Celebrity 3 Stars (Out of 4) Reviewed by Mac VerStandig Critic@Moviereviews.org Http://www.moviereviews.org
"He's one of those ass-holes who makes all his movies in black and white." So is proclaimed about 1/3 the way through Woody Allen's latest film, Celebrity, in a movie theatre scene. As in many of his films, this is remark that will make audiences erupt laughter. And yet, this punch line is not a line at all, but rather a humorous presentation of a statement that can be interpreted in so many different ways. In this case, you would need to be already watching Celebrity to figure out that the entire movie is in black and white and that this is presented in a sarcastic fashion. Here you have a classic Woody Allen move of making a great "inside joke" at the expense of his film. That is what has made Woody Allen a giant, and that is what Celebrity is made up of.
Celebrity's "plot" is little more than a tribute to Andy Warhole's famous theory that everyone will enjoy 15 minute of fame at one time or another. Although this is only mentioned once in the 2-hour film, it is implied throughout. Lee Simon (Kenneth Branagh) is a reporter for a travel magazine, and constantly finds himself surrounded by the stars that he hopes to be among someday. It is made clear very early that this has lead him to be slightly less than faithful to his wife Robin (Judy Davis). So it is that he asks for a divorce after 16 years of marriage.
Lee and Robin are now in the scenario of dating for the first time in 16 years, and the film explores the people that they come in contact with. The common thread is that almost everybody is either seeking or enjoying their 15 minutes in the spotlight. Included in this bunch of people, are a movie star, a model, a television producer and several "ordinary folks".
In what has almost become a trademark of Woody Allen films, Celebrity features a cast full of big names. Although none of Allen's "regulars," like
Mariel Hemingway, are in this film, and Allen has also chosen to remain behind the camera, those who are shown are great. Celebrity features hank Azaria, Dylan Baker, Melanie Griffith, and Winona Ryder in supporting roles; not to mention Leonardo DiCaprio in a wonderfully eccentric role. There are also cameos by Isaac Mizrahi, Joey Buttafuaco and Donald Trump as himself.
In their lead roles, Kenneth Branagh, Judy Davis, and Ray Montegna, as Robin's boyfriend, are spectacular. Branagh has the task of portraying Woody Allen, and seems to have mastered his best characteristics. He even has the incoherent mumbling, and rambling speech down to a science.
The only real downside to Celebrity is the actual filmmaking. Although I give Woody Allen the benefit of the doubt with some of the edgy edits and odd camera movement, certain things are just unacceptable in a major film like this. Among these is the issue of continuity. In the beginning of one scene, Hank Azaria is cleanly shaved. Less than a minute later he is sporting scrappy facial hair. And there are other continuity problems with costume, hairstyle, and time of day.
When all is said and done, Celebrity is a far cry from Annie Hall or Manhattan, but certainly can hold it's own. Woody Allen is still very strong, and makes his statement with great effect. The cast makes this film a wonderful comic experience and well worth the while.
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