This year marks the 100th anniversary of Orson Welles' birth. The Kenosha-born filmmaker and actor (who lived in Madison when he was 10) is revered for his groundbreaking work in theater, radio and film. UW's Cinematheque will celebrate his career all year, kicking off with a six-week run of films at 4070 Vilas Hall emphasizing his career as the "complete auteur." Expect to see additional Welles titles at the Wisconsin Film Festival, April 9-16.
Citizen Kane (1941)
Saturday, Jan. 24, 7 pm
Fresh off his famous The War of the Worlds radio broadcast, Welles was just 25 when he produced, co-wrote, directed and starred in his first feature film. It is lauded for its innovative narrative structure, cinematography and music.
The Magnificent Ambersons (1942)
Saturday, Jan. 31, 7 pm
This drama follows two generations of a well-to-do family, but the final version differs significantly from Welles’ rough cut. At the studio’s behest, more than an hour of footage was excised, and a new, happier ending was shot. Welles left behind extensive notes detailing his wishes for the film, but lost footage was destroyed.
The Stranger (1946)
Saturday, Jan. 31, 8:30 pm
In his first and maybe only commercial success, Welles plays a Nazi war criminal living undetected in Connecticut under an assumed name. This film noir was the first mainstream American movie to include actual footage of concentration camps following World War II.
Othello (1952)
Saturday, Feb. 7, 7 pm
This Shakespearean adaptation was shot in Morocco, Venice, Tuscany and Rome over three years. After the original Italian producer went bankrupt, Welles began pouring in his own money to keep the project alive. He financed the film with supporting acting roles in other films, including The Black Rose, from which he secretly borrowed various costumes, cameras and crew for use in Othello.
The Lady from Shanghai (1947)
Saturday, Feb. 14, 7 pm
Welles stars alongside his then-wife Rita Hayworth in this film noir, sparking controversy when he required her to cut and bleach her famous red hair for the role. Cinematheque will screen a new restoration from Sony Pictures.
Confidential Report, aka Mr. Arkadin (1955)
Saturday, Feb. 21, 7 pm
This story of an elusive billionaire who hires an American smuggler to investigate his past has a convoluted production history. At least eight versions exist: radio plays, film cuts, a European release known as Confidential Report and a novel credited to Welles which he claimed to be unaware of until he saw a copy in a bookstore.
F for Fake (1974)
Saturday, Feb. 21, 9 pm
Welles hosts and narrates this loose documentary about fraud and fakery. It was not released in the United States until 1976, when Welles produced a nine-minute preview "trailer" almost entirely composed of material not found in the main film.
Touch of Evil (1958)
Saturday, Feb. 28, 7 pm
This crime thriller is not only Welles’ final American film, but also one of the last examples of film noir in the genre’s classic era. Though underappreciated at its release, it is now widely regarded as one of Welles’ best. Cinematheque will screen a 1998 edit based on a lengthy Welles memo.