Is Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2014)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles (2014), audiences are invited back into the world of Documentary. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "The extraordinary life of Orson Welles (1915-85), an enigma of Hollywood, an irreducible independent creator: a musical prodigy, an excellent painter, a master of theater and radio, a modern Shakespeare, a magician who was always searching for a new trick to surprise his audience, a romantic and legendary figure who lived only for cinema."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles, Simon Callow delivers a serviceable performance that keeps the narrative moving. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 92 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.