IMDb > Zelig (1983)
Zelig
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotes
Overview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv schedule
Awards & Reviews
user reviewsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage board
Plot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotes
Fun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQ
Other Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDesk
Promotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo gallery
External Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clips
Photos (see all 15 | slideshow) Videos
Zelig (1983) -- Trailerfan.com - Trailer (Flash)

Overview

User Rating:
7.7/10   12,643 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 7% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writer:
Woody Allen (written by)
Contact:
View company contact information for Zelig on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
15 July 1983 (USA) more
Genre:
Plot:
"Documentary" about a man who can look and act like whoever he's around, and meets various famous people. full summary | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 5 wins & 9 nominations more
User Reviews:
Amazing concept, diminishing laughs more (68 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Woody Allen ... Leonard Zelig

Mia Farrow ... Dr. Eudora Nesbitt Fletcher
Patrick Horgan ... The Narrator (voice)
John Buckwalter ... Dr. Sindell
Marvin Chatinover ... Glandular Diagnosis Doctor
Stanley Swerdlow ... Mexican Food Doctor
Paul Nevens ... Dr. Birsky
Howard Erskine ... Hypodermic Doctor
George Hamlin ... Experimental Drugs Doctor
Ralph Bell ... Other Doctor
Richard Whiting ... Other Doctor
Will Hussong ... Other Doctor
Robert Iglesia ... Man in Barber Chair
Eli Resnick ... Man in Park
Edward McPhillips ... Scotsman
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Also Known As:
Identity Crisis and Its Relationship to Personality Disorder (USA) (working title)
The Cat's Pyjamas (USA) (working title)
more
Runtime:
79 min
Country:
Language:
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Filming Locations:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
In order to help create the look of genuine footage from the 1930s, DuArt, the lab that handled processing, called some of their experienced technicians (who were experienced with processing techniques of the 1930s) out of retirement. more
Quotes:
Zelig's Wife: He married me up at the First Church of Harlem. He told me he was the brother of Duke Ellington. more
Movie Connections:
Soundtrack:
Doin' the Chameleon more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
2 out of 2 people found the following review useful.
Amazing concept, diminishing laughs, 6 September 2009
7/10
Author: secondtake from United States

Zelig (1983)

Amazing concept, diminishing laughs

When this starts, it's astonishing, and funny, and inventive. And very very well done. Starting with Susan Sontag, the real Sontag, is a leap of reality that seems like it'll carry the whole 79 minutes. And there are truly moments that show up throughout that are good for a gasp or a laugh, the Hitler scene for one.

But the concept is the key, and to some extent it's been done before, at least in stills. And once you get it, which might take three minutes or might take ten, you've got it, and it depends more on acting or cleverness from then on. And for me it falters too often to really make it worthwhile (Mia Farrow is really a bore throughout, and even Allen is sometimes straining). I have to say, the first time I saw it I didn't get as tired of it, so if it's the first time you might be thrilled. And if you've seen the 1994 Forrest Gump (and liked it), you owe it to yourself to see Zelig for being first, and in my small view, better, technically.

Because technically this is a complete marvel. The original footage is as authentically 1920s and 30s as anything authentic (an odd post modern truth), and the newly composed music and dance numbers are really fabulous, and funny. The team Allen has during all his films this period (many of them my favorites) is none other than Gordon Willis behind the camera, Susan Morse editing, Juliet Taylor casting, and Santo Loquasto costumes. The music by Allen veteran Dick Hyman, who is now more famous for his ragtime renditions, is key, of course, and really convincing (sometimes convincingly bad, very period).

So whatever my reservations, this is in many ways a fresh, unique, brilliant film, a small one with big brief moments.

Was the above review useful to you?
more (68 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Zelig (1983)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
best line in movie goodfella17
Save String????? turtledove25
My father thought it was true! Badge
German language podcast on Zelig tom-strillo
My father thought it was true! Badge
how great is woody allen? huntley_haverstock
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
Husbands and Wives Bob Roberts The Travelogues Screaming Blue Murder The Fence Underneath Us
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
News articles IMDb Comedy section IMDb USA section
Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.