, intelligent and complex man.

[@jurgenczwienk1960]

He is complex as life. He conducts all these aspects of life. And that's not only funny or even entertainig.😉

[@22grena]

Don't forget short

[@Abo_Abdullah87]

If you are going through videos about writing and screenwriters you will notice that Kaufman doesn’t speak about certain formula or techniques or tips for writing. He only talks about how to be an artist and what could help you to find your own way to tell a story.

[@salva5439]

" (...) Say who you are. Really say it in your life, and in your work. Tell someone out there that it's lost; someone not yet born; someone that won't be born in 5000 years. Your writing will be a record of your time, it can't help but be. But more importantly if you're honest about who you are, you'll help that person be less lonely in their world. Because that person will recognize him or herself in you, and that will give them hope (...) " - Charlie Kaufman

[@Lee-qu4ce]

I am not a writer but I admire Charlie's work. I come back here from time to time when I'm depressed and this speech pulls me back to "normal", whatever that may be. So inspiring.

[@chanellequinones273]

Beautifully said 👏🏽

[@dancingclo]

Me toooo. But hes inspired me to write now

[@ReddoFreddo]

Just leaving a comment because I feel alone. I rewrote this comment 2 times because I didn't feel it could "connect" the other 2 times. And I actually just lied it was 1 time. Not to quote Kaufman's work but I'm looking for a connection.

[@TheDorkle]

Hope you are kicking butt with life friend.

[@robertabize]

the best things on youtube are these kind of gems. views are nothing... the quality of it is everything.

[@philstone5389]

Hey you’re awesome, let’s be friends?

[@Quaselfasel]

@@philstone5389 you are creepy

[@rekuzaaan]

YouTruth.

[@robertabize]

@@philstone5389 lets!

[@JonathanNelsonOfficial]

Met Charlie at a coffee shop and he watched my film, he was excited and asked me questions of how I did certain things. He's a humble guy to say the very least. I didn't even feel right telling an academy award winner how to make films in any way, but I suppose this is, in part, what makes him special. No way in hell almost any other established filmmaker is going to behave that way.

[@Tenderbeat]

You are so lucky, Sir. Is there any chance you might see Mr. Kaufman again? Would you be so kind to tell Him that someone across the ocean admires Him voraciously? I'm boundlessly grateful. I've never seen such a Beauty before... I've never seen such an ocean of Tenderness and Strength. I'm shocked, smitten, mesmerized... Speechless.

[@vnkman4391]

He sounds like a great guy, however i think you'd be surprised, a lot of film makers are fairly humble, i think i used to feel that way and actually I've learned that opening yourself up to the fact a lot of people in that world want to help you is half the battle. There's something to be said for thinking things will go right rather than wrong as difficult as it is to get in that head space. Good luck.

[@timy9197]

Great artists remain students of art. That's cool that you met him.

[@jahorse1]

Jonathan Nelson you met him and then he watched your film or you met him and he had already watched your film?

[@moniquevamado]

That's amazing. So happy for you.

[@Jaypact1]

Man this is one of the best speeches I've heard. So honest.

[@josephkhalil8314]

Its rate to find people like him now adays

[@jkd1387]

Nice profile picture

[@user-wf4nl2yy8x]

I agree. For another great speech I recommend Frank Abignale jr 'Catch me if you can' speech

[@Septeemberpain]

I agree

[@peterkovic2241]

"What I have to offer is me. What you have to offer is you. And if you offer yourself with authenticity and generosity, I will be moved."

[@benegesserwitch]

This speech is far more overwhelming than any other advice he could have offered. Honesty and authenticity are so difficult because we are so seldom asked to know ourselves and sit with ourselves. I even find two minutes of meditation unbearable just because my body and my Self feel like strangers who know all my secrets. Mr. Kaufman is beautiful and never fails to challenge me

[@mrhellothere4143]

watching this instead of actually writing lmao

[@weallfloat5028]

Abby Gaydos me too..well back to the video

[@nicsegu]

Charlie would have done the same.

[@caddy511]

put it down as research

[@mummyjohn]

ah yes the Charlie Kaufman method

[@neurojitsu]

I don't think I've seen any public lecture or talk that made me think as deeply as this, on so many fronts. I'll need to watch it many times again I think before I hear, see and make sense of what he's saying, doing and revealing all at the same time. The care, in every sense, that he put into this talk is wonderfully inspiring. And clever. And generous.

[@hannahchomiczewski9750]

Great description. Also check out David Foster Wallace's talk "This Is Water" - they're both in that realm.

[@neurojitsu]

Hannah Chomiczewski Thank you so much for that recommendation, I look forward to watching!

