S1m0ne
"S1m0ne" isn't the first Hollywood parody to come out of the Entertainment Capital of the World this year. Nor is it the first to co-star Catherine Keener and Jason Schwartzman. (She co-starred in "Full Frontal" and "Death to Smoochy"; he was last seen in "cq.")Nor, for that matter, is this the sharpest example of such a parody. If anything, it's akin to "Gattaca," the first movie by this film's writer/director, Andrew Niccol.
Like that 1997 sci-fi thriller, this comic fantasy does manage to address some complex issues. But it's also cliched, and there are glaring plot holes galore, which lead to a rather unsatisfying ending — one that could be resolved in an easier, more convincing fashion.
"S1m0ne" follows Viktor Taransky (Al Pacino), a filmmaker on the verge of ruin. His latest film is about to be scrapped because his lead actress (Winona Ryder) walked out before the production was finished.
The project is saved, however, by a dying technology buff who hands Viktor his latest creation, a "synthespian" called "Simulation One." Viktor uses the "virtual actress" (credited as "A.G." or "Anna Green") to complete the film.
To nearly everyone's surprise, the movie becomes a smash, and "Simone" becomes the talk of the town. However, that presents one small problem: Viktor has to stage events to make it appear as if his new star is "real."
Much of the film hinges on the performance by "Anna Green" — the contrived name is a cutesy reference to anamorphic green-screen, which filmmakers use to superimpose digital figures onto celluloid.
Despite some CGI work, the character is actually played by Canadian supermodel Rachel Roberts. (She gets no credit in the film, and the studio isn't talking, but USA Today revealed her identity this week.) And though her icy line readings may be appropriate for the character, they may make you wonder just how such a stiff performer could really become such a star.
As for Pacino, he indulges some of his over-the-top tendencies, while Keener again manages to rise above sketchy material.
"S1m0ne" is rated PG-13 for scattered use of profanity, brief sexual, some vulgar sexual talk, slapstick violence (a "riot" of sorts) and flashes of partial female nudity. Running time: 117 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com