New to Welles - Need to learn all about Orson

[sono vita]

I am a college student doing a project on Welles...I admit I didn't know a thing about him before being assigned to him. My presentation is due in three weeks and now that I have been researching Orson, I feel like that's hardly enough time to get a feel of who he is and his impact on things. We are allowed to be as creative as possible with our presentation, any suggestions? Can anyone tell me what they think was Welles' greatest accomplishments (seems like so many.) The proffessor suggest we try to get as close to the person as possible, for interviews or whatever.....Does he have any family that anyone knows of and if so, is it way too far fetched to believe I may get a phone interview? I would Greatly appreciate any suggestions!!!

Thank you,

Lost...... ???

[ChristopherBanks]

Have you seen many of Orson's movies?

The fact that a great deal of his major works were interfered with by studios or financiers should be a major point of any presentation...apart from the fact that there are major works other than "Citizen Kane".

The book "This is Orson Welles", which consists of conversations Welles had with director and friend Peter Bogdanovitch is probably the closest you'll ever get to a Welles interview. This book covers all aspects of his career.

[jbrooks]

I think I would list the film "Othello" as Welles' greatest accomplishment. This was perhaps the first truly independent film. Welles financed it himself and shot it piecemeal over 4 years on several different continents whenever he had the money. The fact that it was completed at all is amazing. What is more impressive is that it is also a truly great film. I think Vincent Canby had it right in the New York Times when he wrote, upon the film's re-release in 1992, that Othello is the equal of Kane and Ambersons.