Adaptation.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

I hope you enjoyed our video on Adaptation! Passing 1M subscribers was so surreal. You guys are the best.

[@Robin6000]

This is amazing! What a genius way to do an essay on Adaptation. You have out done yourself, great job Michael :)

[@thesteamroller]

Awesome work. Absolutely hilarious poking fun at KZbin movie commentary. Congrats on 1mil!

[@BrutalSnuggles]

I am so glad to have joined you Michael! Also, I love Lindsay Ellis too and I think if you too don't do a video together or get married soon i'm gonna go crazy. Thanks for the great video! You should do a classic next, like a capital C Classic, The Godfather, Citizen Kane etc. Or not. I'm a stranger on the internet, not a cop

[@chevychelios4672]

I must say the writing in this special video is awesome. It just flows naturally. It's just right. Congratulations!

[@TamDNB]

you deserve the mil mate!

[@NowYouSeeIt]

Fantastic job Michael! You could do a video essay about how good this video is, but just thinking about that hurts my brain.

[@jeffvic9842]

Man, do it yourself

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thanks Jack! Wonderful performance, by the way ;)

[@LukeConnelly1]

Lessons from the Screenplay Great to see the collaboration, Nando V Movies and Just Write too was so cool to see. You guys are like the holy quadrinity of film essayists on KZbin.

[@calabiyau9269]

What was the meaning of yellow?!?!?

[@LoverofLiszt]

A video essay on ones own short film on the themes of a film about an adaption for film? Sounds like next years April Fools video if not anything else.

[@victorvdbVEVO]

"Zach, don't use the word 'influencer' " You are officially my hero

[@benvoliothefirst]

MUST... GIVE... MORE... LIKES...

[@FranciscoGarcia-jp1hp]

Best 4-minute in-video audible plug i've seen so far.

[@Apudurangdinya]

the first time he said "you dont have to read, you just have to listen" Whoa whoa... i know where this is going

[@aaronreyes8127]

Amazing

[@zanzanzanzan]

Agreed. Then look up commentiquette AI for the best nordvpn one if you half an hour laying around. It's dizzying

[@adamdrakestudio]

As it was making it's way into the dialogue i was thinking omg is he gonna do this?!

[@adamdrakestudio]

@@Apudurangdinya yep

[@kutumba56]

Not gonna lie, the “Pull an ‘Every Frame A Painting” line made my heart hurt. 😭

[@samantacarvalho8669]

Mine too. 😔😭

[@procrastinator99]

Glad to know I’m not alone.

[@TomEyeTheSFMguy]

It hurt my soul

[@NandovMovies]

This is so great! And now that you've created the ultimate video essay, you can shift gears and turn LFTS into a Beat Sabre Let's Play channel. It's the logical next step.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

I like it! It only makes sense.

[@luuketaylor]

I'm shocked and sincerely sorry that you were the only video essayist mentioned in this incredible video that I hadn't already heard of! No, I don't know how or why, but after seeing your channel in this, I've immediately subscribed. I eagerly look forward to making my way through your back-catalogue!

[@NandovMovies]

@@luuketaylor That's awesome

[@mmsegundo]

Serious that your name is not Nando?

[@levicochrane]

Wait. He's not actually your brother? That's some great casting.

[@samantacarvalho8669]

Right? Glad someone said it. Haha

[@esteicy98]

What the hell, really? This video just become better and better xD

[@TheBenenene10]

What? For the first couple of shots I thought it was just Michael with a wig

[@bw-xv2rz]

much like when spike jonze casted nic cage to play nic cage's brother

[@scottbrown2252]

Not only did I think that was your actual brother, but when he first showed up, I thought it was you playing both roles, and I was like, "Damn, this guy can act!"

[@adamdrakestudio]

Same

[@cinecure]

My mind exploded when I saw the credit at the end and thought "wait, what?"

[@theitalianalien8477]

I thought: "DAMN, those special effects are seamless!"

[@aye_jonesfkamarvel_jones519]

A B where would you like this 🏆 delivered?

[@daltonmiller7335]

"Fade to black!" Just cuts out. Solid.

[@AlexLopez-hn5ru]

Killed me 😂

[@mukundbhanot7144]

the production quality is 11 out of 10. the cinematography, editing and acting are nothing short of hollywood level. bravo!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Props to my friend Alex Calleros who directed it: twitter.com/Alex_Calleros

[@mimoooo]

"these go to 11"

[@adamdrakestudio]

Totally agree.

