Summaries

"Documentary" about a man who can look and act like whoever he's around, and meets various famous people.

Fictional documentary about the life of human chameleon Leonard Zelig, a man who becomes a celebrity in the 1920s due to his ability to look and act like whoever is around him. Clever editing places Zelig in real newsreel footage of Woodrow Wilson, Babe Ruth, and others.—Scott Renshaw <[email protected]>

Mockumentary on the period of fame and infamy of Leonard Zelig in the 1920s and 1930s. He first came to world attention when it was noticed that he appeared in several newsreels more often than not prominently in the background, but sometimes with the newsreels' more famous subjects. But what was considered more remarkable than the varied subjects and the prolific nature of his newsreel footage was that he changed his appearance, sometimes even seemingly his ethnicity, and abilities and skills to match those around him. Eventually under the care of famed psychiatrist Dr. Eudora Fletcher, he was given the nickname the Chameleon Man in his ability to change his being so effortlessly. Dr. Fletcher's diagnosis was Zelig's need for ultimate conformity in an effort to be universally liked, the malady which she tried to cure. The mockumentary delves not only into the psychiatric issues for Zelig, but also the legal issues he faced on wanting and being able to conform so easily. It also focuses on Zelig and Dr. Fletcher's relationship, which became more than just patient and doctor.—Huggo

The story of Leonard Zelig, a man who could (and would) assume the physical characteristics and mannerisms of anyone he cam into contact with. When doctors discover him, they try to figure out why he has this ability and what causes him to change. Eventually he is treated by Doctor Eunora Fletcher, a psychiatrist, and she works out how to treat him. Meanwhile, dubbed "the human chameleon", he becomes a celebrity. Celebrity has its downsides, however.—grantss

A mockumentary about the fictional Leonard Zelig, a neurotic man who is able to physically change his appearance and personality to blend in with others, and the psychiatrist who tries to save him from the various scandals he puts himself into.—Ricardo Simões

Details

Keywords
  • 1920s
  • psychiatrist
  • mockumentary
  • celebrity
  • physical transformation
Genres
  • Comedy
Release date Aug 24, 1983
Motion Picture Rating (MPA) PG
Countries of origin United States
Language English German
Filming locations New Jersey, USA
Production companies Orion Pictures Jack Rollins & Charles H. Joffe Productions

Box office

Gross US & Canada $11798616
Opening weekend US & Canada $60119
Gross worldwide $11798616

Tech specs

Runtime 1h 19m
Color Color Black and White
Sound mix Mono
Aspect ratio 1.85 : 1

Synopsis

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