Watch Magician: The Astonishing Life & Work of Orson Welles

Magician: The Astonishing Life & Work of Orson Welles is a 2014 documentary film directed by Chuck Workman, which explores the life of one of the most talented and influential figures in the history of cinema, Orson Welles. The movie tells the story of Welles' career as a filmmaker, actor, writer, and director, as well as his personal life, from his early days in theater to his controversial later years.

Through interviews with Welles' colleagues, friends, and family, as well as rare archival footage and photos, Magician offers an intimate look at the complex and often contradictory personality of a man who defined the art of filmmaking in the 20th century. From his groundbreaking debut feature, Citizen Kane, to his ambitious but troubled productions of films like The Magnificent Ambersons, The Lady from Shanghai, and Touch of Evil, Welles was a visionary filmmaker who pushed the boundaries of cinema and challenged audiences to see the world in new ways.

Magician also explores Welles' other artistic pursuits, including his work in radio, theater, and advertising, as well as his famous collaborations with actors like Joseph Cotten, Rita Hayworth, and Charlton Heston. The film delves into the controversies surrounding his creative choices, including his fights with film studios over the editing of his films, his experimentations with sound and visual effects, and his often contentious relationships with actors and crew members.

But perhaps the most fascinating aspect of Magician is its exploration of Welles' personal life, including his relationships with his wives and children, his political views, and his struggles with alcohol and finances. The movie reveals a man who was both brilliant and flawed, whose towering artistic achievements were often overshadowed by his own temperamental nature and his inability to collaborate with others.

Overall, Magician: The Astonishing Life & Work of Orson Welles is a fascinating and illuminating portrait of one of the most important figures in film history. By combining insightful interviews with a rich assortment of archival footage and clips from Welles' films, director Chuck Workman has crafted an engaging and informative documentary that is sure to delight both fans of Welles' work and anyone interested in the art of cinema.

Magician: The Astonishing Life & Work of Orson Welles is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 67.