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Simone (2002)

1 rating: 1.0

A movie directed by Andrew Niccol

What do you do when you've discovered a new superstar... and she doesn't really exist? That's the delightful premise ofSimone, another smart, provocative what-if scenario from writer-director Andrew Niccol (Gattaca), whose script forThe Truman Showoffered … see full wiki

Tags: Movies

Cast: Al Pacino, Rachel Roberts, Winona Ryder, Catherine Keener, Benjamin Salisbury

Director: Andrew Niccol

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Examining reality

Mar 31, 2007

by newtonooi
posted in Movie Hype

Rating:

One can say an art form reaches maturity once it can poke fun of itself. Such is the case with this movie, which examines how one person can use technology, Hollywood and the mass media to create a reality from nothing at all. Al Pacino plays Victor, a washed-up movie maker who has just lost his big star, played by Winona Ryder. Out of desperation, he creates a fake movie star named Simone out of a computer program. He proceeds to film movies starring her, and then turns her into a singing sensation. Finally, her stardom takes over his life both professional and personal, and he concocts a scheme to remove her. But this backfires and he ends up jail. Luckily, someone else has stumbled upon Simone's secret, and resurrects her to save Victor.

The plot of the movie is interesting but fairly straight forward. A careful watch reveals many parodies. First in line is Winona Ryder playing a spoiled actress, something kicked around the gossip circles for years. Second is the ridicule of the Hollywood awards industry, and how some of the weirdest movies end up getting major awards. Third is the transition Simone makes from actress to singer. This is surely a parody of others who have crossed over, such as Dolly Parton, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton, etc, etc... And then there is the most subtle parody of all, and that is this story is a remake of the original Frankenstein novel. A man creates another "human being" and this other being takes over the life of the creator. Being a comedy, this version ends on a happier note.

All told, this was quite an interesting movie. It has its funny moments, and is never boring. I recommend watching it.

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