Orson Welles

WHY SHOULD WE CARE?
Because Citizen Kane revolutionised Hollywood movie-making. Because more people have cited Kane as the reason they decided to become film-makers, than any other movie. Because a handful of his films are amongst the most wondrous in world cinema. Because he introduced daring and cheek to the movies.

WHAT SORT OF FILMS IS HE FAMOUS FOR?
Citizen Kane is the keynote Welles film, famous for its approach to narrative story-telling, ground-breaking use of black and white photography and sound, and a cast predominantly of Welles' friends from the theatre. These characteristics are true of many of his films, which include brilliant thrillers (The Lady from Shanghai, Touch of Evil) and acclaimed Shakespeare adaptations (Macbeth, Othello, Chimes at Midnight). Almost as notable, were long-term projects which Welles failed to complete, notably Don Quixote and The Other Side of the Wind.

WHEN WAS HE WORKING?
Born in Wisconsin in 1915, he was a child protegé gifted in painting, music and magic. Was acting on the stage, first in Ireland then New York, while still a teenager. After successful careers in theatre and radio he arrived in Hollywood in 1940. Citizen Kane opened a year later, when he was 26. His most prolific period as director was the Forties and Fifties: The Magnificent Ambersons, The Lady from Shanghai, Macbeth, Othello, Mr Arkadin, Touch of Evil. He completed just three films in the Sixties, including one of his greatest, Chimes at Midnight. But he continued to work up until his death in 1985, often with huge gaps in shooting while he raised finances by acting in other people's films. He was also prolific on television, both as director, actor and narrator.