The Eyes of Orson Welles

Released in 2018, "The Eyes of Orson Welles" is a remarkable documentary that delves into the life and mind of revolutionary iconic film director and actor, Orson Welles. As an intimate and profound exploration of Welles' artistry and vision, the documentary redefines the understanding of Welles as one of the most dynamic and significant figures in film history.

"The Eyes of Orson Welles" is an intriguing, insightful, and intimate exploration that combines biography, artistic interpretation, and humanities scholarship. The film holds back from becoming a standard biopic, but rather presents itself as a rapturous and intricate exploration that combines aspects of film and art criticism with personal introspection and biography. Through this approach, the film manages to excavate new layers of understanding towards the genius of Welles.

Renowned British-Irish filmmaker Mark Cousins is the director and narrator of the documentary. Cousins brings an almost obsessive attention to detail that wonderfully translates into the film, leaving no stone unturned in his exploration. He journeys across the film spectrum of Orson Welles' influence, surveying his films, personal life, politics, and even his use of maze and mirror symbols in film.

Mark Cousins' narration is incredibly intimate, making viewers feel like they are part of a real-time exploration of Orson Welles' life. His examination of Welles’ works is not chronological but rather thematic, focusing deeply on Welles’ drawings, paintings, and sketches, which are often overlooked in his overall portfolio. The documentary film brilliantly portrays Welles' profound understanding of the human condition, his cynicism about power, his love of mockery, his sympathy for the little guy, and of course, his characteristic eye for the tragic and the comic.

The documentary is not merely a reflection of Welles' works but also draws a countless number of sketches that Welles himself penned during his lifetime. By focusing on Welles' lesser-known artwork, Cousins brings a fresh perspective in understanding the depth of Welles' artistic vision and his extraordinary craftsmanship beyond filmmaking. Welles' daughter, Beatrice Welles also stars, providing access to a rare collection of her father's sketches, which Cousins uses as a launching point to explore themes, motifs, and preoccupations that would later crystallize in the filmmaker's masterpieces.

Also featuring is Jack Klaff, a renowned actor with a solid career in theatre. He offers his unique insights into the life and works of Welles, adding another layer of comprehension to the narrative. His perspective broadens the documentary's appeal, making it an engaging watch for both those who are familiar with Welles' works and those who are new to it.

"The Eyes of Orson Welles" is more than just a documentary. It is a cinematic love letter, an appreciative critique, and a study of Welles' visual language. The film also features remarkable locations such as the snowy landscapes of Wisconsin where Welles attended school, Madrid where he shot his failed adaptation of "Don Quixote", the Arizona desert where he filmed "Touch of Evil", and the rickety bridge in Ireland where he began his acting career.

What makes "The Eyes of Orson Welles" truly captivating is its seamless blend of film analysis, biographical inquiry, and intimate admiration. It is not just about the enigmatic director's uncanny eye for cinematic composition and visual flair, but also about his relentless humanism, political astuteness, and boundless curiosity. It showcases Welles as a visionary who was uncompromisingly ahead of his time.

Overall, "The Eyes of Orson Welles" offers a compelling journey into the mind of one of cinema's greatest maestros, Orson Welles. It uses an array of archival footage, photographs, film clips, letters, and drawings, all intricately weaved together to form a rich tapestry that presents a thoughtful and celebratory reappraisal of Welles' work. The documentary is a must-watch for any cinephile, creative individual, or anyone fascinated by the world of film and art. Its thoughtful examination of the depths of Welles' artistic vision provides a refreshing new lens through which to view and appreciate the iconic figure's indelible legacy.