SIMON

US, 1980, 97 minutes, Colour.
Alan Arkin, Madeline Kahn, Austin Pendleton, Wallace Shawn.
Directed by Marshall Brickman.

Simon is a satire on scientific advancement and the pomposity of scientists. It focuses on a think-tank who take science and morality unto themselves in a mischievous way. They are satirised heavily - with Austin Pendleton as the chief target. The contrast is with a would-be boffin played by Alan Arkin, who is caught up in the plans of the think-tank and made to believe that he is an extraterrestrial. The film has repercussions for Simon and his having to come to his senses, for the status and stances of the think-tank and for the audience's belief in science.

Alan Arkin is effective as Simon, Austin Pendleton very good as the leader of the think-tank. There is support from Madeleine Kahn pretending to be top scientist. Writing and direction is by Marshall Brickman, co-author of several films with Woody Allen, including Annie Hall and Manhattan.

1. An effective satire? Comedy? Visual and verbal wit?

2. A film of the '80s? The background of science? Science fiction and imagination? The atmosphere of the think-tank and the laboratories? The vast financial and plant resources given to scientists?

3. The media technique of introducing each of the members of the think-tank? Carl Becker and his leadership, Leon with media and total environment control, Dr. Burmund, the pharmaceutical and genetic experts? Their comments, their origins, the money made available to them, their work?

4. The film's presentation of science and scientific and technological advancement, the whims of the group, their madness, their childish behaviour, their control of plans? Money? The idea about the extra-terrestrial? Their executing the plan? The irony of their childish but expensive plans, like that of changing the television ratings?

5. The introduction to Simon, his work and hopes, the tank, his submerging himself (even for short times)? A satirical character? Relationship with Lisa? His assistant? His being contacted by the think-tank, his being flattered and going, the dinner and the intellectual talk, his believing them? The introduction to Cynthia and her wide expertise? Working with
her? Immersing himself in the tank? The experience of being immersed and its effect on his psyche? The group feeding him the information and brainwashing him that he was an extra-terrestrial? His reaction, believing it, his comments on human life and Earth? His health? The media taking over? Lisa's trying to persuade him of the truth? The challenge, his being sent into space, his shrewdness in tricking Carl into the rocket? The years passing, the quietness of the happy ending, with Lisa and the baby? The message of Simon's experience?

6. Becker and his control of the group, the talks without the media, the tantrums of each of the group? Their comeuppance?

7. Madeleine Kahn's humorous presentation of Cynthia and her absolute expertise, working with Simon - an actress? the media, its interest in the scientists, reverence for them?

8. The presentation of them, the media response to Simon, spreading his message?

9. An effective satire, American themes, universal themes, scientists and their status, wanting to play God? The contract of normality?