The Orchid Thief
Charlie pulls out Orlean's book, The Orchid Thief, during his meeting with Valerie. While it is the subject matter about which he is writing, it is also a symbol of a steel trap of stifled creativity that he cannot seem to escape.
Quick Sale
Donald, on his first attempt at writing a screenplay, sells it for 6-7 figures. This is a symbol that years of experience are not necessary for breakthrough in the movie business.
Twins
Charlie and Donald are twins. Charlie is neurotic and full of worry, anxiety, doubt, and fear while Donald is free and optimistic about life and whatever comes. This is a symbol of the two options we have in life to travel down as we face hardship, and the two characters are a metaphor for the entirety of Kaufman himself.
McKee
Charlie is hyper-opposed to attending Robert McKee's workshop, but eventually does and talks to him about structure. This is a symbol of the many-times necessity for humility to ask for help even when we believe we can do it all alone.
The Biz
Charlie's agent takes a meeting with him, only to talk mostly about all the women he's slept with or would sleep with. It's a symbol of the rampant nature of the industry to be plagued with hyper-sexualized people who believe they can get anyone they please. All this occurs while Charlie is trying to confide in him for advice about writing.
John Laroche's Teeth
John Laroche's dental condition, characterized by his missing front teeth, serves as a visual symbol of his eccentricity and outsider status. It also underscores his unconventional approach to life and his disregard for societal norms.
Bookstore
The bookstore where Charlie first encounters Orlean's book represents the realm of knowledge and inspiration. It is where Charlie's journey begins, sparking his fascination with Orlean's work and setting the adaptation process in motion.
