Review of Me and Orson Welles (2008) by Eric H — 26 Sep 2012

This was a really good film about the merit of art and the importance that some put into artistic endeavors. Its also many other things. A great mix of fiction and non-fiction. A look at the creative process; the behind the scenes preparation and anxieties of a stage production (this one being about.

..read more one play in particular). The story revolves around Zac Effrons niave, starry eyed young actors pursuit of stardom, but the fulcrum of the film is Christian McKays BRILLIANT performance as Orson Welles.

When playing a real person, actors have to walk that fine line of impression and creating a character for the film. McKay does so with much gusto. He does enough of his own thing while sounding like Welles and even looking like him in his mannerisms.

Or at least getting the essence of ones idea of Welles. He is a Hollywood star of seemingly mythical proportions (and I knew him as a kid from his appearances on TV like The Muppet Show). I also enjoyed seeing Claire Danes, even though I dont think I really liked her character when it comes down to it.

Thats just how she was written, though. There are other good performances, too. None better than Eddie Marsan as a somewhat young John Houseman. Marsan is always a positive to any film he appears in. The movie does a pretty good job of capturing the era in which its set.

I have not been the biggest supporter of Richard Linklater as a director, but this was the best effort that Ive seen of his.