I've seen Citizen Kane a few times over the decades, and loved it more each time. I also recall first becoming aware of Orson Welles as he was being reduced by the 1970s tabloids into a caricature of overindulgence. So I really enjoyed this documentary for filling in the details of Welles' professional trials and tribulations.
Anyone who loves movies, and certainly anyone involved in moviemaking, will gain valuable lessons and insights from this doc. There is the inside look about the culture of Hollywood as well.
But it's really a tale of the intersection of extreme talent and unhealthy psychology. In retrospect, it's both clear and amazing that Welles has more than enough money to complete the movie "The Other Side of the Wind", but his lack of discipline and focus causes him to run out of money and never finish his experimental opus. The cause of that lack of discipline and the implicit disregard he had for others lives - the Rich Little tale is a perfect example - are hinted at but never conclusively defined. Just as well -- ambiguity creates fascination, so Welles remains as fascinating as ever.
Anyone who loves movies, and certainly anyone involved in moviemaking, will gain valuable lessons and insights from this doc. There is the inside look about the culture of Hollywood as well.
But it's really a tale of the intersection of extreme talent and unhealthy psychology. In retrospect, it's both clear and amazing that Welles has more than enough money to complete the movie "The Other Side of the Wind", but his lack of discipline and focus causes him to run out of money and never finish his experimental opus. The cause of that lack of discipline and the implicit disregard he had for others lives - the Rich Little tale is a perfect example - are hinted at but never conclusively defined. Just as well -- ambiguity creates fascination, so Welles remains as fascinating as ever.