Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles

PG-13

Released Dec 10, 2014

1 hr. 32 min.

Documentary

List

73%

48 Reviews

Tomatometer

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.

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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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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

Peter Bogdanovich

Self

Peter Brook

Self

Simon Callow

Self

William Friedkin

Self

Henry Jaglom

Self

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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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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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Sherilyn Connelly

SF Weekly

Magician is a good primer for those who are unfamiliar with Welles, while functioning as a greatest-hits reel for students of the man.

Aug 24, 2017

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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
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

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