A Unique, Original Film by Woody Allen
Added 11/9/2009
This 1983-mockumentary from director Woody Allen is one of his most fascinating, unique films. Allen portrays Leonard Zelig, a human chameleon who frequently appears during the course of history. The term chameleon never clicked with me while reading synopsis' of this film, but Zelig is quite literally a chameleon, having the ability to transform into people he's around making it easy to fit in with anyone; black, Jewish, doctors, etc. The plot, told with "old," narrated footage of Zelig and intercut with present-day "interviews," follows Zelig as he gains national attention for his remarkable ability. Doctors are baffled and eventually find themselves giving up on Zelig, with the exception of Dr. Eudora Fletcher (Mia Farrow), who thinks she can help him.
Allen incorporates himself into actual, historical footage throughout the film (the funniest being one involving Hitler) and he does it seamlessly. Considering Allen didn't have the digital technology of today, it's impressive how effortlessly and perfectly he had himself weaved into this pre-existing footage. Equally impressive though are the scenes filmed specifically for the film, which look and feel exactly like footage from the era. While the film sounds like it's driven by a gimmick, Allen never lets you in on the fact that it is a gimmick `cause every shot, every song just feels right.
The film blends Allen's filmmaking styles, with both his witty, subtle humor and some dramatic elements. While it's not exactly more "accessible" than other Allen films, it's experimental nature will appeal to non-Allen fans. There are films that share similar themes and attributes with Zelig, but it's one of Allen's most original films.
Overall, it's a fascinating and amusing entry in Allen's filmography. At only 71 minutes, Woody Allen gives us one of his most memorable creations. I don't think it's a perfect film, but it's so good that the bad isn't worth mentioning.
GRADE: A-
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The Inventive Woody
Added 12/22/2008
"Zelig" is presented in such a straight documentary format that you have to remind yourself this is not about an actual historical subject. Patrick Horgan so typifies the refined British narrator that he is able to incorporate some old gags with great ease.
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Humoristic dissection of the human mind
Added 6/15/2008
Woody Allen stands, by far, as my favorite director of all times. I have seen all his movies, since I was a kid. Of course, there are the big ones, the masterpieces, but I find a great pleasure in some of his -for the mainstream- less known plays, such as Zelig.
This not comedy, this is pure genius in the understanding of human nature. It is Allen's essay of the desperate need of people to fit into society, to be accepted, to belong. This is the kind of movie that separate Allen for the ordinary and make him of the greatest genius of cinema.
Psychology in cinematic therms, I always consider Zelig as the ultimate dissection of the social distress: how an person needings to be part of something drive him to the point of eliminate his own individuality.
The movie's approach as a fake documentary is also one of the biggest achievements of Allen, a brilliant portrait of humanity.
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SHOWING ONE'S TRUE COLORS
Added 3/26/2008
Uproariously funny spoof of one Leonard Zelig, a totally ubiquitous sort,who effortlessly turns into types with whom he is associating. Filmed in 1930's newsreel style, with appropriate background music, and third party narration, it's Allen at his best, treading waters that anyone else would fear for slander. As psychiatrists attempt to diagnose his condition, Zelig is busy annnoying a Pope, coming between 2 presidents, changing nationalities, changing races,and stupifying the entire planet. It's a film for those who are still able to laugh at themselves and the human condition, at least for 90 minutes. This reviewer is surprised by the relative paucity of reviews, but not the qualityof the film thereof. Lighten up and enjoy!
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The Only Woody Allen Movie I Like
Added 3/8/2008
This was the original Forrest Gump -- The technique of superimposing the character into historical settings. Perhaps because the movie was filmed in B&W, the special effects have held up even after all these years. I saw this movie in the theaters when it first came out when I was a teenager. It was the first time, and only time, I ever thought Woody Allen made a good movie. It is about a man who has no self-esteem and overcomes this by turning into the same people as those around him. When he is with doctors, he becomes a doctor; when he is with Chinese peope, he becomes Chinese; when he is at a Greek restaurant, he becomes Greek. Naturally, he joins the Nazi Party for a time. The movie is about his struggle to become his own person, and the plot and message are timeless.
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A Unique, Original Film by Woody Allen
Added 11/9/2009
This 1983-mockumentary from director Woody Allen is one of his most fascinating, unique films. Allen portrays Leonard Zelig, a human chameleon who frequently appears during the course of history. The term chameleon never clicked with me while reading synopsis' of this film, but Zelig is quite literally a chameleon, having the ability to transform into people he's around making it easy to fit in with anyone; black, Jewish, doctors, etc. The plot, told with "old," narrated footage of Zelig and intercut with present-day "interviews," follows Zelig as he gains national attention for his remarkable ability. Doctors are baffled and eventually find themselves giving up on Zelig, with the exception of Dr. Eudora Fletcher (Mia Farrow), who thinks she can help him.
Allen incorporates himself into actual, historical footage throughout the film (the funniest being one involving Hitler) and he does it seamlessly. Considering Allen didn't have the digital technology of today, it's impressive how effortlessly and perfectly he had himself weaved into this pre-existing footage. Equally impressive though are the scenes filmed specifically for the film, which look and feel exactly like footage from the era. While the film sounds like it's driven by a gimmick, Allen never lets you in on the fact that it is a gimmick `cause every shot, every song just feels right.
The film blends Allen's filmmaking styles, with both his witty, subtle humor and some dramatic elements. While it's not exactly more "accessible" than other Allen films, it's experimental nature will appeal to non-Allen fans. There are films that share similar themes and attributes with Zelig, but it's one of Allen's most original films.
Overall, it's a fascinating and amusing entry in Allen's filmography. At only 71 minutes, Woody Allen gives us one of his most memorable creations. I don't think it's a perfect film, but it's so good that the bad isn't worth mentioning.
GRADE: A-
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
The Inventive Woody
Added 12/22/2008
"Zelig" is presented in such a straight documentary format that you have to remind yourself this is not about an actual historical subject. Patrick Horgan so typifies the refined British narrator that he is able to incorporate some old gags with great ease.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
Humoristic dissection of the human mind
Added 6/15/2008
Woody Allen stands, by far, as my favorite director of all times. I have seen all his movies, since I was a kid. Of course, there are the big ones, the masterpieces, but I find a great pleasure in some of his -for the mainstream- less known plays, such as Zelig.
This not comedy, this is pure genius in the understanding of human nature. It is Allen's essay of the desperate need of people to fit into society, to be accepted, to belong. This is the kind of movie that separate Allen for the ordinary and make him of the greatest genius of cinema.
Psychology in cinematic therms, I always consider Zelig as the ultimate dissection of the social distress: how an person needings to be part of something drive him to the point of eliminate his own individuality.
The movie's approach as a fake documentary is also one of the biggest achievements of Allen, a brilliant portrait of humanity.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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