Guy Lochhead, 02/09/10
1983 Woody Allen documentary-style film about Leonard Zelig, a nondescript man who has the ability to transform his appearance to that of the people around him. Allen and cinematographer Gordon Willis used bluescreen technology, antique film cameras and lenses, and deliberate damaging of the film to achieve authenticity. Although I’m not including Woody Allen, I want to include this film as it serves as a fantasy, comedy, study of identity and social-historical record all at once. The effort that went into its production – the bluescreening and old cameras, specially-composed Zelig-inspired songs and dances, costume design, quality of the talking heads etc. – is admirable, and also value it as a special-effects milestone. It rewards repeated viewings, and really has something for all ages.