Zelig

Leonard Zelig, the "human chameleon", is profiled in this mock-documentary. Director Woody Allen appears as Zelig in scenes that purport to be vintage newsreel clips of the 1920s and 1930s, but are actually clever recreations, "aged" and scratched-up Citizen Kane-style by special-effects maestros ...more

Predating Forrest Gump (1994) by more than a decade, this delightful mockumentary about a nebbish who inserts himself into some of the most important historical events of his time is a fun departure from filmmaker Woody Allen's usual ensemble comedy-drama format. At the same time, all of Allen's obsessions are present: a fondly nostalgic vision of New York City's past, jazz, psychotherapy, and a magical high-concept twist. Fans and reviewers tended to focus on the film's groundbreaking ...more