This is Orson Welles by Orson Welles Peter Bogdanovich EPUB & PDF – eBook Details Online
- Status: Available for Free Download
- Authors: Orson Welles Peter Bogdanovich
- Language: English
- Genre: other
- Format: PDF
- Size: 154 MB
- Price: Free
This is Orson Welles is a fascinating and insightful book that brings together a series of candid interviews between legendary filmmaker and actor Orson Welles and renowned critic and director Peter Bogdanovich. First published in 1992, this book offers an intimate portrait of Welles, one of the most enigmatic and influential figures in cinema history. Through these conversations, readers are given a rare glimpse into the mind of a genius, as Welles reflects on his life, career, and the challenges he faced as a visionary artist.
Structure:
The book is primarily a transcript of extensive interviews conducted by Bogdanovich with Welles over many years, supplemented by Welles’ own thoughts, recollections, and reflections. It also includes a comprehensive filmography and an introduction by the renowned critic Jonathan Rosenbaum, providing additional context for Welles’ career and his significance in the world of film.
Key Themes and Content:
Welles’ Career and Hollywood Struggles: One of the main themes of the book is Welles’ complex and often frustrating relationship with Hollywood. Welles candidly discusses the struggles he faced as a director, particularly his battles with studio executives and producers who frequently undermined his creative control. His legendary debut film, Citizen Kane, is of course a focal point of the discussion, but Welles also delves into the difficulties he encountered with his subsequent films, like The Magnificent Ambersons, which was notoriously re-edited without his permission.
The Creative Process: Welles provides a detailed look at his creative philosophy and approach to filmmaking. He talks about the artistic challenges of directing, acting, writing, and producing, offering insights into how he constructed his films. His reflections on camera techniques, sound design, and narrative structure demonstrate his mastery of the medium and highlight his innovative contributions to cinema.
Personal Anecdotes and Reflections: The book is filled with anecdotes from Welles’ life, including his early years in the theater, his famous radio broadcast of The War of the Worlds, and his experiences working with legendary actors and filmmakers. Welles’ storytelling is both humorous and poignant, and his charisma shines through as he recounts his adventures and misadventures throughout his career.
Cinematic Legacy: Welles also reflects on the nature of his legacy, often with a mix of humor and bitterness. He acknowledges his status as a revered figure in film history, but he is also deeply aware of the many unfinished or compromised projects that marred his career. His self-awareness and honesty about his failures and triumphs provide a complex and humanizing portrait of a man who was often seen as larger than life.
Friendship Between Welles and Bogdanovich: The book also serves as a testament to the friendship between Welles and Bogdanovich. Their conversations are marked by warmth, mutual respect, and a shared love for cinema. Bogdanovich, a younger filmmaker who admired Welles’ work, brings a deep understanding of film history and a reverence for Welles’ genius, making the exchanges both informative and engaging.