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Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles

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Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles

PG-13

Released Dec 10, 2014

1h 32m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

73%

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48 Reviews

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50+ Ratings

From his infamous broadcast of "The War of the Worlds," to his landmark film "Citizen Kane," Orson Welles becomes a legendary figure in theater, radio and Hollywood.

Critics Consensus

It may not quite live up to the superlative in its title, but Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles serves as a passable primer for those seeking an introduction to the legendary filmmaker.

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Mark Kermode

Observer (UK)

Excerpts from unfinished films offer glimpses of what might have been, while Welles in discussion remains an unsurpassed raconteur.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 5, 2015

Full Review

Wendy Ide

Times (UK)

[Magician] has an inelegant, cobbled-together feel that doesn't do justice to its subject.

Rated: 2/5

Jul 2, 2015

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

This film makes a valuable and stimulating case for brilliant Welles movies such as Chimes at Midnight and The Trial.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 2, 2015

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

At a brisk, dense 90 minutes.. it is an excellent introduction the life and work of the Welles with a focus on the creative.

May 4, 2024

Full Review

Tom Graham

CineVue

The material is simply recycled. Yet Welles himself lights up the documentary. He was born to be interviewed, and it is a pleasure to watch him at different ages.

Rated: 3/5

Apr 5, 2019

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James Mottram

Total Film

Solid, straightforward but immaculately researched, Chuck Workmans documentary is a fitting tribute to the maverick Welles. If he were alive today, hed surely raise a glass.

May 3, 2018

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Audience Member

It's interesting, as almost everything around Welles.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

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Chuck Workman

Director

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Self

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Synopsis

From his infamous broadcast of "The War of the Worlds," to his landmark film "Citizen Kane," Orson Welles becomes a legendary figure in theater, radio and Hollywood.

Director: Chuck Workman
Producer: Charles S. Cohen, Alice Henty
Rating: PG-13 (Smoking|Nudity|Brief Language|Some Suggestive Images)
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 10, 2014, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 25, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $15.5K
Runtime: 1h 32m

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