Celebrity (1998) ** (out of 4) Disappointing feature from writer-director Woody Allen has him taking shots of celebrities but the end result is just bland. Kenneth Branagh plays a Manhattan entertainment writer who starts to lose control of his life after getting a divorce from his wife (Judy Davis). A year later he's trying to get a script and novel off the ground while his ex hits a string of good luck after suffering a breakdown. CELEBRITY was mangled by critics when it was released but over the past few years it seems to have gained a small cult following but this time out I must say I'm on the side of the critics. I'm sure there were some good ideas going around Allen's head but whatever happened between his mind and paper is something rather shocking because the problem here is without question his screenplay. It's weird to think but at 113- minutes this here is actually one of the longest running films from Allen and what's so amazing is that it probably says the least. The film is certainly trying to make fun of rich New Yorkers and stuck-up and spoiled Hollywood types but there's never any hint of insider's knowledge and it's as if Allen didn't want to go all out. I'd probably go as far as to call the screenplay lazy. Just take a look at a young, violent actor played by Leonardo DiCaprio. The entire sequence with him screaming and trying to beat up his girlfriend just comes off very weak. You even have a bit with a model (Charlize Theron) who has an orgasm no matter where she's touched. Neither of these segments are any good but the sad thing is that they're perhaps the best stuff in the film. Another problem I had was with the performance by Branagh. There's no question that he's one of the most talented actors out there but he's just horrible playing what's basically a version of Woody Allen. The mannerisms don't work and the actor just never captures that nervous twitch of Allen. One of the best performances in the film actually goes to Winonna Ryder playing a love interest in the film. Davis is also pretty good in her role but the screenplay doesn't do her character any favors. Michael Lerner, Joe Mantegna, Gretchen Mol and Melanie Griffith round out the supporting cast. CELEBRITY is without question a rare misfire from Allen. The only real thing going for it is the brilliant cinematography by Sven Nykvist who makes the film look a lot better than it actually is.

What makes Woody Allen so good (besides the witty dialogues) is the striking way in which he failed (and to a lesser extent succeeded) customers can bring in pictures. Often Allen's films run the relations piece for reasons you often hear around you. The power of him is that he often credible and interesting to capture on film.In Celebrity, it is not about nothing, but it is about something... the fraud of celebrity existence, having relationships in this world, no longer appreciating your current relationship, falling in love with another, or rather thinking that you are in love with another. For me, Woody a great director who knows me regularly to laugh at, but also knows how to intrigue with his outlook on relationships between people / loved ones and know me in a fresh way to point out the common pitfalls.Normally I find Woody himself comfortably in the lead in his films, but in Celebrity, he made a good choice to give the role to someone else. Woody namely fits less in the world of glitter more than glamour. His replacement is also good and again I have again enjoyed a Woody movie.

I saw this movie a few days ago,and I loved it like any other Woody Allen movie.And I don't get why so many people hate this movie and also critics.some say this film s too explicit and etc.I think the story and the dialoges were great.One of the best things in this film was the Cinematography which was fascinating.And the actings imo are at the top.Especially,Judy Davis,Winona Ryder and Joe Mantegna did excellent performances and deserved nominations,and about Kenneth Branagh,many say is terrible in this because of doing a Woody Allen impression,but I can't agree with that.I think he showed his versatility and did a very sharp performance. Afteral,I think this movie didn't get enough credit as it deserved and is a very very underrated and btw misunderstood film.

The opening scene shows us movie making in the city of New York and Beethoven's 5th is playing.The skywriting says HELP.Woody Allen's Celebrity (1998) steps into the surreal world of famous people.Allen himself isn't seen in this movie.Kenneth Branagh takes his place playing Lee Simon, unsuccessful journalist, wanna-be novelist.But things don't often go his way and his ex-wife Robin (Judy Davis) has more luck in life.Kenneth Branagh, who is a Shakespearian actor really, surprises the viewers with his imitation of Woody.All the manners are there,the stutter, the neuroticism and all.This movie is filled with great celebrities.There's Melanie Griffith (Nicole Oliver), there's Winona Ryder (Nola), there's Charlize Theron (Supermodel), there's Leonardo DiCaprio (Brandon Darrow) and so on.Joe Mantegna does a terrific job playing Tony Gardella.Hank Azaria visits as David.Allen's movie from ten years back was made black and white.That was a good decision.Celebrity is a fine movie that criticizes the world these people live in.All the shallowness and stuff.Woody Allen is a good writer, and even though this isn't his best work it still does have the qualities of a good movie.