Review of Zelig (1983) by David H — 03 Sep 2009
Woody combines an eye for authenticity with a love of the absurd in this mockumentary that splices in himself and Farrow to old 20's black and white footage. Despite the slapstick approach it allows itself to be genuinely touching as the characters that clearly can't exist are portrayed with depth and sympathy and become real.
Zelig is a character whose confidence is so low, he doesn't just passively accept or tries to fit in with the people around him, he becomes them - taking on their forms and ways. This reaches its height when Zelig, a Jew, is seen a row behind Hitler in Nazi uniform at Nuremburg before on his escape becoming the first man to pilot a plane upside down across the Atlantic.
20's Jazz, the dance crazes, fame are all examined as is man's desire for inclusion but the film never lectures, its' wit and charm shine through. Funny, brilliant.
This review of Zelig (1983) was written by David H on 03 Sep 2009.
Zelig has generally received very positive reviews.
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