Celebrity is the 28th film written and directed by Woody Allen, first released in 1998.
Kenneth Branagh stars as Lee Simon, a journalist with aspirations of higher writing and a better life. He has just split from his wife Robin, played by Judy Davis. The two go on separate searches for happiness through fame. Lee by hanging around it, Robin by accidentally becoming it.
Coming straight after Deconstructing Harry, Celebrity is another harsh, angry film. Shot in stark black and white and with a biting, sour message. It is one of Allen’s biggest casts and a large sprawling story. There’s a lot of film here to discuss.
Welcome to the Woody Allen Pages Podcast, by me, the creator of the Woody Allen Pages website. This week, episode 13, we look at 1998’s Celebrity. How it was conceived, how it was made, and how just big it is. Spoilers are everywhere so watch the film first, then come back.
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1 Comment
I’ve always enjoyed Celebrity; on all the key elements it’s a great and honest film. I like the way Woody added Dave Brubeck’s Tangerine at the beginning of the Aston Martin scene when Lee and Nicole revisit her childhood home. I enjoyed the ending too. The way Lee is left bewildered because he cant really figure out his life, is I think very realistic for the overwhelming majority of the population. Most people don’t ever achieve their ultimate goal, their ultimate dream. What we end up achieving, or settling for, is our compromises. Or as I believe it was Alvy Singer said in Annie Hall, “Too much pressure is put on the orgasm to make up for all the other empty areas of life.” LOL
GO WOODY!!!
AND
GO WILLIAM!!!