The Eyes of Orson Welles

A director described by his portraits, his direction discerned from sketches of memories and memories of sketches. Light is explored in painting and set design, all in an effort to paint Orson Welles in a new light, or figure what light he saw himself in as he positioned figures on a stage. I figure this film goes far enough in capturing the expanses allowed us from Welles' mind and how his lines frame future films. However, I'm a little lost in the repetition of the particular picture with sideburns.

I suppose I am led to see it differently in the different "acts" of this exploration. It feel youthful, then classy, then a marketing shape cut out of virgin clay, then fringe, then cool, then something else entirely. Self-obsessed? Not in a selfish way.

The bee will always make honey.

Mark Cousins explores the life and works of Orson Welles, through the prism of his artwork.

This documentary is structured in the form of an open letter to Welles, as if he were still alive; the conversation isn't entirely one-sided, as towards the end of the documentary there are imagined replies from Welles too.

Burrowing through the remaining archive of Welles' artwork, often in the company of his daughter Beatrice, shows some insights into the workings of the mind of one of the twentieth century's most influential and controversial film-makers. Although nothing can be examined in great detail in the running time (1Hr 40mins as I saw it), his working life, his marriages, and his political activism are touched upon.

This film is both nicely made and is visually arresting in its own right; the content together with Cousins' quiet intensity makes this a must-see documentary for film enthusiasts. For me it underlined the fact that there are lots of his movies which I have yet to see, and there are aspects of Welles that I knew nothing about.

Eight out of ten from me; a longer version would probably have been an easy nine.

A British documentary film; This is a compelling analysis of the creative output, sketches and paintings of the American actor, director, writer and producer who is remembered for his innovative work in radio, theatre and film. The film critic Mark Cousins regales us with a colourful and insightful account of his motivations. It is gushing as a tribute, but it is heartfelt. It dovetails image and voiceover very well.

A doc on Welles that focuses on his drawings? Sounds about as interesting as one on Warhol that centers on his films. And as a number of previous reviewers have observed the director/narrator's droning, second person Irish tones get old five minutes in.

This documentary had potential, but it was ruined by the dull, never ending narration. Very boring, IMO. What a waste.