MOVIE: ME AND ORSON WELLES
In this sublime portrait of a larger-than-life ego, an idealistic teenager (Zac Efron) charms his way into a contemporary production of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, which is being directed by the brilliant, but volatile Orson Welles (Christian McKay) at his New York Mercury Theatre. To say newcomer McKay provides an authentic imitation of Welles understates his triumphant, richly idiosyncratic performance – for McKay is Welles incarnate. Bafflingly, even when he’s playing Welles as a narcissistic, dictatorial and obstinate genius, McKay is effortlessly charming and funny. Meanwhile, Efron affirms that he’s a legitimate actor, graduating away from his hammy High School Musical roots with an assured, intuitive performance. Claire Danes rounds out a colourful ensemble cast. Centering on the enjoyably shambolic Caesar rehearsals, this spirited piece reaffirms Richard Linklater (School of Rock, Before Sunrise, A Scanner Darkly) as an incredibly versatile and accomplished director. (JH)
