WELLESNET MESSAGE BOARD

Greetings folks,

I'm new to this message board - very nice web site. I'm looking for a quote on Orson and was wondering if anyone could kindly oblidge me with the passage or a reference). I think it's a tribute quotation by Jean Cocteau (or maybe someone else, I'm not sure) all I can remember is that it says something to the effect that he admires Orson because not matter what he does, good or bad, he does it as an artist - he'll take risks, or may fail, but he'll always follow his artistic sensibilities. Sorrow for the vageness, but I thought it was an inspiring statement.

Cheers,

Mark

it's from jean renior

Aaaahh..... Renoir ... right, right, right.. beautiful. Thank ye kindly - I think I'll be able to track it down now.

Cheers,

Mark

No problem!

and in case ya can't (I was just too lazy to look it up earlier)...well I hope this is the quote you were wanting, the part you referenced is near the end...

"I read in an article by Marcuse, and his theory is that silent films were made for the working classes because they could appeal to all levels, which perhaps explains the great popularity of people like Chaplin and Keaton. But the man of the working class now has two cars and sends his children to the best schools; in fact, the working class has become the middle class. And almost all films today and for the last twenty years have been made for the middle class. Actually, most directors---even the greatest ones---are bourgeois directors. Orson Welles is one of a handful of aristocrats. And his films are aristocratic works. It is probably for that reason that they often are not financially successful. He is also a great actor who so emerges himself in a role that his own personality does not even exist any longer while he is in that character. I like his work so much that I even like him when he is not good, because at all times he remains an artist."

That's the one! You're a gentleman and a scholar, sir. (In retrospect, I didn't give a whole lot to go on, did I? - You're good!). Thanks again,

I remain,

Your obediant servant,

Mark

HAH, I made myself look much better than I am, though I do appreciate your compliments...I have only been into movies (of the classic and artful type) for a couple of months, and in regards to Welles have only recently been converted and seen Kane, Ambersons, Touch Of Evil, and Fountain of Youth, and I love them all dearly....it just so happened that the book I read most recently was "This Is Orson Welles", wherein that quote was contained! you are a thousand tymes welcome, and I have enjoyed sharing this topic with you, peace