Simone


Starring: Al Pacino, Winona Ryder, Jay Mohr, Rachel Roberts, Catherine Keener, Jason Schwartzman, Elias Koteas
Directed by: Andrew Niccol
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
2002

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary:A has-been movie director (Al Pacino) creates a digital actress (Rachel Roberts) to fill to play a role abandoned by a selfish actress (Winona Ryder). To his delight, his actress becomes an instant success, and now, he must keep the charade up, as his digital actress becomes a superstar.

Review:

Tim: At first, some may think that this movie is simply about guys staring at a very attractive actress. However, Simone is not about the digital manifestation of man's deepest sexual desires. Rather, it is a deeply intellectual social commentary on Hollywood and the deterioration of art in the face of commercial success. Simone is a 21st century spin on the Emperor's New Clothes. It is the story of a society that will buy into whatever illusions are placed before their eyes. The public cannot grasp the fact that Simone is the first completely computerized actress.

The film benefits from a tremendous cast. Winona Ryder shines in the whole two scenes she's in and steals (pun intended-Saks Fifth Avenue) her meager share of the picture. The film boasts a strong cast all around, including film/tv/radio/stand-up comic Jay Mohr; Jason Schwartzman (the brilliant young star of Rushmore), and a digitally-enhanced (whatever that means) Rachel Roberts as Simone. The cast is lead by the versatile Pacino, giving perhaps his best performance since John Milton a.k.a. Satan in The Devil's Advocate.

All this being said, I honestly cannot recommend seeing this movie. I know that the initial urge to see Simone in all her digital physical perfection might tempt you to fork over a few bucks to see it. However, Simone is a morality tale run amuck and Simone is only the backdrop to see a man control a "life" but, in reality, to have that "life" control him.

Simone is a risky choice no matter how you look at it. Watch it if you want, but be warned.





Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Gattaca, Any Given Sunday, The Devil's Advocate