Starring Woody Allen and Mia Farrow
Written and directed by Woody Allen
Production year 1983
Running time 79 minutes
Perhaps Woody Allen's most unusual film
and one that has to some extent been lost since its release 30 years ago.
It tells the story of Leonard Zelig; a nondescript and enigmatic personality who, in order to be liked and accepted by those around him, takes on the characteristics of anyone he is close to. Brilliantly blending specially shot footage and interviews with genuine archive film Zelig is a 'documentary' about his life and celebrity during the 1920s and 30s.
Allen plays Leonard Zelig and Mia Farrow is Eudora Fletcher - the doctor who treats him for his disorder. When she begins to fall in love with him things begin to go wrong...
Made 10 years before the big-budget Oscar winner Forrest Gump used similar techniques to insert Tom Hanks into history this fascinating tragi-comedy is smart, funny and moving.
Allen's co-stars include Adolf Hitler, Charlie Chaplin, Josephine Baker and Fanny Brice. The film boasts a marvellous soundtrack of music from the jazz age alongside specially composed songs including one performed by Mae Questel - the voice of Betty Boop.
