this film doesnt often get mentoined in the discussution of woody allens films, which is a shame because its one of his best. the of a human cameleon in depression era america is rendered in a mockumentary style. therefore allens usual persona and obsessions are kept at bay here allowing a more gentle humour to shine through. along with broadway danny rose this is one of woodys most purely pleasurable films.rent it and give this film the attention it so richly deserves.
Slight but clever experiment from Woody and his crew (particular credit to cinematographer Gordon Willis) about a man who seeks to conform to the extent that he actually takes on the physical characteristics of whoever is near him.
Leonard Zelig (Allen) becomes known as the chameleon man, a novelty of the roaring twenties, and Mia Farrow plays the psychiatrist who seeks to restore his individuality. Eventually the story takes a darker turn when his desire for anonymity among the compliant masses attracts him to Nazi Germany in the 1930s.
Zelig feels like an extended sketch, but it's a fine premise and makes appropriate points about celebrity and the dangers of wholesale public compliance and there is a dusting of successful gags.
Where the film really scores is with its visual effects. Leonard and his doctor are inserted into old photographs and newsreel of famous figures like F. Scott Fitzgerald and William Randolph Hurst, and film of Allen being psychoanalysed is aged to blend seamlessly into the old b&w footage. The scene where Zelig spots his analyst in the crowd at Munich while on the stage with Hitler, is amazing. No digital technology back then. As a bonus there are a handful of songs about Zelig in the style of the jazz age, composed by Dick Hyman. My favourite: Doin' the Chameleon.
Woody Allen could have done much better than this. The premise was silly and seemed to just put him in historic scenes because computer effects had just evolved to make it possible rather than because it was in any way important to the plot.
I watched this with a psychologist and he was disgusted with the portrayal of his profession.
Don't rent this movie unless you really want to watch every single film Woody Allen has ever made.