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Zelig (1983)

Director: Woody Allen

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From Time Out London

Those who dismiss Woody Allen as a neurotic narcissist out of touch with reality need to confront 1983’s ‘Zelig’. Perhaps the most complex, unusual film in an already diverse CV, it remains his most culturally and politically aware work, its relevance increasing with each passing year. Allen stars as the titular ‘human chameleon’ who can alter his appearance to ‘become’ any man he encounters, and whose discovery prompts headlines, psychological studies and dance crazes. Flawlessly constructed by Allen and genius cinematographer Gordon Willis as a back-to-the-’30s mock-doc, the film misses no opportunity to pinpoint the resonances inherent in its idea: Zelig’s desire for conformity leads him first to the Catholic Church, then the Nazi Party. The comedy tends to the smirk-inducing rather than the laugh-out-loud, and the second half wanders somewhat, but ‘Zelig’ is a strong contender for Allen’s most fascinating film.

Author: Tom Huddleston

Time Out London Issue 2157/2158: 22 Dec 2011 – Jan 4 2012

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Alfredo said...

Posted on Jan 11 2012 23:48 i saw Zelig more than once and I always enjoyed it because it's intelleggent, funny, witty and real. We all have deep down that chameleonic side which we don't want to admit . Don't we?

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