[@sahitanand]

"Just start. See what happens" I should print this in big bold letters and paste it on top of my desk.

[@emilyprins9143]

This somehow managed to be a meta reflection of the film its about, an explanation of your video-making process, a celebration of hitting one million subscribers, a look into how Adaption works, and an amazing short film all in one! Bravo!!

[@partlydave2]

And an Audible sponsorship ad lol

[@rachaelkiernan87]

The Audible ad was hilarious. Perfect way to squeeze that shit in.

[@Bepeze]

Yes. Michael. Ive been following you since last year. I freaking love your process bro. Thank you for giving us a view into it. Very very meta I can't imagine your process, even though I just said I appreciate your allowing us to see it. I'm very inspired by it because believe it or not im thinking of making my own channel, based upon my acting experience and journey into the writing side of things. GREAT GREAT GREAT Short film. Blessings.

[@ballsdeep-nu1xp]

hi ;)

[@kunaljwrites]

Generally, I refrain from typing a comment on a KZbin video. I just like a video, and if it’s really good I add to my playlist and move along. Honestly this is my first comment. Michael, this was such a wonderful video and I agree this is the best one on your channel. I love the way how you so intricately share ideas employed in a movie across. I thought you’re also a filmmaker, so when I could watch a short film of yours in addition to your video essays, and this adaptation video is a classy surprise. You’re an inspiration. I hope you have the next million subscribers soon.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thank you so much!

[@AccentedCinema]

The best April Fool's joke is a non-joke pretending to be a joke about a video essay that's about the writing of said video essay about a film in which a character is writing said film... My brain is melting.

[@HAL-vm3wn]

I did not understand what you just said, but i gave it a like anyway. I think I'm gonna start calling you David Lynch

[@CURTSNIPER]

like the rainbow six siege event for this april fool's, they made it so ridiculous that it couldnt be real, and yet it was and so detailed for only a week long event, as if it were a permanent piece of the game

[@tobymcshane7179]

So not only is Zach not simply you playing both roles, but he's not even your brother playing your brother. Gobsmacked.

[@EvlinDuBose]

I mean, anyone get kind of blown away by the quality of this video? Like, the production value. Good sound, good acting, great cinematography, tight editing, appropriate costume design, smooth color-grading, the cinematic aspect ratio...

[@rahab2850]

Didn't even notice the aspect ratio until you pointed it out, but now I appreciate it even more.

[@NuttyMongrel]

Yes I was thinking the same thing. Though I guess we shouldn't be too surprised since Michael did go to film school.

[@FullFatVideos]

HE'S NOT YOUR ACTUAL BROTHER? What. The. Hell.

[@SuperMastermindx]

you cannot pull an "every frame a painting" that loss was too much already

[@Unseenmonument]

I literally scrolled past this comment just as it came up on the video, nice timing.

[@TakeMyLunch]

@@Unseenmonument Why were you in the comments when this masterpiece was playing?!

[@treyharshaw7276]

@@TakeMyLunch He wanted to experience an unseen moment of the video.

[@diegom-a7970]

It was a brilliant mention by Michael, I laughed hard

[@FullFatVideos]

Michael's video essay voice and his normal speaking voice sound like two different people or is that just me? This was such a fun watch.

[@JoshuaKapusinski]

Michael, I remember watching your videos since you had only about three videos on your channel and nowhere near the number of subscribers you have now. Let me just say that as a fan who's been following you for a few years and a writer who's trying to get published, your videos provide a daily dose of inspiration that has led me to complete several short stories, a novel that has been sent to publishers, and a screenplay in progress. You're amazing at what you do and I hope you know that your fans deeply appreciate your content. Enjoy 1 million brother :)

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Wow, that is really amazing to hear. Thank you.

[@Jomnomify]

'Tries to make a video essay exploring a movie about writing a movie'. Ends up writing a video essay about trying to write a video essay about a movie about trying to write a movie. This is undoubtedly one of the best video essays I've ever watched. If this is meant to be an April fools joke I'm not laughing, I'm in astonishment of the sheer talent being presented here. Congratulations LFTS!

[@ianberg2181]

Words cannot express how much praise you deserve for this video

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thanks Ian!

[@kaguth]

On Zach's advice I read "Save the Cat" last month and I just signed a 5 picture deal with Disney.

[@thegustbag]

Ouch, the heart stab at the mention of Every Frame a Painting. Aside from that, loved the short film format of video essaying about a movie coated in meta commentary!

