The Charisma of Simone
Added 8/3/2009
"Simone" is "A Thinking Person's" movie. It's one of those "would if" movies where the concept trumps the acting and cinematography. Would if you could digitally produce a musician, athlete or actor for the pure purpose of entertaining a population and didn't have to worry about prima donnas, excessive salaries and bloated budgets? What if, for the first time, a bona fide celebrity could be created from the dark recesses of a computer and appear more real than the latest phenom? From the election of the President to the latest fad, "Simone" shows how far society has come in creating illusions that people not only buy into, but relish as a way of life better than reality. There is philosophical subtext throughout "Simone" commenting on how far we've devolved as a society without being sermonic. However, what initially was a moral dilemma becomes an acceptance of the world "as is." In the end, the audience is left with the option of fighting an uphill battle over reality or surrendering by adapting to the environment of illusion. Darwin said that the person best able to adapt to an environment would thrive.
"Simone" is a comedy, but the concept is strikingly real.
Edward Brown
Core Edge Image & Charisma Institute
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Interesting Premise, But Nothing Special
Added 4/22/2009
This was a so-so comedy starring a famous actor who is known more for his dramatic roles: Al Pacino.
For a one-joke storyline, I thought the film was pretty good, and certainly better than the national critics would have you believe. The story moved well, only getting a little preposterous in the final 15-25 minutes, although the whole film is a tongue-and-cheek look at Hollywood fame.
It's a nice-looking DVD and Rachel Roberts ain't bad-looking, either, as the computer-generated new movie star who isn't what people think.
Overall, this turned out to be an "okay" but not one that people raved about. Maybe it was the weak ending.
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proof once again
Added 3/8/2009
Once aain Al Pacino proves that todays actors have a long way to go..not only is he great to watch but so is the film.Simone is a very intresting watch,it also gets u thinting..what if this was really possible?Of course this seems possible in the near future..The film is funny,all the actors have delivered great performances..Simone is an insight to the pressures fustrations that film makers go through.All said & done,this film is a must for all movie goers..As for Al Pacino fans,all i can say is,don't miss this one..
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Wagging another dog
Added 2/13/2009
Much like Dustin Hoffman in Wag the Dog, Al Pacino plays a moviemaker who turns an image into reality - if that many people believe, it's real, right? There are photos, movie footage, interviews - everything. What's not real?
Everything, of course. Computer imagery isn't there yet, but will be soon, and Hollywood's whole business consists of creating reality from nothing or less. Pacino's Victor Taransky just creates it from less than most. Then, recreating an eerily familiar phenomenon, the image turns into a pop-culture goddess. Pure imagery takes on a life of its own - just a half-step beyond what happens in the tabloids today. So, when Taransky tries to end that life, the world (or at least the police) turn on him. I found the ending a surprise, but one with gut-wrenching reality to it. Again echoing Wag the Dog, the movie's final comment on what's real and what's not extends into the world of politics, too.
Although clever and ironic in itself, this movie wouldn't be half what it is without Pacino. His character is complex, eager, desperate, cocky, fearful, and more - just as any credible person would be in pulling a major scam, always on the edge of discovery. When a good concept comes together with lots of fine performances, movies like this turn into something quite remarkable. I don't say this about many movies, but I look forward to seeing this one again.
-- wiredweird
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Fun little poke at Hollywood and its fans
Added 9/27/2008
While I wouldn't say this is one of those movies you have to watch every weekend, I must say that this was a film that did surprise me with its subtle humor and satire. It has a decent plot and the idea is truly riveting. Mostly, I just love the satirical overtopping of media sensations. The acting is stellar all-around, and it's nice to have a n intelligent and cute little film to pop in every once and a while.
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