Zelig (1983) 7.7
"Documentary" about a man who can look and act like whoever he's around, and meets various famous people. Director:Woody AllenWriter:Woody Allen |
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Zelig (1983) 7.7
"Documentary" about a man who can look and act like whoever he's around, and meets various famous people. Director:Woody AllenWriter:Woody Allen |
|
| 0Share... |
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Woody Allen | ... | ||
| Mia Farrow | ... | ||
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Patrick Horgan | ... |
The Narrator
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John Buckwalter | ... |
Dr. Sindell
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Marvin Chatinover | ... |
Glandular Diagnosis Doctor
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Stanley Swerdlow | ... |
Mexican Food Doctor
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Paul Nevens | ... |
Dr. Birsky
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Howard Erskine | ... |
Hypodermic Doctor
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George Hamlin | ... |
Experimental Drugs Doctor
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Ralph Bell | ... |
Other Doctor
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Richard Whiting | ... |
Other Doctor
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Will Hussong | ... |
Other Doctor
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Robert Iglesia | ... |
Man in Barber Chair
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Eli Resnick | ... |
Man in Park
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Edward McPhillips | ... |
Scotsman
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Fictional documentary about the life of human chameleon Leonard Zelig, a man who becomes a celebrity in the 1920s due to his ability to look and act like whoever is around him. Clever editing places Zelig in real newsreel footage of Woodrow Wilson, Babe Ruth, and others. Written by Scott Renshaw <as.idc@forsythe.stanford.edu>
Only briefly in the past had I heard about this Woody Allen movie,that being only the title and not knowing it was by Woody Allen.
Once again,my local library comes through by attaining a copy of the movie on DVD. With no knowledge of the the story or plot,I watched it the other night.
I did like the idea of a made up documentary about a "human chameleon" who can take the form of others around him as a deeply sub-conscious effort to fit in with others and be accepted. The inclusion of Woody in historical moments is amazing also,given this was accomplished 11 years before being done by Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump.
The comedy on the other hand,some good funny moments and lines but after the first hour,I felt the movie kind of grinding to a halt. Now,that could just be me, for I know others here have given it higher marks. For me,the point had been made and once that was done,it had little left for me to be interested in.
I know Allen can be ingenious in his comedy works,I have seen nearly all of his movies. This one just needed a few more touches of comedic writing and maybe even a little more manic-craziness related with the era Zelig lives in.
So, 6 out of 10. It was good Wood but you've made better before. : END