The Orson Welles Story
The Orson Welles Story

The Orson Welles Story

1982Movie165 minEnglish

Profile of Orson Welles, looking at his life and career in theatre, radio and particularly film.

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Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes45%
Google Users70%
Director: Peter BogdanovichGenres: Biography, Drama

Plot Summary

The film chronicles the tumultuous career of visionary filmmaker Orson Welles, from his early triumphs with 'Citizen Kane' to his later struggles in Hollywood. It delves into his creative genius, his battles with studio executives, and his personal life. The narrative often uses Welles himself as a narrator, reflecting on his life and career.

Critical Reception

The film received mixed reviews upon its release. While some critics praised its ambition and Welles's attempt to capture the essence of his own legend, others found it to be overly long and self-indulgent, with some questioning the accuracy of certain portrayals.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its portrayal of Welles's artistic struggles and unique storytelling approach.
  • Criticized for its meandering narrative and perceived lack of objective perspective.
  • Seen as an interesting, if flawed, attempt to delve into the life of a cinematic icon.

Google audience: Audience reviews indicate appreciation for the film's attempt to honor Orson Welles's legacy and provide insight into his creative process. However, some viewers found the pacing slow and the storytelling less engaging than expected.

Fun Fact

Peter Bogdanovich, who directed and stars as Welles in this film, was a personal friend and mentee of Orson Welles, which influenced his intimate, yet sometimes biased, portrayal of the director.

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