Orson Welles on Acting and Directing. From an interview conducted in Paris in 1960. Help Support The Narrative Art. Products and transcripts available at www.thenarrativeart.com
"Movie directing is the only job in the world where you can be utterly incompetent and have career for over 30 years without anybody discovering it" Such a powerful and truthful comment...only him could have said it.
Lets see if we agree with these examples: James Wan Sam Méndez The people who make bullshit teen dramas The directors behind the terrible modern day horror movies, like conjuring 3 and countless others Adam Wingard David benioff (not director but whatever) Many people behind most nextflix tv shows, like Lauren Schmith People working at Bloomhouse studios. Some of the more cookie cutter directors at marvel studios. Sucess is never ever proportional to quality.
@@schmebulockjizz I know you didn't just lump Sam Mendez into that list! Maybe you didn't like Empire of Light or the Bond films he did, but god damn, 1917 is a masterpiece. Mendez is too good to be on that list.
This was back when interviewers really did their homework and asked meaningful questions. Their conversation blossomed from just one key question, “Is your acting performance affected negatively or positively when you are also the director of the film?”
well...he was kind of pushing the question on him 3 or 4 times until the conversation "Blossomed". If he had done his research eh wouldn't have had to ask the question in the first place.
I genuinely love this man. Despite his reputation, he was so magnanimous when discussing his peers, so self-effacing and even self-critical, somehow without being phony.
That last statement was profound. The director has be something of a writer, cameraman, editor, etc. This makes me think of Chaplin who I consider one of the greatest director. Chaplin even wrote the music to accompany his movies once movies had a sound track. The composed the music for his silent films too.
Can't help but admire this man. Even when it seems someone is trying to back him into a corner, he responds with candor but absolute fairness. Just the facts, as he sees them.
And that’s why one of the reasons why Kubrick was a brilliant as he was .. and it’s funny sorry too say this nonsense I know it’s annoying but I was thinking something about that too except I wouldn’t have the genius or knowledge that Mr Welles have..
“The Third Man”’where Orson played the “Harry Lime” character he discusses briefly at the beginning of this video is his best role. I loved the cinematography and camera angles in this excellent black and white film with the great Joseph Cotten, Orson’s friend. There were many rumors that Orson “informally co-directed” this film, which does reflect Orson’s style, but no one formally admitted to it that I am aware of. The credited director, Carol Reed, did an outstanding job as well.
.....this "full-interview" held within his Suite at the Le Meurice Hotel in Paris during 1960, is the most insightful Q&A interview ever given by Orson Welles.....
This interview was taking place during the decline of the studio system, but studios were still strong, and I wonder how much of Welles' observations was predicated on the assembly line approach to film-making that was prevalent during that era
@@bobtaylor170I’m with you guys but h also think we over romanticise a time where we weren’t there and take nowadays for granted in how many insanely talented people are you there across a bunch of mediums.
@@YomsterFUT13 what pleases and surprises me is how many young people there are who are first rate classical musicians and opera singers. I've seen articles about the fact that fifty years ago, such people would gotten jobs with major companies easily, but now, there just isn't the audience interest which there once was.
Afonso Lucas yeah but he’s not from New York. It sounds a lot like Trans Atlantic. He also did a lot of theater in his early career and that’s where that training comes from (also England). Either way it’s a fascinating accent!
@@SonofSethoitae He wasn't popular while he was alive. Sure, he was well known but Hollywood and the public despised him. Only in Europe his work would find some reverence.
A little bit strange, but I think the context is then agreeing The Third Man was his best role, and he didn't direct it. I think it was almost just a thought experiment to get get Welles' view
@@DenkyManner Maybe his most charming and memorable role, but in terms of acting, really taking on another persona, his corrupt cop in Touch of Evil is also on par. But yeah, good point
I can't believe people are praising the interviewer Bernard Braden in the comments. Watch the complete interview, he is totally inept and not capable of dealing with the intellect of a man like Orson Welles. At one point he claims Sir Laurence Olivier doesn't have a very good acting voice, much to the disgust of Welles. He then tries to quote something Welles had said and can't even remember the quote! Thank goodness Orson is a great orator and took control of the situation. It is a great interview despite Mr Braden.
Well believe it. I watched the whole interview and I think the interviewer did a great job asking intelligent informed questions and allowing Orson to talk without interrupting much. He may have made those mistakes you point out, but overall I think he did a fantastic job. Imagine for a second this interview with Jimmy Kimmel or Jimmy Fallon instead, and then tell me what do you think of this guy´s job.
coming from different areas of expertise but In style and thought process i see a lot of interchangeable characteristics with Elon Musk...both geniuses... but not universally loved by many....
What a lot of crap. The director is very often the only person who knows the complete movie and who can guide performances (often shot totally out of sequence) that will make sense when cut together. Actors usually only know their parts.
