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Me and Orson Welles

Play trailer Poster for Me and Orson Welles PG-13 2009 1h 47m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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86% Tomatometer 155 Reviews 61% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
After a chance encounter, theater-loving teen Richard Samuels (Zac Efron) gets the opportunity of a lifetime when famed director Orson Welles (Christian McKay) gives him a small role in his 1937 production of "Julius Caesar." Unexpectedly thrust into the heady world of the stage, Richard finds himself surrounded by ambition, clashing egos and sheer brilliance.
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Me and Orson Welles

Me and Orson Welles

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Critics Consensus

Me and Orson Welles boasts a breakout performance by Christian McKay and an infectious love of the backstage drama that overcomes its sometimes fluffy tone.

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Critics Reviews

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Deborah Ross The Spectator 08/30/2018
It just plodded on, drearily and leadenly, for the full 114 minutes, like I had nothing better to do, which I didn't, but that's not the point. Go to Full Review
Nick Bradshaw Sight & Sound 07/10/2018
Christian McKay's eerily accurate, rollicking impersonation defines a good half of the movie; it's a fireball of charisma, chutzpah, virtuosity and obstinacy. Go to Full Review
Nicolas Rapold Film Comment Magazine 09/24/2014
This deceptively modest movie is smartly not a curated compilation of Wellesiana, but rather a warmly observed look at the theater and those souls who live for the arts. Go to Full Review
Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review 08/28/2023
3/4
This film is content with losing its purpose behind the great performance of Christian McKay, a little-known British actor who embodies Orson Welles completely. Go to Full Review
Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand 05/06/2022
Christian McKay... captures that distinctive timbre that made him the voice artist of choice for every radio show in New York City, the puckish smile he would flash like an indulgent adult looking down at his children... Go to Full Review
David Lamble Bay Area Reporter 06/18/2020
Zac Efron displays mojo as a plucky newbie with just a hint of the young Tyrone Power. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Bobby E Apr 16 Excellent sets ,costuming , casting oh yeah and acting . Everyone needs to take a bow on this one . See more thiago s @Thiagostone Apr 10 Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é ruim, o elenco é ruim, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom. See more Jan 12 Even after 15 years it’s a brilliant work of art! Zac Efron once again proves he can make it as a top-notch actor it has a great atmosphere, brilliant writing, superb acting, cool lighting and the performances are unbelievably good it's the kind of buddy flick that puts all kinds of relationships to the test to acheive an impossible goal Orson Welles is projected as the confident, arrogant director willing to make whatever sacrifices to get to the finish line Claire Danes is wonderful as well Zac Efron really portays Richard containing all the hope and optimism making it in the real world of acting I like that the ending was still generous even though it seems somewhat cheating the light-heartedness its a shame this didn't get more recognition when it was released and it should have expanded to a wider audience its the kind of movie that shows that people still do what they do even when something bigger is taking place this is a must-see movie See more 09/22/2021 2.9/5 nice period price See more camille l 05/08/2021 Comme d'habitude, Richard Linklater n'a besoin que d'une petite idée toute bête pour réaliser un film tout à fait remarquable. Ici, il parle d'une rencontre entre Orson Welles (Christian McKay est formidable) et un comédien de théâtre aux dents longues joué par un excellent Zac Efron. Et il arrive, de fil en aiguille, avec des dialogues ciselés, des seconds rôles maîtrisés et surtout une virtuosité dans le coming-of-age movie à nous intéresser à cette rencontre. Me & Orson Welles ne rentrera jamais dans les annales mais en temps que tel, c'est un film tout à fait sympathique, à l'image de son auteur. Très belle surprise. See more dave s 02/07/2021 Me and Orson Welles is odd in the sense that everything in the film seems to be dwarfed, to the obvious detriment of the movie, by a single performance. Christian McKay is spectacular as Orson Welles, capturing virtually every nuance of the mercurial force that Welles was, the pompous but brilliant and inspirational actor and director. While the film focuses on budding actor Richard (Zac Efron) and his love for both the theatre and his co-worker Sonja (Claire Danes), the only scenes that truly elevate above the mundane are those where Welles is present. Sure, the movie has nice period details and is an interesting look at Welles' Mercury Theatre, but is ultimately pretty forgettable, with the exception of McKay's electric performance. See more Read all reviews
Me and Orson Welles

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Movie Info

Synopsis After a chance encounter, theater-loving teen Richard Samuels (Zac Efron) gets the opportunity of a lifetime when famed director Orson Welles (Christian McKay) gives him a small role in his 1937 production of "Julius Caesar." Unexpectedly thrust into the heady world of the stage, Richard finds himself surrounded by ambition, clashing egos and sheer brilliance.
Director
Richard Linklater
Producer
Richard Linklater, Marc Samuelson, Ann Carli
Screenwriter
Holly Gent, Vincent Palmo Jr.
Distributor
Freestyle Releasing
Production Co
Detour Filmproduction, CinemaNX
Rating
PG-13 (Smoking|Sexual References)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 25, 2009, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
May 1, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA)
$1.2M
Runtime
1h 47m
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