9/10

To portray the life of a man who was one of the greatest artistic geniuses of the twentieth century, having been among other things, a theatrical actor, director, producer, radio star, filmmaker, actor, philosopher and magician is a tall order, to say the least. Orson Welles was a freak of nature. After frightening the daylights out of millions of American listeners with his legendary War of the Worlds broadcast, he would later produce, direct, and star in Citizen Kane, one of the greatest motion picture ever made, and all before he turned 25.

Christian McKay uncannily evokes the charisma and brilliance of Orson Welles

Richard Linklater’s film is set in the New York of 1937. The story revolves around 18-year old high school student, Richard Samuels (Zac Efron), who, through a chance meeting with the great Welles (brilliantly played by newcomer Christian McKay), scores a bit part in his new production of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. The play will be opening at the Mercury Theatre within days. There he becomes enamoured with the production’s assistant, Sonja Jones (Claire Danes), an ambitious woman who mutters about David O. Selznick and dreams of hitting the big time. Complications ensue as Orson ’s womanizing, ego, and relentless pursuit of control strains rehearsals of the famed modernist  production (one that also features a young Joseph Cotton convincingly portrayed by James Tupper).

Me and Orson Welles hits all the right notes. It has a great cast, a script that’s full of wit and humour, and all the markings of a future classic. Zac Efron and Claire Danes are perfectly cast, and provide excellent performances. The supporting cast of Ben Chaplin as George Coulouris, Tupper as the playful Cotton, and Eddie Marsan as producer John Houseman.

Above all, what will be remembered the most about Me and Orson Welles is Christian McKay’s magnificent portrayal of the title role. It is truly remarkable, and an absolute delight to watch.

Mr Welles would have been proud.