Certainly, Orson Welles was a towering figure in both the American and international film industry, known for his innovative work in radio, theatre, and cinema. His career spanned several decades, during which he proved himself as a multifaceted artist – a director, actor, writer, and producer. Films about Orson Welles, or featuring him as a central character, seek to explore his life, his artistry, and the profound impact he had on storytelling and filmmaking.
“Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles”, 2014
Director: Chuck Workman
This documentary offers a comprehensive look at Welles’ life, from his early success and his groundbreaking work in theatre and radio to his achievements and struggles in the film industry. It features interviews with contemporary filmmakers, actors, and critics, as well as archival footage of Welles himself.
Starring: Orson Welles, Simon Callow, Christopher Welles, Joanne Hill Styles, Norman Lloyd, Micheál MacLiammóir, Ruth Ford, Julie Taymor, Paolo Cherchi Usai, Norman Corwin, Peter Bogdanovich, James Naremore, William Alland, Reggie Armour, Steven Spielberg, William Randolph Hearst, John Houseman, William Friedkin, Dolores del Rio, Robert Wise, Richard Wilson, Pandro S. Berman, Elvis Mitchell, Martin Scorsese, Jonathan Rosenbaum, Henry Jaglom, Joseph McBride, Suzanne Cloutier, Beatrice Welles, Peter Brook, Charlton Heston, Walter Murch, George Lucas, Eric Sherman, Costa-Gavras, Anthony Perkins, Richard Linklater, Oja Kodar, Buck Henry, Richard Benjamin, Wolfgang Puck, Stefan Drössler, Jeanne Moreau, Peter Viertel, Michael Dawson, Sydney Pollack, Paul Mazursky, Frank Marshall, Dennis Hopper, Glenn Anders, Martin Balsam, Keith Baxter, Richard Bennett, Andrew B. Clark, Ray Collins, Dorothy Comingore, Bobby Cooper, Dolores Costello, Joseph Cotten, George Coulouris, Elmyr de Hory, Joan Fontaine, John Gielgud, Jeffrey Green, Tim Holt, John Huston, Joi Lansing, Mercedes McCambridge, Christian McKay, Patricia Medina, Victor Millan, Mort Mills, Joanna Moore, Agnes Moorehead, Jeanette Nolan, Austin Pendleton, Francisco Reiguera, Edward G. Robinson, Margaret Rutherford, Erskine Sanford, Paul Scofield, Harry Shannon, Everett Sloane, Paul Stewart, Buddy Swan, Akim Tamiroff, Ruth Warrick, Alan Webb;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: documentary, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 91 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles” on the website imdb.com
“Me and Orson Welles”, 2009
Director: Richard Linklater
Directed by Richard Linklater, this film is set in 1937 and tells the story of a young aspiring actor, played by Zac Efron, who lands a role in Orson Welles' production of “Julius Caesar” at the Mercury Theatre. The movie provides a glimpse into Welles’ directorial process and the chaotic and invigorating world of theatre.
Starring: Zac Efron, Christian McKay, Claire Danes, Zoe Kazan, Imogen Poots, Eddie Marsan, Kelly Reilly, James Tupper, Megan Maczko, Simon Lee Phillips;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
“The Other Side of the Wind”, 2018
Director: Orson Welles
Although not a film about Welles per se, it is Orson Welles' final directorial effort, which was left incomplete at the time of his death and posthumously completed and released by Netflix. The film revolves around a legendary film director who is struggling to forge his last great comeback. This experimental and autobiographical work is considered by many as Welles’ commentary on his own career and the changing landscape of Hollywood.
Starring: John Huston, Oja Kodar, Peter Bogdanovich, Susan Strasberg, Norman Foster, Robert Random, Lilli Palmer, Edmond O'Brien, Mercedes McCambridge, Cameron Mitchell;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 122 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “The Other Side of the Wind” on the website imdb.com
These films, whether they are fictionalized accounts or documentaries, offer varied insights into Orson Welles' complex character, highlighting both his genius and the challenges he faced in the pursuit of his artistic vision.
Orson Welles, the enigmatic genius of cinema, has been the subject of numerous films that attempt to capture the essence of his groundbreaking work, tumultuous career, and complex personality. These films, ranging from biographical documentaries to fictionalized accounts, offer a mosaic view of a man who was as monumental and innovative in his art as he was plagued by the very industry he sought to revolutionize. Through the lens of filmmakers who both admire and critique him, these narratives not only illuminate the trials and triumphs of Welles's life but also reflect on the enduring impact of his legacy on cinema and storytelling. As the final frame fades, viewers are left with a profound appreciation for the indelible mark Welles left on the world of film, an art form he both mastered and transformed. In the rich tapestry of films about Orson Welles, we find a mirror to the brilliance and flaws of an artist who continues to fascinate, inspire, and challenge us to look beyond the surface.
