Zelig is a 1983 film written and directed by Woody Allen. It's a pseudo-documentary comedy that explores the life of Leonard Zelig, an extraordinary man with the ability to take on the appearances and personalities of the people around him. 

Plot

The film is presented as a fictional documentary about the life of Leonard Zelig (played by Woody Allen), an individual who suffers from a rare psychological disorder called "chameleon syndrome." This disorder allows him to perfectly mimic the appearance and behavior of the people around him, making him a sort of human chameleon.

The story follows Zelig's life as he becomes a national celebrity due to his unique ability. He transforms into a baseball champion when among baseball players, a jazz musician among jazz musicians, and so on. His adaptive ability leads him to be at the center of significant historical events, from the early days of aviation to the era of silent cinema.

Throughout the film, Zelig develops a relationship with Dr. Eudora Fletcher (played by Mia Farrow), a psychoanalyst who tries to help him overcome his disorder. The story explores Zelig's challenges in trying to have a true identity and his search for love and acceptance.

Zelig is a unique work by Woody Allen that combines comedy, social satire, and commentary on human nature through the use of a pseudo-documentary structure.

Complete Cast:

• Woody Allen as Leonard Zelig
• Mia Farrow as Dr. Eudora Fletcher
• Garrett Brown as Narrator
• Mary Louise Wilson as Sister Ruth
• Michael Jeter as Freshman #1
• John Buckwalter as Dr. Sindell
• Marvin Chatinover as Dr. Eudora's Father
• Stanley Swerdlow as Zelig's Father
• Paul Nevens as Zelig's Brother

Director: Woody Allen

Producer: Robert Greenhut

Writer: Woody Allen

Music by: Dick Hyman

Cinematographer: Gordon Willis

Production Cost: Not publicly disclosed.

Box Office: Approximately $11.8 million at the box office.

Awards: The film received numerous nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography, and won the BAFTA for Best Visual Effects.

Critics' Reception: "Zelig" was critically acclaimed for its originality and innovative use of film techniques that blend vintage footage with new shooting to create a fictitious documentary. Woody Allen's performance was praised for his ability to embody such a chameleon-like character. The film is often cited as an early and influential example of the mockumentary genre.

My opinion. Among Allen's most complicated and experimental films. An enigmatic character who escapes all rules and has the strange characteristic of adapting to the people he meets. Freak turns into hero only to disappear. Difficult film to watch again today.