"Celebrity" is a 1998 film written and directed by Woody Allen and shot in black-and-white.


"Celebrity" is a satire, a kind of modern day "La Dolce Vita". Allen has crafted a film that is nearly as harsh as Stardust Memories, though not quite as bitter in tone or as great as its predecessor. Allen presents us with several characters, some that actually are celebrities, and many more that wish to be. He treats most of these characters rather terribly in the screenplay, with an obvious lack of respect and admiration for "celebrities" and the notion behind the whole concept of fame. Yet, while the film is often harsh and biting, it is so humerous that you almost overlook the underlying critiques. Judy Davis is sensational, giving us the only character to really root for in the entire film. Famke Jamsen, Melanie Griffith,Charlize Theron, and Joe Magtenga also turn in great work in supporting roles, but it is DiCaprio who steals the show. As the film begins to reach a bit of a slow patch, DiCaprio makes his appearance and literally rejuvinates the entire film (an unfortunate thing for all those angry anti-Titanic fans who wanted "Leo" to fail miserably). He basically plays a parody of himself, or rather of his perceived image, and his prescence and excitement provide an adrenaline shot of sorts to the film.

"Celebrity" also finds Woody working once again with legendary Bergman cinematographer, Sven Nykvist (Another Woman, Crimes and Misdemeanors). As a result, the camera work in the film is exceptional. Shot in black and white (like Manhattan, Stardust Memories, Zelig, and Broadway Danny Rose before it), the film has a nostalgic, yet modern feel. In one of the film's best lines, a character at a movie screening complains about the pretentious director who makes films in black and white. This line is Celebrity in a microcosm; a self-conscious film that asks us why we choose who we choose for our celebrities and heroes, while at the same time presenting us with some real-life stars, directed by one of the most famous directors alive. It takes a harsh look at fame and celebrity, and what people will do to achieve it. It's not a great film, or a poor film, but it is most definitely an intersting one.

Cast

* Melanie Griffith as Nicole Oliver
* Winona Ryder as Nola
* Charlize Theron as Supermodel
* Leonardo DiCaprio as Brandon Darrow
* Michael Lerner (actor) as Dr. Lupus
* Judy Davis as Robin Simon
* Kenneth Branagh as Lee Simon
* Joe Mantegna as Tony Gardella
* Isaac Mizrahi as Bruce Bishop
* Bebe Neuwirth as Nina, the Hooker
* Hank Azaria as David
* Famke Janssen as Bonnie
* Debra Messing as TV Reporter
* Adrian Grenier as Darrow's Entourage
* Sam Rockwell as Darrow's Entourage
* Allison Janney as Evelyn Isaacs
* Frederique van der Wal as Friend of Supermodel


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