[@zuul1005]

the metametametacommentary is amazing and hurts my brain in the best way

[@kiara-kh7nh]

"I should pull an every frame a painting" FFFFUUUUUCK

[@chevychelios4672]

Haahaha I miss that channel

[@LegoSnakeproductions]

I still remember it, man I really liked that channel

[@M4TCH3SM4L0N3]

Yes, police? I'd like to report a murder...

[@Gregoryzaniz]

Bruh i know

[@rezigggg]

that shit hurted man

[@ISAAKKUSH]

Essay about "Adaption" in a form of "Adaption", Kaufman should love it)

[@onlycasual1]

The acting in this feels so genuine. Short films often give off a specific kind of vibe in terms of how the characters act and interact but this feels natural.

[@WillyToons]

You should play this short on film festivals, it would be better than most.

[@HelgaCavoli]

True.

[@RoboBoddicker]

Zach's acting is almost as good as Nicolas Cage's brother in Adaptation

[@dwiskus]

It is absolutely insane how good this video is. Wow. Just wow.

[@p3terlos]

You're absolutely right. Masterpiece.

[@spencewarren6404]

Layers of deeply compelling meta-narrative converge like concentric portals, so tightly interwoven and so sturdily constructed, it’s hard to perceive the edges of the thing. This must be what it feels like when a companion takes their first trip in the TARDIS. Our main man Joseph Campbell once said, “The influence of a vital person vitalizes”. The sphere of your influence is expansive - long may it continue. Congratulations on a well deserved milestone.

[@calebbeaudoin8726]

Dude... This is really good. You went out of form, but you still explained the script like normal. Nice job man.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thank you! Really appreciate that :)

[@aModernDandy]

Those fake thumbnails at 7:43 are great! I thought “hey that looks like alt shift x” went back to pause the video and took in all the details 😄 really well done detail- and a really well done video too!

[@elheber]

Y'all didn't see it, but Every Frame A Painting came back just to make a video about Zach Reacts.

[@thatRyzzle]

Wait, you're not actually brothers? Damn, could have fooled me. Congrats on hitting the 1-million mark! Great video, as always! And it actually makes me want to re-watch Adaptation!

[@evanwessman9120]

I tuned in a little late, but it's impressive how good this is. I think there is a world of difference between critiquing something someone else made and creating something original yourself. This video proves that you and your team can do both. You should really consider writing more of your own stuff. Thanks for making this worth the wait!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thanks Evan!!

[@daniel_netzel]

I love it so much, I'm mad I didn't come up with it first. Excellent job on this one, and congrats on the massive 1 million milestone!

[@MrPicunYT]

This can be easily one of the best videos I've seen on KZbin, you actually were able to make a storyline with the idea of Adaptation while explining how the original screenplay works, you are at other level dude, keep it up! 💜

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thank you! I'm so happy it all worked and came across.

[@batitony]

I know this may sound like some random comment anyone would make to praise a content creator they´ve been following...but this is (I mean it) THE BEST VIDEO ESSAY I'VE EVER SEEN. Mr Plinkett got no shit on you, man, you got it all. LOVED it. You inspire others to do their greatest with your videos and for that I just want to say: thank you.

[@rayneozier]

I watch a lot of now you see it videos so that yellow part really got me.

[@Grgonaldo]

And the milk thing killed me 😂

[@Ludvigvanamadeus]

That was the most brilliant product placement I have ever seen.

[@LostCosmonauts]

Hey Michael I was looking around for your brother Zach's video essay channel and I couldn't find it? I hope everything's going okay I really love his videos.

[@Danieldrylie]

Anybody else think about how clean that desk setup is?

[@MuseMediaUSA]

You mean that's not normal? And Michael does the exact same things with his pen as I do with mine!

[@PatrickHogan]

YES I’ve been begging for some Charlie Kaufman! He’s on of the best screenwriters ever. Do all his movies! *All of them!*

[@d_ruggs]

the amount of work that went into this is astounding. I usually am not a fan of an adaptation review that just recreates the movie (because like, every review of this movies does it) but you did it so well, I was won over. Subbed. Great work.

[@manugareg9427]

This is the most ambitious crossover I've ever seen. My respects, you wonderful genius, thanks for everything.

[@GopaiCheems]

This probably has been said, but this is a video essay about the film "Adaptation" and is also a KZbin adaptation of "Adaptation" which explores the struggles of a film adaptation of a book. Geez, so many levels of meta my brain hurts.

