“How the hell do I top this?” Orson Welles (Christian McKay) asks after his triumphant performance of Julius Caesar. Of course he would, but this account of the Mercury Theater’s innovative version of Julius Caesar is fascinating on its own. The film captures the behind-the-scenes dramas of the production and the proclivities of the brilliant and egomaniacal Welles, as well as the colorful actors that Welles directed. The cast is strong, the directing crisp and the story is a good one.

Working from a novel by Robert Kaplow, screenwriters  Holly Gent Palmo and Vincent Palmo Jr. craft a screenplay the author actually likes. Kaplow said that he “wanted to write a novel about people putting on a play.” Me and Orson Welles is that and more. Using the device of a fictional character getting involved with a larger than life real person and real events, the film tells the story of Richard Samuels (Zac Efron), a high school boy who wants to be an actor, stumbling into the cast of Welles’ production of  Julius Caesar. Along the way he is entranced by the alluring and capable Sonja Jones (Claire Danes), who assists Welles. The film alternates scenes of Welles and the cast working on the play with scenes from Julius Caesar. Of course, there is romance for Richard along the way, with Sonja and aspiring writer Gretta Adler (the delightful Zoe Kazan, granddaughter of Elia). Gretta and Richard together are sweet, and provide a nice contrast to the hectic energy of Richard’s Broadway experience. But what really happens when a young and naïve aspiring actor meets a genius who is equal parts charisma and ego?

Christian McKay embodies the looks and cadence of a young Welles, and radiates strength and charm.  His Welles controls his cast with fear (“This is worse than terrible,” he thunders after a rehearsal) and compliments (he makes the same speech about God given actors to several cast members).  McKay plays Welles as a man convinced of his superiority, as he uses ambulances as taxis and does magic tricks when flirting with women.  Yet despite his arrogance, McKay makes Welles charming, and we understand the spell he casts on people. Claire Danes is radiant and appealing, even as  Sonja makes compromises like dating John Houseman (Eddie Marsan) and spending the night with Welles in order to further her career.  Zac Efron is the only weak link in the cast. His perpetual smirk is at odds with the innocence of the character. He looks good, but does not have the depth or range of the other cast members.

What I love most about this film is the way it sucked me in to the drama and excitement of the Broadway production.  Excellent direction by Richard Linklater makes the Shakespeare scenes just as exciting as the other scenes in the film. I was completely invested in the success of Julius Caesar and the fate of its actors.  When George Coulouris (the excellent Ben Chaplin) has stage fright and needs to be talked down by Welles, I understood how important the production was to all involved, and how integral Welles was to this company.  I held my breath with the film’s characters on the opening night of Julius Caesar. The other scenes of the film have the feel of a more innocent and optimistic time, but Welles’ passion for his craft still resonates today. As the film progressed, I could not take my eyes off McKay, and he and this film are riveting.

Unlike many other recent releases, this is a film that will make you feel good. It also made me think about the way people are willing to indulge those with talent, Welles’ influence and accomplishments and how exciting it must have been to be around him. “It is going to be one of those magical nights tonight,” Welles proclaims about opening night.  When you watch this film, you will see that he was correct.

Me and Orson Welles.  Directed by Richard Linklater. Zac Efron(Richard Samuels (Lucius), Claire Danes(Sonja Jones) Christian McKay (Orson Welles (Brutus), Ben Chaplin(George Coulouris (Mark Antony)), Zoe Kazan (Gretta Adler) and Eddie Marsan (John Houseman) Freestyle Releasing, 2009.

 

Gail sees a movie appears every Wednesday.

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