Review of Me and Orson Welles (2008) by Stu A — 30 Dec 2009
From Richard Linklater, whose career has ranged from arthouse (Waking Life), to independent films (Before Sunrise, Fast Food Nation) to the mainstream (School of Rock), he goes for a small scale but very engaging piece of history, although this take on it is fictional, the play that it's great creator masterminded was true, and it ensured that he went on to much greater things.
New York, 1937. It has 17 year old student 17-year-old Richard Samuels (Zac Efron) meets theatre director Orson Welles (Christian McKay), whose reputation preceeds him. Orson gives Richard a part in his newest production at the Mercury Theatre, Julius Caesar, which has been re-evisioned by Orson as taking place in a Facist society.
The cast are skeptical of Orson's great vision, and are convinced that they'll never get the play rehearsed within a week. It's very well made for a small budget film, and Linklater gets the best out of his cast.
Efron proves there's alot more to him than High School Musical, but McKay steals the film as Welles, getting his voice, mannerisms and personality down to a tee. The fact the film had the Isle of Man and Pinewood Studios stand in for New York is a piece of deception even Welles would have approved of.
..:P.
This review of Me and Orson Welles (2008) was written by Stu A on 30 Dec 2009.
Me and Orson Welles has generally received positive reviews.
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