Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Al Pacino | ... | Viktor Taransky | |
Benjamin Salisbury | ... | Production Assistant | |
Winona Ryder | ... | Nicola Anders | |
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Darnell Williams | ... | Studio Executive #1 |
Jim Rash | ... | Studio Executive #2 | |
Ron Perkins | ... | Studio Executive #3 | |
Jay Mohr | ... | Hal Sinclair | |
Catherine Keener | ... | Elaine Christian | |
Evan Rachel Wood | ... | Lainey Christian Taransky | |
Jeffrey Pierce | ... | Kent | |
Jeff Williams | ... | Man in Suit | |
Rachel Roberts | ... | Simone (as Simone) | |
Mitzi Martin | ... | Premiere Audience Member | |
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Carole Androsky | ... | Premiere Audience Member (as Carol Androsky) |
Christopher Neiman | ... | Premiere Audience Member |
The career of a disillusioned producer, who is desperate for a hit, is endangered when his star walks off the film set. Forced to think fast, the producer decides to digitally create an actress "Simone" to sub for the star--the first totally believable synthetic actress. The "actress" becomes an overnight sensation, with a major singing career as well, and everyone thinks she's a real person. However, as Simone's fame skyrockets, he cannot bear to admit his fraud to himself or the world. Written by Sujit R. Varma
Andrew Niccole's relishing and original take on modern celeb worship is a unique cinematic experience. The basic plot is very interesting and the screenplay is awesome. Some of the scenes (like "I am pig" or the second TV interview) carry the actual message of the film quite strongly but the film never denies the fact that it's meant primarily to be a comedy film. It has got a brilliant cast from Al Pacino, Katherine Keener to even Evan Rachel Wood. Winona Ryder is also excellent in her cameo. But what really fascinated me is its ending. One can never predict how it turns out in the end. Highly recommended for everyone who's seeking new concepts in the recent movies.