[@neurojitsu]

Hannah Chomiczewski - Just a note of thanks for pointing me towards David Foster Wallace. I was not aware of him, and I now find myself in the midst of a KZbin binge session on Wallace - currently in the middle of a Charlie Rose interview with him... I find this sort of deep and caring thinker so inspiring, so thanks for making your comment!

[@Kerm88]

I’ll have to watch it in all sorts of ways. I’ll have to watch it backwards, and upside down, and upside down and backwards just so I can understand every second of this 41 minute video from every possible angle.

[@robbiereilly]

"'That's two hours I'll never get back.'" 13:13 Thank you, Charlie for mentioning this phrase and the ultimate ridiculousness of it. It's always annoyed me when people say that about a movie they didn't like. Thank you, Charlie. It's great to know I wasn't alone in thinking this about that very silly phrase. And yet that same person will invest countless hours, days, months and perhaps even years arguing over politics on a comment board that will change nothing and only make them feel frustrated and angry. I'd say wasting two hours watching a bad movie is a much better investment than that.

[@georgekearney8595]

This part is actually very similar to a James Acaster stand up bit, where he says every hour is an hour you can't get back

[@palbo4]

Yes! Such a ridiculous saying, and I hate how many times I've heard people say that immediately after watching something more challenging, like they refuse to try to digest what they've just seen. I've had experiences at the movies that absolutely blew me away and moved me deeply even though I didn't immediately understand everything about what I just watched, and almost the instant the movie ends I'll hear other people use that stupid phrase. It's pretty depressing how often I hear people say that, makes me lonely too loving something so much that I want to discuss with people but not feeling like I can because so many people are so quick to dismiss things they don't "get" right away. I've even seen reviews of Charlie's movies where people use those exact words. Seems like a sad way to live, being stubborn about letting art in or not letting yourself learn anything from art you genuinely don't enjoy

[@Namunumm]

Usually people don't mean it that seriously...Just a joke. 2h isnt a very long time to lose.

[@flashgordon4339]

To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle that any human being can fight and never stop fighting.

[@willnettles2051]

Charlie Kaufman is just amazing. This is what real thinking and writing looks like standing up talking, trying to get it out.

[@local-teen]

Wow. I've come across this lecture at the right moment.

[@maxmonas7131]

Can we get an update? Did it actually come at the right moment? Or did it just give you false hope before you realized you didn't actually want to do the hard work.

[@JosetheDopeLPs]

Any moment to come across this lecture would be the right moment I would say.

[@mummyjohn]

Technically you come across everything at the right moment, that's a fundament of the universe, but I get how this one sears particularly.

[@ryannixon4138]

13:20 Charlie: Inspirational message and warning Audience: Laughs at existential confusion

[@georgekearney8595]

No this was intended to be funny, i'm sure. A comedian called James Acaster even has a joke in his act essentially exactly the same as this one

[@vanessasiler9555]

Power is a great disguise. Two minutes in and it's already genius!

[@cormorant_on_arock7934]

that's not genius. if it is, then - yay! i'm a genius. -__-

[@SexyByDefault]

"Don't compartmentalize to make things simpler than they are." 🔥🔥🔥

[@ISAAKKUSH]

I was looking for just an interview with tips and tricks about screenwriting and stumbled into a masterpiece. I need to rewatch it...

[@ReddoFreddo]

I like that this video has 400,000+ views and 15,000 likes. I'm sure at least 15,000 people, up to 400,000, related with what Kaufman had to say in this speech, and that's comforting. I wish it were 8 billion. I feel very lonely, and I've never felt connected to anyone, it's too difficult to explain in a way that's not wordy and seemingly melodramatic, but I think Kaufman does a good job. I wish I had someone in my life like that, someone who also at least understands the feeling of being completely alone, falling very fast into death. I just don't want to feel alone, I want to feel loved, and I want to live for however long I please.

[@theelliotchan]

“A writer is someone for whom writing is more difficult than it is for other people.” ― Thomas Mann So true! example: It takes me an excruciating long time just to write in my co-workers birthday card.

[@ListenToBigFace]

Wow, you must be really deep and complex

[@leventetakacs1641]

Thomas Mann's Magic Mountain is I think somewhat similiar to Synecdoche, New York

[@Deniis]

Similar quote: ”I’m sorry that I wrote you such a long letter today. I didn’t have time for a shorter one.“ - Göthe Edit: Similar to your example more than to the quote

[@Deniis]

Wait did I hear this here or somewhere else ??

