Review: ME AND ORSON WELLES

Orson Welles will probably forever be considered one, if not the best directors to ever live. His CITIZEN KANE and THE MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS are considered to be two of the greatest films ever made. Not only was he an amazing director, but also an accomplished actor and in theater, film and radio. ME AND ORSON WELLES picks him up as he forms the Mercury theater and the longest running Broadway version of CAESAR.

I was initially turned off by this film simply because it starred Zac Efron and an unknown Christian McKay who is portraying Welles. After watching the trailer I figured I would set aside all of my negativity towards Mr High School Musical and go in with an open mind… not to mention I used to have a mad crush on Claire Danes. I came out with a huge smile on my face and a feeling of disappointment that I havent seen everything Orson Welles has ever produced, acted, directed, wrote or even touched.

The year is 1937, Orson Welles has recently formed the Mercury Theater and is in midst of CAESAR, which is the first Broadway Shakespearean production. Welles is set to portray Brutus, and is in need of a new Lucius. When he comes outside to see Richard Samuels(Efron)

With no previous acting experience, and being the ripe young age of 17, he takes to Sonja Jones(Danes) who manages the Mercury theater. Being young he instantly becomes smitten with her and decides to do everything in his power to win her heart. Unfortunately for him, Sonja is more interested in making her career successful than to shack up with an underage guy with his head in the clouds.

Welles takes to Richard almost immediately and starts to take him under his wing. Slowly Richard realizes that Orson’s main concern is proving people of his genius and nothing will get in the way of that. When he challenges for the love of “his girl” Welles lashes out at him and puts him in his place. Richard is heartbroken when he realizes that all of the things Welles has told him is just bullshit that he unloads on all of his underlings.

Without going too much further into the plot I will stop with that and let you all go out and see the movie for yourself and make your own judgments. I will tell you that Zac Efron is capable of acting, and Claire Danes is as beautiful and charming as ever. The thing you will be thinking about for days after seeing this film is how absolutely amazing Christian McKay is in the film. Not only does he portray Orson Welles with what seems like great ease, but at times you actually feel like you are watching the real Orson Welles playing himself. His performance is awe inspiring and if he doesnt receive an Oscar Nomination than I have lost all faith in the Academy.

Richard Linklater had done an amazing job of bringing out amazing performances from everyone involved, and telling a story that will blow you away. I am in love with this film and hope that you all make it out to see the film when it hits a theater near you.

Overall Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5