Release: 29nd of July

Length: 114 Minutes

Rating: PG (Mild coarse language and sexual references)

Richard Linklater (A Scanner Darkly, School of Rock) proves once again that he is a master filmmaker with Me and Orson Welles. Zac Efron (High School Musical) plays Richard Samuels, an aspiring actor still in high school but ready for Broadway. In the time span of a week, we follow Richard as he is cast in Shakespeare’s Othello, which is being directed by none other than Orson Welles.

One of the most original films of the year, is also the most surprising. On paper, it seems like a bad idea to cast Zac Efron in a role that requires him to actually act and not take his shirt off . But within seconds of him appearing on screen, you are completely sold by his portrayal of Richard. It would also seem like a bad idea to have someone play the Orson Welles, but Christian McKay (in his first feature film) gives a truly magnificent performance, which he was deservedly BAFTA nominated for.

The supporting actors are just as good, with the standout being Zoe Kazan (Revolutionary Road) playing Gretta Adler, an aspiring writer who befriends Richard after a change encounter. Kazan brings a certain innocence and naivety that feels very authentic to the character. Her scenes with Efron feel very natural, and you hope that Gretta achieves everything that she aspires for.

Clare Danes is also great as the somewhat cold production assistant, Sonja Jones. She brings the truth about Broadway to Efron’s character, who’s not yet willing to hear it. The romance between these two characters is also quite touching.

But these performances would not be as great if it wasn’t for the superb script written by screenwriting couple, Holly Gent Palmo and Vincent Palmo Jr. The pacing of the film never falters, and although it’s set in week, you really do feel like the film is set over a much longer time span, much like the protagonist. The referencing to future historic events is also highly enjoyable and Welles’ dialogue is pitch perfect throughout the entire duration. It is clear that a lot of research was undertaken before attempting this screenplay.

The production design in the film is another winning element. The amount of detail in each of the sets and locations is astonishing. The scenes on location really do feel like they’re from the 30s.

Richard Pope’s (The Illusionist) cinematography gives a feeling of warmth throughout the film. The scenes from the opening night performance never feel staged, even though they are. The camera is constantly in motion, with mainly wide angles. This let’s us fully immerse ourselves in this world that Linklater and his team have created.

It all builds up to a shocking conclusion, where you feel for all the characters, and understand what’s been driving them forward in the previous scenes. Me and Orson Welles is a remarkable film. Linklater has crafted something timeless that manages to show just how fun and at the same time heart wrenching making a play can be.

High Distinction

Jack Savige