A classical Hollywood movie Celebrity was screened at the Abhirang Auditorium, Bharat Bhavan here on Sunday for the film lovers of the city. But, the screening this Sunday did not captured much attention of the Bhopalites.
Notably, Celebrity is a 1998 comedy-drama film written and directed by Woody Allen. The screenplay focuses on the divergent paths a couple takes following their divorce. It narrates the story of husband and wife and how their fortunes differ after their divorce. The movie stars Kenneth Branagh, Judy Davis, Joe Mantegna and leonardo di Caprio. Interestingly the movie was shot in black and white on the streets of New York City, when the coloured movies took over the market.
The story revolves around lee Simon (Kenneth Branagh) an unsuccessful novelist turned travel writer who immerses himself in celebrity journalism following a midlife crisis and subsequent divorce from his insecure wife, Robin (Judy Davis), a former English teacher, after sixteen years of marriage. As he stumbles his way through both professional encounters and sexual escapades with performers, models, and other players in the world of entertainment, lee increasingly questions his purpose in life. He blows numerous opportunities due to his fame-seeking and neuroses.
Meanwhile, Robin trades her many neuroses for a makeover and a job with television producer Tony Gardella (Joe Mantegna) that leads to her own celebrity interview program. She takes advantage of numerous opportunities and ends up happy and successful. Shown at the 1998 Venice Film Festival, this was the opening night selection of the 1998 New York Film Festival.
The response by the Bhopalites was satisfactory, but not as good as it was in the beginning of the film screenings organised by the Chhavi series. As many as 40 to 50 audiences were present to watch the movie at Abhirang Hall.