What hasn't been said about Orson Welles, whose life and times are about as surreal and epic and up and down as Charles Foster Kane's — the "rose bud" uttering main character in "Citizen Kane." "Citizen Kane" — believe it or not — is Orson Welles' directorial debut, and is considered by the majority of film critics and audiences to be the greatest film ever made. Its initial failure and later success would simultaneously damn and acclaim Orson Welles' career.

Born in Kenosha, Wis., Welles' mother died of hepatitis when he was 9, and his father, an inventor and profuse alcoholic, died when he was 15. After attending the Todd School for Boys, where Welles would hone his passion for the arts, he was awarded a scholarship to Harvard College but declined, taking the money to travel instead.

Welles' first artistic ventures were in theatre and radio, where he would flourish for some time, gathering actors along the way like Joseph Cotten — who he would later use in his stunning directorial debut. Orson Welles co-wrote and directed "Citizen Kane" when he was only 26 years old, and it's considered to be his masterpiece. But rather than review the film that's been talked about probably more times than any other film, I chose to review his superb and often overlooked follow-up film, "The Magnificent Ambersons;" a vivacious and layered epic based on the Pultizer Prize winning novel of the same name.


"The Magnificent Ambersons" chronicles the rise and fall of the prominent Amberson family and covers two generations. The film is set in Indianapolis at the turn of the century. George Minafer returns after college to find that Eugene Morgan, a family friend, has returned after being gone some time. Eugene had years ago attempted to court Isabel Amberson, George's mother, but she declined and instead married Wilbur Minafer, a stern but dull man. Unable to pour her love towards her husband, she put all of it into George, and because of that he became a spoiled child and later an arrogant and rude man. Now that Eugene has returned, he seems to still have much affection for Isabel, much to George's dismay. What follows is a wonderfully acted, sprawling drama about love, greed and power.

Orson Welles is at top of his form here, directing the film in long, deep focus takes; a trademark of his work. Joseph Cotton, Tim Holt and the rest of the cast completely embody their characters with richness and complexity. The cinematography, by the acclaimed Stanley Cortez ("Night of the Hunter"), is remarkable; from every wide-tracking shot perfectly choreographed to the blocking of the actors. Orson's style of long takes and favoring narration to convey the story perfectly fits the novel the film is based on. This is a rare film that to me nearly captures the heart and grandness of literature, a beautiful and timeless film bursting with life.

Orson Welles was a legendary filmmaker, and although his life story was full of myth and fiction, a lot of it was also fact. His burly physique and kingly voice was as loud and undeniable as his filmmaking. "The Magnificent Ambersons" is a real testament to that.

Sheridan O'Donnell reviews movies not in theaters anymore. Send your suggestions (and comments) to odsher@gmail.com and your film might just be in next week's Pulse.