← Back to explore

Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles

2014 · Movie · PG-13 · 91 min

7.0(35)unSUB Rating

Documentary

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

Watch free on Tubi — also streaming on Cohen Media Channel.

2 hours to watch.

Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.

unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.

unSUB does not host or stream any content. Every link above goes to a licensed provider.

More value for your money

Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.

Details
Years
2014
Release date
2014-12-12
Language
English
Rated
PG-13
Runtime
91 min
TMDB rating (input)
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

    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

    Norman Lloyd

    as Self - Actor

  • Julie Taymor

    Julie Taymor

    as Self - Stage and Film Director

  • Paolo Cherchi Usai

    Paolo Cherchi Usai

    as Self - G. Eastman House Curator

  • Peter Bogdanovich

    Peter Bogdanovich

    as Self - Filmmaker

  • JN

    James Naremore

    as Self - Writer and Film Scholar

  • Elvis Mitchell

    Elvis Mitchell

    as Self - Film Critic

  • JR

    Jonathan Rosenbaum

    as Self - Film Critic

Directed by Chuck Workman