What do you do when you've discovered a new superstar... and she doesn't really exist? That's the delightful premise of Simone, another smart, provocative what-if scenario from writer-director Andrew Niccol (Gattaca), whose script for The Truman Show offered a similarly skewed example of manipulated perceptions. Combining equal parts screwball comedy, Hollywood satire, and technological extrapolation, Simone grapples with the inevitable use of digital "synthespians," existing only as malleable computer code, and "performing" to the whims of the programmer. In this case it's a has-been movie director (Al Pacino, in a terrific comedic role) who inherits the Sim-One technology, secretly using the instantly popular Simone (played by unbilled actress Rachel Roberts with digital enhancements) to replace the "supermodel with a SAG card" (Winona Ryder) who walked off his latest ill-fated picture. Filled with clever ideas and a splendid supporting cast, Simone is occasionally uneven and illogical, but consistently brilliant... and be sure to watch beyond the closing credits! --Jeff Shannon
(15 votes)
2.
"I can't work with a fake."
-- Viktor Taransky
In Hollywood, the land of illusion, never have those words rung so true… until S1M0NE.
She is the ultimate director's fantasy. Unlike her flesh and blood colleagues, she won't get old, won't gain an ounce. She won't get drunk, will never need rehab. She doesn't have an agent, manager, entourage or religious guru. She won't demand a bigger trailer or a private jet. She does all of her own stunts. She doesn't need a body double. She has no problem with nudity - clothes are simply an option. She's programmed to love any script she's offered. She's not interested in money. The only power she craves comes from an electrical outlet.
Meet S1M0NE.
Viktor Taransky (Al Pacino) is a down and out Academy Award -nominated director who just lost his last shot at a comeback when his temperamental flesh and blood actress (Winona Ryder in a cameo role as Nicola Anders) walked off his movie Sunrise, Sunset. And when she left, so did Taransky's self-respect. Fired by his ex-wife and studio head Elaine Christian (Catherine Keener), Taransky just lost any hope of recapturing his former life with Elaine and their daughter Lainey (Evan Rachel Wood). But then computer genius Hank Aleno (Elias Koteas) shows up…
Although Hank is not long for this world, he is certain his creation will be in the right hands - Taransky's. Although Taransky initially rebuffs Hank's insane proposal, Hank has the last say. He bequeaths the software to Taransky that will change his life forever: Simulation One. Just a few key strokes and an overnight sensation is born: S1M0NE. Suddenly, Taransky has a taste of the success he always craved and the world's most beloved star under his thumb.
Or does he?
An intrepid tabloid reporter, Max Sayer (Pruitt Taylor Vince), is doing his best to challenge that. And his pursuit becomes a little sweeter when Taransky's immaculate matrix starts to take on a life of her own.
In a twist of comedic consequences the Omniscient Taransky never anticipated, the creation…or creature… is about to show the creator the meaning of "Eternity Forever."
Suddenly, real never looked so good.
New Line Cinema presents S1M0NE, written, directed and produced by Academy Award nominated screenwriter Andrew Niccol (writer/director of Gattaca, and writer/producer of The Truman Show), a comedy about one man's truth found in the great lie perpetuated by celebrity culture. It stars Academy Award winner and multiple nominee Al Pacino (Scent of A Woman), Academy Award nominee Catherine Keener (Being John Malkovich), Evan Rachel Wood (ABC's "Once And Again"), Jay Mohr (Pay It Forward), Emmy Award winner Pruitt Taylor Vince (Nurse Betty), Elias Koteas (Exotica), Jason Schwartzman (Rushmore) and Stanley Anderson (Armageddon). And introducing S1M0NE as herself.
Bradley Cramp (Gattaca) is executive producer. The creative team includes Director of Photography Edward Lachman (Erin Brockovich), Production Designer Jan Roelfs (Gattaca), Costume Designer Elisabetta Beraldo (Frequency) and Editor Paul Rubell (The Insider).
New Line Cinema releases S1M0NE (rated PG-13 by the M.P.A.A. for "some sensuality") nationwide on August 23rd, 2002.
Viktor Taransky (Al Pacino) is a down and out Academy Award -nominated director who just lost his last shot at a comeback when his temperamental flesh and blood actress (Winona Ryder in a cameo role as Nicola Anders) walked off his movie Sunrise, Sunset. And when she left, so did Taransky’s self-respect. Fired by his ex-wife and studio head Elaine Christian (Catherine Keener), Taransky just lost any hope of recapturing his former life with Elaine and their daughter Lainey (Evan Rachel Wood). But then computer genius Hank Aleno (Elias Koteas) shows up…
Although Hank is not long for this world, he is certain his creation will be in the right hands – Taransky’s. Although Taransky initially rebuffs Hank’s insane proposal, Hank has the last say. He bequeaths the software to Taransky that will change his life forever: Simulation One. Just a few key strokes and an overnight sensation is born: SIMONE. Suddenly, Taransky has a taste of the success he always craved and the world’s most beloved star under his thumb.
Or does he?
An intrepid tabloid reporter, Max Sayer (Pruitt Taylor Vince), is doing his best to challenge that. And his pursuit becomes a little sweeter when Taransky’s immaculate matrix starts to take on a life of her own.
In a twist of comedic consequences the Omniscient Taransky never anticipated, the creation…or creature… is about to show the creator the meaning of "Eternity Forever."
Suddenly, real never looked so good.
(15 votes)
4.
A star is...created.
His leading lady just walked off the set. Now to save his career, Viktor Taransky (Academy Award winner Al Pacino) must find the ideal actress to replace her. Enter S1MONE. She's beautiful, she's talented-in fact she's perfect in every way except one. She's not real. It's lights, camera, and lots of distractions as Vicktor struggles to keep the truth behind Hollywood's latest sensation away from the Paparazzi's prying eyes. But, with S1MONE launching a singing career and the whole world watching, that's going to be virtually impossible. From the creator of The Truman Show comes this "highly intelligent and highly entertaining" (David Sheehan, KCVS-TV) comedy about creating a star.
(15 votes)
Mooviees.com is not the official site for this film.
All editorial views and opinions expressed here are for entertainment purposes only.
Movie Database
In Theaters
