
Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles
2014 · Movie · PG-13 · 91 min · ★ 6.5
This insightful documentary explores the enigma and polymath that was Orson Welles. Directed by critically-acclaimed documentary maker, Chuck Workman, Magician divides Welles’ life into four chapters, with Workman portraying him as an artist who never stopped working throughout his career, but whose unconventional approach ensured he was much misunderstood by Hollywood. Magician is a montage, featuring scenes from almost every existing Welles film - from Hearts of Age to rarely-seen clips from his final unfinished films such as Don Quixote - as well as his television and commercial work. This is an essential film not just for fans of the great Orson Welles, but anyone interested in the magic of cinema.
Where to watch
Streaming on Cohen Media Channel.
2 hours to watch.
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Details
- Years
- 2014
- Release date
- 2014-12-12
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG-13
- Runtime
- 91 min
- TMDB rating
- 6.5/10 (35 votes)
Themes
- cinema on cinema
- movie business
- biography
- cinema history
- portrait of an artist
- hollywood history
- portrait of a filmmaker
Cast & crew

Simon Callow
as Self - Actor and Welles' Biographer
- CW
Christopher Welles
as Self - Orson's Oldest Daughter
- JS
Joanne Hill Styles
as Self - Orson's Classmate

Norman Lloyd
as Self - Actor

Julie Taymor
as Self - Stage and Film Director

Paolo Cherchi Usai
as Self - G. Eastman House Curator

Peter Bogdanovich
as Self - Filmmaker
- JN
James Naremore
as Self - Writer and Film Scholar

Elvis Mitchell
as Self - Film Critic
- JR
Jonathan Rosenbaum
as Self - Film Critic
Directed by Chuck Workman