Writer: Andrew Niccol (Screenplay)
Starring: Al Pacino, Rachel Roberts, Catherine Keener, Evan Rachel Wood, Winona Ryder, Jay Mohr, Elias Koteas, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Jason Schwartzman
Plot: When film producer/director Viktor’s (Pacino) latest film starts to fall apart due to creative differences with actress superstar Nicola Anders (Ryder) walks out just when the film finishes shooting. Viktor has to scrap the film or face being sued and his ex-wife and studio executive Elaine (Keener) is forced to let him go. Viktor determined to finish his picture has to come up with a new way to make and finish his film. A chance meeting with a visionary, Hank (Koteas) who has created a way to make the perfect actress through technology.
After Hank’s death he leaves the technology with Viktor. Viktor finds out about the technology and uses it to finish his film independently. After it gets rave reviews all around, Viktor is back in the spotlight but not how he thinks, everybody wants to meet his new leading lady Simone (Roberts). When Simone’s fame reaches a new high a reporter Max (Taylor Vince) and Milton (Schwartzman) join the rest of the world to find and meet Simone.
Verdict: Good comic tale of Hollywood going mad
Story: The film’s story is completely looking at how ruthless and clueless Hollywood can be. Watching how people react to the new form of celebrity is very true to the way we act now, but it is the look at how hard it is to the stop the machine that changes everything. We get to look at how over the top demands some stars want and what others will say to get what they want. (8/10)
Actor Review: Al Pacino – Viktor the desperate director who just wants to make his films but gets caught up trying to keep his lie alive before it gets out of control. Great from Pacino who shows he has a comic side to his serious side. (8/10)
Actor Review: Rachel Roberts – Simone the creation who became an overnight sensation through Hollywood. Good performance from the debutant providing a very computerize performance which is needed. (7/10)
Actor Review: Catherine Keener – Elaine head of the studio who gets rid of Viktor only to want him back when he and his star become the biggest names in Hollywood. Good performance showing how quickly studio head’s can change their minds. (7/10)
Actor Review: Evan Rachel Wood – Lainey Viktor’s tech savvy daughter who just wants his father to be back to who he once was. Good performance from the young actress showing she can handle it next to the big names. (7/10)
Actor Review: Winona Ryder – Nicola the big name actress with an over the top ego that quits and ruins Viktor’s career. Great performance which she gets to have a proper laugh at her own expense and other actors. (7/10)
Director Review: Andrew Niccol – Creates an interesting look at the Hollywood system. (8/10)
Comedy: Pokes fun at the Hollywood system very well without being too silly comedy levels. (8/10)
Fantasy: The creation of a star is very good use of fantasy elements. (7/10)
Special Effects: Simone is a very good creation using special effects over a real actress to look computerized. (9/10)
Believability: The idea Hollywood will make us believe what we want is true but how far he goes is not. (2/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Settings: Great settings throughout to make Simone come off a real person. (8/10)
Suggestion: This is one to try it will appeal to those who think the Hollywood system is flawed but the gentle comedy levels will make all enjoy. (Try It)
Best Part: Viktor trying to destroy Simone is good
Worst Part: I can’t believe everyone would believe she was real.
Oscar Chances: None
Chances of Sequel: No
Tagline: A Star Is … Created
Overall: Smart Comedy Look at Hollywood
Rating