[@kimang9814]

SMOOTH AF SPONSORSHIP TRANSITION meta af man

[@diegowushu]

I love Adaptation so much because it's an accurate portrayal of a depressed, socially anxious character. The negative self-talk is painfully accurate.

[@joshradmore]

I knew he knew about movies. But damn, guy can make them too!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

😬

[@taylorjohnson9101]

This video is criminally underrated

[@DrRove]

I'm subscribing to this ZachReacts guy. He's going somewhere.

[@ajbeaudry9056]

This is honestly one of my fav video on youtube

[@ivyscarf]

seriously one of the best videos on youtube

[@carlosmanuel1767]

"I should pull an Every Frame a Painting and just quit" HAHAHAHA

[@avasomera833]

Unrelated, but your team is so adorable! Such hard workers!!

[@brunoschaves_]

Someone send this to Spike Jonze, Nicolas Cage and the rest of "Adaptation's" cast and crew NOW!! Man, I love this so much!! So happy to see u with 1 mi subscribers!!! U r the best!

[@ImVeryOriginal]

I'm sure Charlie Kaufman would love it.

[@durcheinander5554]

Awww one of my absolute fave movies on writing 😍😍😍 I'M IMPATIENT NOW

[@diegom-a7970]

You have just achieved the level of genius! I have been following your channel since the beginning congratulations for the 100,000 subs!

[@ATHMedia1]

Best cameos ever! Almost all of the greatest video essayists? Clever girl

[@bernardo777ful]

"if it's free style it's not an essay, the word 'essay' it´s on the name" always gets me

[@yomega69]

...I'm sitting behind my computer scratching my head trying to put to words how beautiful this video is. Like beat for beat, you managed to evoke the film the video is covering whilst beat for beat evoking the meta-experience of your own creative process and the overall deeper-meta-experience of making the video I'm watching... Not sure if that makes sense but it's all there in the content and WOW I'm almost weepy over this, bravo and congratulations from a long time subscriber!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

This comment is SO amazing. I'm really thrilled you appreciated all of it-it was a fun challenge :)

[@Sandra-wj4on]

I've always loved your work, but this stray from your normal venue is genius! Keep it up!

[@melis6264]

my goodness, this deserves an Oscar. you have totally thrown me off my socks. been here since 100.000, can not wait to hear more lessons from the screenplay, thank you.

[@nickcoronado898]

As a musician, every once in a while I get a bold concept for a piece of music that starts out with a ton of ideas and goals. Maybe it's trying to have a dialog with some other piece I draw inspiration from, maybe it's a reflection on my own past music, or maybe it's a rejection of something internal or external that is causing conflict in me somehow. But the piece always completely falls apart. The more ideas I start with, the more likely it is that it will completely collapse in on itself because while maybe one or two of the ideas have some merit, it's missing some central, inner piece of soul to glue it all together. This, to me, feels like a triumph over that process. Just trying to list out the goals you had with this video is kind of staggering, and I can't believe that not only did you accomplish all of them, but you did so with something fundamental and personal and full of soul right in the center. This really is a remarkable video, well done. Also, you can act my dude!

[@akshaybhatia8971]

Wait a minute, is this an April Fools Joke? That isn’t Nicolas Cage in the thumbnail

[@muchozolf]

You don't hit 1M subscribers at April Fools every year

[@shoam2103]

Nick Cage has many faces.. no wait, many faces have Nic, er..

[@Rudahms]

I've been here since your very first video, Michael. It's really inspiring to see what you've achieved and how much you've evolved - in every way - the writing, editing, video structure, graphic design and most importantly -- story. Keep up the amazing job. We'll keep on watching :)

[@eetwins21]

Sweet! So happy for you Michael. Also, loved the reference to Every Frame... This was a treat. Way to nail it. Been following you for most of your journey, so this was a special thrill. Especially because I see you interviewing my film school friends Sev and Lindsey. I laughed so many times during this video, thank you for all that you do!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Awesome! And cool that you went to school with them, they're both such awesome people!

[@JackHoward]

Spec-tac-ular.

[@MsCamo2]

LFTS Is my favorite writing channel, but i also love all of the channels referenced in here. This video is amazing, it gave me literal goosebumps.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Awesome! :)

[@BiscuitAWitch]

Why wasn't this in my subscriptions tab on April 1st? Darn you KZbin!!

