The Orson Wells Legend - Finally, I'm Starting To Get It!
Watching Michael Parkinson introduce a 1970's interview with Orson Wells, I realised I'd not fully appreciated the legend of this Hollywood legend. And in particular, the extraordinary diversity of his accomplishments - to the extent of a not exactly momentary 'career' as a bull-fighter!
So I fossicked round for something earlier and found the 1960 Paris interview with Merv Griffin ...
What's particularly disarming in this encounter, among so many disarmaments, is the actor/director/writer's unexpected frankness and seductive self-deprecating qualities. And the ease and almost eagerness with which he canvasses his own limitations and failures. Though this of course may give rise to charges of disingenuousness.
With controversial issues, Orson Wells has that delicious ability to warmly and genuinely acknowledge other points of view ... but just as a starting point to state his own. Which of often individual and distinctive, and one that doesn't sound contrived to elicit admiration. Such as when he explores the differences in difficulty of directing yourself on stage as opposed to in the movies.
And to top it all off, there's that quite incredible voice - deep, resonating, sonorous and boundlessly expressive - which Wells plays like a fabulous Stradivarius violin! Any actor would kill to have such an instrument!
And to top it all off, there's that quite incredible voice - deep, resonating, sonorous and boundlessly expressive - which Wells plays like a fabulous Stradivarius violin! Any actor would kill to have such an instrument!
I'm an (at least momentary) Wells devotee - any others out there?
Another immensely charming post! Talk about having voices "then"! I'm not so sure he was actually a very good actor (I saw his King Lear on DVD recently, which he did for CBS TV a million years ago) because I think he was a little TOO much into the fun of make-believe and making up, but didn't really inhabit his performances. But that's also the very thing that may have made him a great director -- and person. That childlike quality that you sort of alluded to. Remarkable that he stayed so open and vulnerable and wide-eyed over the years despite all his troubles. Thanks for posting. xo, David, NYC
ReplyDeletehi david
ReplyDeletethe received wisdom is that welles was a great director and i'd extended that to his acting but it's interesting to hear a new view of this 'holy cow' - you are right, and perhaps it's ego that can get in the way of being the (other) character
welles certainly seemed to love the whole big big celebrity experience - but i love his almost, as we say, child-like enthusiasm of the film industry, well, for that of his period - like many of those of times past he seems not to like what's happening today - which is not the bigger and longer view - it seems to me that things are right for their time
glad you're still there, very reassuring for more posting!
xo nick