Review of Me and Orson Welles (2008) by Antony D — 10 Jan 2010

A charming period drama that overcomes a fairly flimsy plot by virtue of a fantastic performance by Christian McKay as Welles. It's a stunningly charismatic portrait of genius and raging egomania that raises interesting questions: to what extent is arrogance and cruelty forgivable, or perhaps sometimes necessary, in pursuit of an inspired artistic vision? We see Welles through the eyes of Zac Efron's star-struck aspiring actor, almost accidently gifted a part in Welles' stage production of 'Julius Caesar', and it is possible to believe that he and the other long-suffering cast and crew members would tolerate the big man's bullying and bluster in return for his moments of manipulative charm and visonary brilliance.

It all makes sense when we actually see a few minutes of 'Caesar', as Welles directed and starred in it, towards the end, and those minutes are worth the price of admission in themselves.