[@Deniis]

I started the video from the start to see if I heard this here and realised your Mann quote is the one from his speech

[@xenaramosph]

Everything about this speech is tremendous to my heart, my entire being. I wish I can have this speech and attach it as an extra body part for everyone to see or reduce it to a mass-produced object and hand it to every person I know. Thank you, Charlie Kaufman. I will cherish this wonderful experience of coming across this video and deciding to watch its entirety. ♡♡♡

[@j.fontaine2491]

It scares me to think how many brilliant people are out there, like Charlie Kaufman, who I will never learn of or from. For once, the AI algorithms got it right and showed me this video. Thanks for creating it.

[@Nobody-to5fu]

The world doesn't seem as lonely with Charlie Kaufman in it.

[@bombi9131]

came here after watching thinking of ending things, Charlie Kaufman IS his film, even the way he talks and the whole setting of this speech feels like one of his movies.

[@CallMeOpia]

this is the best speech I've ever heard

[@theroughdraft5505]

delete me watch this is Water by David Foster Wallace, this is good but that is next level

[@missanalogue]

Rawness. Talent. Respect.

[@AnaspaceshipShow]

“We do not talk - we bludgeon one another with facts and theories gleaned from cursory readings of newspapers, magazines and digests.” Henry Miller 1945

[@hunmiliengtipi9218]

So true!

[@jayaprakash387]

Thanks for bludgeoning the facts with me gleaned from viewings of KZbin videos.

[@roseadventures5766]

This is the most honest thing I have ever heard from any human beings mouth ever, and I have never been able to relate more to what he said

[@gabrielbizzlebop4702]

Synecdoche New York is charlie kaufman's best work.

[@danclark3545]

Gabriel Bizzlebop great movie. A true masterpiece. I can hardly believe it exists, but I’m very grateful that it does.

[@ElementDaEmcee]

@@danclark3545 It truly is a miracle movie. I cant believe it exist either but the fact that it does shows me I'm not alone in my thoughts in this world.

[@Pimp-Master]

Eternal Sunshine followed closely by Malkovich, with the rear being "Adaptation." These would be my three desert island choices.

[@RahulPatel-sx2pw]

I read a review about synecdoche new york on letterboxd which truly describes the film, "there are two types of film 1) synecdoche,new york 2)every other film. PS. It's one of my favourite films.

[@paulmachin7233]

@@RahulPatel-sx2pw That's an amazing quote!

[@tusharsinghal78]

Cannot express how many times I have come to this video sharing and found new meaning in my work as a film professional - deeply grateful to the team BAFTA Guru

[@stephxox3237]

That last line almost brought me to tears. Your message was so deep and powerful! I've always felt torn when I try to write because my soul wants to be laid bare but the doubt, and the fear of acceptance has always held me back. The problem especially in the arts is that everyone is so use to living in fear, presenting a facade in order to be accepted in the world that we struggle to be honest. Thank you for not giving another speech about the technicalities of writing a screenplay and reaffirming what I knew all along - that all art needs to come from an honest conversation with ourselves.

[@sash9249]

Great speech. He really nailed it. Not only was he entertaining, but I really learned something.

[@DrummerBoy233]

This video moved me greatly, as a creative wanting to pursue writing and filmmaking this cut straight through and plucked my nerves more than once. There were moments I felt tears beginning to form when Mr Kaufman remarked either himself as a person who writes with love; the audience individually different in our processes; or the craft itself as something to nurture, instead of being viewed as a mass production value machine. I will definitely revisit this video in future to brush up on what was said because, ultimately, while he stated to the audience he was meant to talk about how screenplays are written, in actuality he did. He gave an honest, open-hearted view into how he works as a writer; he allowed us the full view of his vulnerability, as writers trying to build characters, he gave us his personal template. Also a top comment on here states how few views this video has. This thing should be spread around; it needs to be seen.

[@Zehahahaa]

I would be honored to work with him one day I will! , he's the type of writer who cares more about the project than his ego

[@moreapropos]

Fascinating. Ultimately we are all severely wounded and unlovable and hide that from others, but that wounded self is what wants to live and that's where your art comes from. Do you. Be naked. Be the wound.

[@callyparks1956]

Beautifully said.

[@thegreatdegroot]

"it was gorgeous, it was gorgeous, it was gorgeous. And yet it was the same ___t." And I know that this movie did really well..." Love Gerwig, but finished watching Barbie movie and just had this lecture playing in the back of my head. "THE ONLY GOAL".

[@mummyjohn]

Just because it is the only goal, does not mean it is the only result.

