Watch The Eyes of Orson Welles

The Eyes of Orson Welles is a 2018 documentary directed by Mark Cousins, who also stars in the film. The movie takes a close look at the life and career of one of the greatest cinema innovators of the 20th century, Orson Welles, who directed classics like Citizen Kane, Touch of Evil, and The Magnificent Ambersons. The documentary primarily focuses on Welles' visual art, which has been largely overlooked by critics and scholars over the years. Cousins examines the vast archive of drawings, paintings, and sketches that Welles left behind and provides insight into the mind and creative process of the director, who was not only a filmmaker but also a writer, actor, and painter.

The Eyes of Orson Welles is a feast for the eyes, as viewers are treated to never-before-seen drawings and paintings by Welles, many of which were created during his travels around the world. The artworks reveal a deep appreciation for people and cultures from all walks of life, and the documentary does an excellent job of contextualizing them within the historical and biographical context of Welles' life.

In addition to the artworks, the film features interviews with many of Welles' closest friends and family members, including his daughter Beatrice. They provide insights into the director's personal life and relationships, as well as his views on politics and the world around him.

One of the unique aspects of The Eyes of Orson Welles is that it unpacks some of the symbolism and imagery present in Welles' films, providing fascinating analyses of scenes and shots that have fascinated critics and audiences for decades. Cousins connects the visual motifs in Citizen Kane to Welles' life experiences and emotions, revealing how the film was a vehicle for the director to work out some of his personal demons.

Despite its reverence for Welles, The Eyes of Orson Welles does not shy away from the less positive aspects of his life and career. The film examines the difficult relationships Welles had with many of his collaborators and peers, including his contentious relationship with William Randolph Hearst, who inspired Citizen Kane's main character. It also sheds light on some of the financial difficulties that plagued Welles throughout his career, illustrating how his idealism and uncompromising vision often worked against him in the cutthroat world of Hollywood.

Ultimately, The Eyes of Orson Welles is a captivating exploration of one of the most towering figures in cinematic history. It offers fresh perspectives on Welles' life and work, giving viewers a much greater appreciation of the sheer breadth and depth of his creative output. The documentary is a must-see for fans of Welles' films, as well as anyone interested in the art of cinema and the creative process in general.

The Eyes of Orson Welles is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 75.