Film: Me and Orson Welles
Cast includes: Zac Efron (High School Musical 1, 2, & 3), Claire Danes (Stage Beauty), Christian McKay (Abraham’s Point)
Director: Richard Linklater (Waking Life)
In brief:“You’d be hard pressed, Mr. Wells, to find a better ukulele player.” These are the words that might change Richard’s life forever. Before that, Richard was just a high school kid on an outing in New York. When he noticed a crowd outside the Mercury theatre, he went to have a look. That’s when Orson Wells asked him if he could play the ukulele. Richard seals the impromptu audition by singing “Have you tried Wheaties?” a popular ad jingle.
Now that he’s got the part of Lucius in Welles’s new play, Julius Caesar, Richard (aka Junior and Kid) needs to learn the ropes and the rules. The most important rule is "you never criticize Orson"… ever. This advice comes from Sonja, the company’s ice princess, who seems to have taken a liking to the kid. Sonja has a lot in common with the kid… she’s also waiting for the words that will change her life forever. Richard becomes our eyes and ears into the chaotic world of an Orson Welles Broadway production. How on earth will the company ever manage to be ready by opening night? And why does it matter, anyway? After all, who’s going to pay $2 to see a drama in 1937?
This is a breezy and enjoyable movie diversion… well written and well done. Lightly laced with historic references, Me and Orson is a fun period piece that has more going for it than just nostalgia. The script is tight, and Christian McKay is totally believable as the arrogant, selfish, self-centered genius, Orson. There are moments when you wonder if Orson might actually have a touch of humanity… and there are moments when he could make Adolf Hitler look like a nice guy. But the show will be ready by Thursday.
3 popped kernels
Popped kernels for interesting historical drama. Interesting story, excellent acting... especially Christian.
