Somewhat Stilted, But Generally Enjoyable

Simone is a movie about "ideals." The main character Viktor Taransky (subtly portrayed by Pacino) is a little known director who seems almost obsessed with higher morals and concepts. Taransky is dedicated to the idea of the "ideal" actor, one who will do his bidding, and read his lines without argument. Taransky also seems dedicated to a string of art films -- none of which appear to have any box office appeal, but all of which are supposed to convey some elusive ideology to the common man.

Unfortunately, he has reached the end of his tether -- his last three movies have failed, his star actor (Wynona Ryder) has walked out on the film mid-production, and his boss (ex-wife Keener) has terminated his contract with the studio. No actor -- not even wannabes -- will consent to work with such a failure, his house is mortgaged, blah, blah blah.

Enter Hank Aleno, a terminally ill computer freak who has designed the ideal actor (Simone, a virtual actor Hank programmed) -- a virtual one controlled by computer codes.

The effects in this film are wonderful. There are many occasions where Simone seems more human than computer. The acting is similarly strong -- Pacino and Keener are extremely convincing in their respective roles and suprisingly subtle (i.e. not over-blown, over-dramatic as you might expect).

The problem is that the movie seems to be gearing up with no place to go. As the movie progresses, the audience (unlike Pacino's character) is easily able to detect the numerous pitfalls to come. But rather than coming up with a viable outcome or solution, the movie just sorta stops. A series of gradually more ridiculous events and situations culminate in an extremely anti-climactic moment and then the movie's over. Just like that.

There are also several awkward moments where the film can't seem to decide if it is a silly comedy or a more serious drama. Glitches that might have been okay in a lesser comedy seem to feel a little flat in this film. Other times moments that are meant to be dramatic feel somewhat ridiculous. It's more just sad because you can tell that it could have been a really good movie and instead is merely average to above average at points.

You're left feeling that maybe this movie would have been better as a concept than a full-blown production. While the acting and visuals are good, the ending definitely leaves you feeling disappointed... as though the director didn't fully think through what he was going to do but rather jumped first and then realized he was in dead waters without any viable conclusions to save him.