[@GizzardsandGravy]

this is so refreshing...to hear the honest struggles of a creative mind...for me the creative process has to do with pushing through fear/anxiety/selfdoubt to express yourself honestly and giving voice to the gnawing in the old gut. Charlie understands this ...every artist should hear such an articulate expression of the neurosis that accompanies creative endeavors.

[@ksid6003]

the most raw speech I've ever seen. The laughs are laughs of uncomfortableness

[@nucalabadze3850]

I first watched this like maybe 5 years ago and have come back to it a couple of times and it always connects to something I am doing in that specific moment or where I am at. And this time the lecture seemed so short because I was like literally having a conversation. wow - has always been one of my favorite writers.

[@ebolalegion]

I have thoroughly enjoyed every film he's ever graced with his writing, although I haven't seen them all. It doesn't surprise me that he exists outside of the spotlight so to say, as he is a man inadvertently pitted against the Hollywood machine. Just as he says, he won't allow himself to be in futile competition to be known or to have an audience. However I quite enjoy the fact that most will have to had made a conscientious effort to find his works or his public appearances. On our behalf, we must generally be aware to know who he is to have actively sought a speech of his. There is merit in that very fact :)

[@MrMerlinisawesome]

Thank you Charlie Kaufman. Thank you for your generosity, your security in your insecurity, your wisdom, your courage, your heart, your words.

[@thrillcutz2162]

With his perspectives on being a screenwriter this guy renewed totally the eternal standards of a screenwriter as a hollywood-seller machine.His ideas are those of a writer who made his own way through the hills to be the only one who is offering a world the only thing he has: himself,take it or leave it.Respect.

[@robgreen9]

real honesty is rare! and beyond most of us.! this is real courage!

[@brettsmith2362]

I wish this video would never end. There are so many wonderfully thought provoking, inspiring and personally relatable ideas and emotions in this speech. I have never related to anyone in my while life as much as I do to Charlie Kaufman. I repeatedly listen to this before going to bed because it’s rawness and beauty helps ease me to sleep. Truly one of the greatest screenplay writers of all time and certainly the most genuine and bravest. I want to say ‘Thank you’ but that could never express my gratitude for your existence, sir.

[@Meltscherz]

"if you're honest about who you are you'll help that person be less lonely in their world because that person will recognize him or herself in you, and that will give them hope"

[@marvinasimswewinqueendom2543]

This is definitely one of if not the most beautiful speech I’ve heard. You hear people say it is best to be your authentic self. Too often writers give speeches on how they made a successful script but we all know that’s mostly likely not going to work for others. Charlie certainly nailed it! You’ve inspired me!Thank you for keeping it all the way real!

[@PotatoJonson]

We’re so lucky to have Charlie Kaufman.

[@nanasshi0711]

what i love the most about his work is that it's very honest. that's why it resonates very well with us

[@zhuber]

What a blessing this man is.

[@bravetherainbow]

The push and pull between being appealing and being true pretty much sums up art and artists in general.

[@rafaelpernil]

Charlie Kaufman has that talent of unveiling truth within the viewer. He makes me connect back to my true self.

[@LuisMSimon-nc3yg]

This is incredible. Thanks a lot for uploading.

[@zenmode88]

Absolute honesty takes unfathomable bravery because it opens the artist up for random criticism to now be potentially hurtful... When it's a non-fictional story about yourself, your journey, your real inner thoughts and emotions - that's true courage...

[@hnttakata713]

A beautiful soul; he sees and feels other people’s pain and joy, therefore able to write important dialogue. Thank you.

[@Nolanlvr]

I have a feeling Charlie doesn't care for superhero movies.

[@pltravs]

he did a rewrite of kung fu panda 2

[@aravindkumar6631]

@@pltravs kungfu panda is actually a human story

I have a feeling Charlie doesn't care about these kind of label.

[@fyhv_]

He has said that he'd happily create a superhero film if he can do it his own way.

[@kwaty]

If you haven’t, read his novel Antland. You will get an understanding of what he likes and what he doesn’t. And he’ll make you laugh whilst he tells you!

[@mescellaneous]

awesome, i just rewatched Being John Malkovich (I've seen it a few years ago) and was researching more about it when i found an excerpt of the speech. good thing this was reuploaded

[@hamidrazavi822]

It's amazing the manner the multi layered dimensions flow so naturally under a controlled intensity.

[@MattieCooper10000]

Dear Charlie, I Love your films! Please make more of them!

[@limitexperience]

His work constantly inspires originality and vulnerability.

[@ClariceAust]

Well, he's my friend now.

[@captnpeacemaker]

A friend he avoids.

[@ClariceAust]

@@captnpeacemaker Why the need to be such a sceptic, peacemaker? Kindred spirits, or spirits in admiration of another? What's so hard to understand about that?

