Watch Simon, Simon

Simon, Simon is a comedy-drama film directed by Marshall Brickman, released in 1970. It stars Jack Lemmon, Sandy Dennis, and Sandy Baron in the lead roles. The movie follows Simon Mendelssohn (Jack Lemmon), an advertising executive who is going through a mid-life crisis. He is bored with his job and his marriage to his wife, Tess (Sandy Dennis), has lost its spark. Simon feels unfulfilled and yearns for something more.

One day at work, Simon's boss assigns him to work on a campaign for a revolutionary new product called a Soyin, a fictionalized product to replace meat, which is at the peak of its popularity in the 1970s. The client expects a big campaign and Simon, seeking inspiration takes it upon himself to embark on an overly-dramatic tango with a mannequin in his studio while listening to music for a Soyin commercial, capturing the attention of his colleague Norm (Sandy Baron) who eventually asks him to participate in an unconventional self-help group called the "Seekers".

The "Seekers" group consists of individuals who are seeking a deeper meaning in their lives. Simon joins the group in the hopes of finding answers to his existential questions. However, things don't go quite as planned for Simon as he finds himself caught up in the eccentricities of the group's leader, George (played brilliantly by Paul Benedict), who is more interested in creating a cult-like following rather than help Simon and the others but in reality, George is just as lost as everyone else.

As Simon becomes more involved with the group, he begins to realize that his personal and professional life is more complicated than he ever imagined. He starts to question everything he has ever believed about himself, his career, his marriage, and his overall place in the world. In the space of a few days, Simon's life unravels as he uncovers painful truths about himself and those around him.

The movie explores the theme of self-discovery, as Simon struggles to find meaning in his life, wrestling with questions of identity and purpose. The plot is well-crafted, with several twists and turns, that keep the audience engaged. The pacing of the movie is perfect, with a balance of humor and drama that keeps the story entertaining.

The acting in the film is top-notch, with Jack Lemmon giving a standout performance as the lead character who is struggling with his personal demons. He expertly portrays the emotional turbulence of his character, from moments of humor and levity to moments of deep introspection and pain. Sandy Dennis, who plays Simon's wife, delivers a nuanced and understated performance, convincingly conveying the complexities of a struggling marriage. Sandy Baron provides much of the comedic relief as Simon's quirky and offbeat colleague.

The film's soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring the music of the legendary Burt Bacharach. His score perfectly captures the whimsy, sadness, and joy that runs through the movie. Additionally, the cinematography is exceptional, with the camera work immersing the audience into Simon's world, complementing the on-screen action and emotions.

In conclusion, Simon, Simon is an excellent film that explores the complexities of human relationships and the struggles of self-discovery. The film's themes are universal and resonate with audiences even today. The movie is compelling, entertaining, and thought-provoking - a must-see for anyone who enjoys a good drama with a dash of humor.