[@orangej5005]

This video shines! I hope you decide to make movies of your own one day, as you're already a master! If that day is to come, I absolutely cannot wait :)

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Workin' on it ;)

[@orangej5005]

@@LessonsfromtheScreenplay delightful!

[@stevemccarthy6860]

Brilliant. Almost stopped watching because it was so different from your other videos but I am so glad I didn't. Very daring and cool take and makes me see Adaptation afresh.

[@lucaisyourdemise]

that's insane, not even watched it all and already one of the best videos I have ever seen!

[@mozismaia]

This was the absolute best video I've seen in a really long time. I'm no one but I just wanna say I'm proud of you and how much work you put into your videos.

[@Tlalek]

Just like Zach Reacts, this truly managed to evolve the form of the modern video essay!

[@VARIOUShorses]

This was so good! Amazing work, if it was actually your intention to make the best LFTS yet you definitely succeeded in my eyes. Props to everyone involved, the production quality was top notch throughout.

[@SamuelWhitlock]

This is a short-film reaction video essay about a movie that had a plot that covered the creation of a movie. Perfection.

[@luuketaylor]

Michael, you and the other channels you have cameo in this masterpiece of a video essay have been some of the most influential people to me over the last few years of my life. I'm proud to have found your channel back in your early days (something I can't say for a lot of the others) and to have connected with your content so well. A friend of mine has been prodding me to watch Being John Malkovich and Adaptation for a while, and I recently watched both, with Adaptation's watching being the same day as you releasing this video! I don't know how to say thank you enough for your dedication, commitment to your craft, and consistency of quality as a writer and creator. Here's to your next million, and many more.

[@sameasiteverwas9742]

Those of you who think this is just an April fools joke and not a serious video you must not understand adaptation. Sure its not the conventional video but thats the point. Great work guys, can't wait for more Kaufman.

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

Thank you! More Kaufman to come.

[@aylinitzel.]

This is actually amazing. You’re so creative, and we couldn’t have asked for a better 1,000,000 subscriber video.

[@kahlbutomacfarland]

Oooh. I hope this gets as meta as a mofo.

[@juliano3435]

Brilliant. Totally geeked out throughout. One of the best I've watched on YT to date.

[@winstonobie]

This is so elaborate and meta. I love it so much!

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

:D

[@d4mdcykey]

That was truly impressive in every single aspect; this needs to be part of a Film School curriculum. The production quality, acting, pacing, writing, creativity, all of it. You and your team made something that is fittingly appropriate for reaching the 1 Million threshold. Congrats!

[@realpaatuhod]

HAPPY 1M aaaaahhhh you deserve it and more! 💕

[@ForwardPixels]

This is so well produced you forget that you're watching a KZbin video. I love how the creators are pushing boundaries.

[@sethheasley9538]

Free branding idea for Zack -> ReZactions

[@DanielleReneLight]

Honestly one of the most clever video essays I've ever had the pleasure of viewing! Wonderful job Michael :)

[@evanwessman9120]

Didn't kill off the brother character like in the real movie. Which is probably a good thing.

[@brokenspectre22]

This was tremendous. And they say Engame was the most ambitious crossover event in history. All my favorite video-essayists in one video, and WHAT A VIDEO... Longtime fan and aspiring writer here and I've gotta say you've really outdone yourself. I'm so happy you took the leap with this video form and NAILED IT. Keep it up man, and congrats on the 1 million subscribers!

[@jeffvic9842]

Man, this is easily the best video you have ever done.

[@LaunchPadAstronomy]

That was Epic! Congratulations on a well deserved milestone!

[@helenarosno]

Omg I’m subscribed to every person in this video and recognized their voices immediately! Congrats and great video!💚

[@LessonsfromtheScreenplay]

❤️

[@rainbowthief]

I’ve watched every video on this channel and loved them all, but this was so amazing that I want you to start making feature films now. This was the best KZbin video in any genre that I’ve seen in years.

[@literallyjudas2157]

13:13 Oh my god I felt that "congratulations".

[@LogicTheSyllogisms]

THIS VIDEO DESERVES ALL THE VIEWS

[@moviesbychris8813]

This was a masterpiece.

[@JayMutzafi]

This is soooo good. Just brilliant. (Random side note: when I first stumbled on one of your videos a few weeks back and saw your face at the end I was like “hey I know that guy!”. I interviewed you the the rest of Finite for the lucid dreaming podcast)