[@captnpeacemaker]

@@ClariceAust Ähm, because Charlie told the story that way ...

[@Demetrius3434]

It's never too late to start writing, write when you know that you have something important to say, when you accumulated enough experience and knowledge of life to be able to inform and to teach others how to conquer it and how to accomplish and achieve their deepest desires and aspirations! Enough said. Thank you, Mr. Kaufman, for your vast experience and knowledge of the screenwriting trade.

[@twodays8041]

The way he says, “and um.. and he’s my friend now” in the running story is verbatim my interaction with any cashier or passerby who even ‘hello’s me

[@dmcg8400]

There are no words possible for how amazing this speech is... Powerfully, gut-wrenchingly incredible.

[@jooky87]

Oh man, we need to hear more from Charlie Kaufman, this guy is a genius

[@zannneee86]

This has way to few views. This is important

[@MrBrodude22]

Zannneee you posted the comment one day after the video was posted. come on

[@someoneelse9680]

Christian Larson to be fair this speech is older than it was posted

[@doccreed7182]

too few

[@THEMARTINDECKERSHOW]

Saw this several years ago and it changed the way I look at things - really worth watching

[@Tastymus]

One of the most interesting "speeches" I heard. Has to be viewed by more people!

[@paradoxinmotion]

this is one of the best talks I've heard. so honest and real and vulnerable

[@Dartanbeck]

Wow. Fantastic speech! Thank you for sharing, Charlie!

[@ai-man212]

I always began my comedy routine with the lines: "I'm suing the Tobacco Companies. All my relatives are in their 60's. All smokers.. I was promised early release."

[@ElEcodelTren]

1:58 "i'm just telling you off the bat" same expression used by Clementine in her scary warning speech to Joel the second time they meet at the book store...

[@jerkchickenblog]

THANK GOD, Charlie, this is on youtube. I needed this.

[@Br1an.J]

I see it said all through these comments, but I'll also say this a brave, vulnerable, sincere, and rare glimpse of pure humanity.

[@Rob-sk1im]

We can appreciate your feelings of insecurity, but sir, you are a screenwriter and a fine one at that.

[@benrezenarosa]

Great speech by an unparalleled writer. So beautiful.

[@deanradovanovic3024]

THANK YOU, Charlie Kaufman! I love you man. This is all one must remember, and not know it.

[@michelepalozzo5824]

Much more inspiring than any TED Talk I've seen to this day.

[@prod.fullright8319]

I love this so much. Charlie Kaufman is such a huge inspiration

[@moniquevamado]

Wow. This is incredible. He's like the Thomas Merton of screenwriting. So thankful for this talk.

[@esuoro5548]

True, real, and very deep, ...much respect to Charlie Kaufman

[@howardkoor9365]

Brilliant. Funny. Self-Reflective, Modest, and a damn good writer

[@KatieKamala]

BRAVO! To all the artists in the world, let us allow our authentic selves to shine through.

[@shannonkringen]

love this talk- totally resonate with the idea of being authentic and not trying to "please" in a fake way

[@diogosoares1309]

Brilliant!! Thank you so much for this

[@s.romahora1825]

This was so heartening.

[@BenM1983]

'Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes' - I think they were talking about Charlie Kaufman.

[@nasar8480]

Well, thank you. This was wonderful. Truly wonderful.

[@Vidyut_Gore]

Very few videos seem like they changed my life because I spent a few hours watching them. Very few things overall feel like that because I spent a few hours on them. And I haven't even got around to the impact on my writing yet. There is a me before I saw it, there is a me after. I have all kinds of "keywords" now, mental anchors to remind me of insights triggered when I heard him talk about them. Usually I find them one at a time. Precious gems. Now I'm in Alibaba's Cave.

[@jonaht8442]

8:56 I shed a tear.

[@jacobwood76]

This is simply incredible.

[@explorerelka]

I really thought this was from the 70's. Charlie Kaufman's hairstyle, glasses and even suit is distinctly from that era!

[@anetaczupa6306]

Great, great speech. Thank you

[@stephenclarke01]

13:39. I love this frame. Kudos to the camera operator, x.

[@jani0213]

Thank you Charlie for showing us how to be human again, it is so easy to get lost in this crazy world. If there is one thing I don't like about this video, it is its' title. This is not an advice on writing it is an essay on living. It takes so much strength to be so vulnerable, to speak from your heart, to crack open your soul, to tell the uncomfortable truth. This is probably my fifth time watching this video. I don't have the words to describe how important this is, he really did bring it.

[@petemartinp]

Incredible, so much food for thought