Review of Me and Orson Welles (2008) by Tommy 'See The Treasure' S — 08 Mar 2014

Richard Linklater is surely one of the best directors( certainly most consistent directors) working today. One of the things that make Linklater stand out is his willingness to challenge himself and experiment with different genres. In his very impressive filmography he has expertly crafted romantic dramas(the Before trilogy), comedy(Dazed and confused), light family entertainment(School of Rock), and experimental animated dramas(Waking Life, A Scanner Darkly).

Here he takes on the very interesting story of an Orson Welles' revolutionary stage production of Julias Caesar.

Linklater seems to have a special fondness and affection for this era of stage production. Set in 1937, New York, his period detail is as lush and detailed as the stage production that he brilliantly recreates. The movie is at heart a simple coming-of-age-story about an impressionable young actor's first break in Broadway. Richard(Zac Efron) can't believe his luck when he lands a job under one of the most brilliant and reputable directors working, the intimidating yet charismatic Orson Welles(Christian McKay).

In his exciting new career Richard meets interesting fellow actors, falls in love, and learns that working beneath an unpredictable, self-proclaimed genius like Welles is both chaotic and challenging. Zac Efron gives a good performance here at the heart of the movie. He conveys the romantic and wide-eyed Richard very well and reveals himself to be a very solid actor. He is helped by a great supporting cast, including Ben Chaplin, Claire Danes and Eddie Marsan.

The standout performance, however, is undoubtedly from Christian McKay, who in his first major role completely embodies Orson Welles. Welles was a very complex personality; He was surely charming and talented but he was also egotistical, manipulative and, at times, exceptionally petty. McKay masters all of the great director's quirks and eccentricities, and his inpersonation is uncanny. McKay is blessed with a powerful and confident screen presence that a character as huge as Orson Welles demands.

This is a very sweet, funny and smart movie that also offers a fascinating interpretation of one of the great masters of cinema. It's another triumph for Richard Linklater, which features an astonishing breakout performance from Christian McKay.