Me and Orson Welles

Me and Orson Welles opened at Ryerson theater today. As I was standing in line, you could feel the excited energy of the teenage girls waiting to catch a glimpse of teen heartthrob, Zac Efron. As he took the red carpet, the shrill shrieks started. Granted there weren't too many, but still enough to make your eardrums bleed. Claire Danes also starred in the film and took the red carpet right before Zac did, but didn't have quite as boisterous reception.

Now to the film, Me and Orson Welles was directed by Richard Linklater, the same man who brought us Dazed and Confused and School of Rock. It was based on the play by Robert Kaplow and tells the story of a young man coming to New York to act and how he gets involved with Welles' theater group at the Mercury theater and their production of Julius Caesar in 1937- a little bit different subject matter than his past films. I have to say I wasn't really sure going into this film as to whether this cast could pull off the movie. First, the unknown actor, Christian McKay playing the literally larger than life character of Orson Welles, and then Zac Efron being cast in this non-musical/ non-Disney movie - both questionable.

But I admit, there was nothing to be skeptical about. Christian McKay gave a brilliant performance full of wit and charisma and Zac Efron's new kid in the city was incredibly charming and believable - he can really act!. Richard Samuels (Efron) comes to the big city to live out his dream. He is the typical wide eyed, optimistic youth ready to take the world by storm. He accidentally encounters Welles on the street, and charms his way into being cast in his Julius Caesar production in a minor role. Richard soon finds out that the theater world isn't quite what he thought it would be, but then again neither is Welles; he can be inspiring and encouraging one moment and tear you to pieces the next.

The play seems to be a disaster: Welles is never on time, he's completely self involved and impossible to work with, but his sycophants will endure any punishment to be associated a Welles production. Richard has a bit of idol worship going on for Welles, but soon understands that Welles in really only interested in himself and his visions of grandeur. Richard of course falls for the company hottie, Sonja Jones (Danes), the secretary. But she is only interested in how to further her career, and sleeps with anyone to make it, (including Welles) breaking Richard's heart in the process. This leads to the big conflict between Welles and Richard, in which Richard wants a little respect and Welles concedes on the terms that Richard goes on stage for opening night. The show has an amazing opening with rave reviews, but after the the curtain falls, Richard is fired and realizes that no one can contradict Welles without suffering in the end.

The movie had humor and heart, supplied by the two leading men. The sets and costumes were incredible, and the soundtrack was awesome. New York looked decadent in its art deco glory and the big band music really gave you a feel for the era. Overall, Me and Orson Welles was a delight to watch.

Here are some pictures from the screening (and yes I did take that close up picture of Efron):
Claire Danes, Zac Efron and Richard Linklater are all in the photos (if you click on the picture, you can see a larger version of it).