"Simone" will Charm You One Pixel At A Time
Simone
Rated PG-13
Now Playing
Kent's grade: B+
The Plot:
Viktor Taransky (Al Pacino), a down-on-his-luck director, is about to wrap his fourth film when his star quits. Unable to go on, the studio pulls the plug on the project and on his career. As luck would have it Taransky inherits a computer program that allows him to manufacture a digital actor. Using Simulation One - combined to form the name Simone (as herself) - he finishes his film with his computer-generated beauty, and the movie opens to rave reviews. Taransky and Simone become instant celebrities, but Taransky must keep Simone's true electronic identity a secret. As her stature reaches global proportions, the dilemma blossoms. It will take the
spin of a lifetime to get Viktor Taransky out of the stew pot he put himself into. And only one "person" can do that, a computer program named Simone.
Kent's Take:
"Simone" is "Wag The Dog" for the entertainment industry. Working on many levels, this self-serving and self-effacing film is wonderful. Touching on Simone's relationship with paparazzi, her relationship with Taransky and fellow actors and her influence as a global pop icon, we are treated to some delightfully funny and poignant moments. Viktor Taransky is a desperate man. Attempting to save his career, mend his marriage and his relationship with his daughter, Taransky is willing to take a career-threatening step, and his gamble pays off.
But, as Simone changes the world for the better, she slowly destroys Taransky's.
Al Pacino single-handedly carries this film. Admittedly, the story is wonderful and very well-written. But still, this film would be average without his skill. His Taransky is a director trying to play by Hollywood rules, but continually failing. With nothing to lose, he begins an unholy alliance with Simone.
With smart humor and memorable characters, "Simone" will have you laughing at Taransky, the entertainment industry and yourself (as a supporter of this industry). Instead of "Wag The Dog," you have "Wiggle The Star." For an enjoyable outing of laughter and discussion, "Simone" will win you over one pixel at a time.
© 2002 Webster-Kirkwood Times, Inc.
Movie reviews by Carol Hemphill and Kent Tentschert
reelworld@timesnewspapers.com
