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It may not quite live up to the superlative in its title, but Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles serves as a passable primer for those seeking an introduction to the legendary filmmaker.
All Critics (48) | Top Critics (17) | Fresh (35) | Rotten (13)
This film makes a valuable and stimulating case for brilliant Welles movies such as Chimes at Midnight and The Trial. Jul 2, 2015 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
This film makes a valuable and stimulating case for brilliant Welles movies such as Chimes at Midnight and The Trial.
Peter Bradshaw
If you're a budding film student or a newly-minted cineaste looking for a quick and easy brush-up on the all-time great American director, Magician will serve perfectly well. Jun 30, 2015 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…
If you're a budding film student or a newly-minted cineaste looking for a quick and easy brush-up on the all-time great American director, Magician will serve perfectly well.
Tom Huddleston
Workman clearly reveres Welles, but he's never reverent. Apr 2, 2015 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
Workman clearly reveres Welles, but he's never reverent.
Mark Feeney
A dutiful but slightly dull celebration of the multitalented impresario ... Apr 2, 2015 | Rating: 2.5/4 | Full Review…
A dutiful but slightly dull celebration of the multitalented impresario ...
Michael O'Sullivan
If you have more time and want to get into Welles on your own, an afternoon watching YouTube videos followed by a few evenings of watching his best movies might be even better. Mar 12, 2015 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
If you have more time and want to get into Welles on your own, an afternoon watching YouTube videos followed by a few evenings of watching his best movies might be even better.
Mick LaSalle
It's a fine introduction, if a bit slight for fans craving new insights. Dec 31, 2014 | Rating: B+ | Full Review…
It's a fine introduction, if a bit slight for fans craving new insights.
Chris Nashawaty
Solid, straightforward but immaculately researched, Chuck Workmans documentary is a fitting tribute to the maverick Welles. If he were alive today, hed surely raise a glass. May 2, 2018 | Full Review…
Solid, straightforward but immaculately researched, Chuck Workmans documentary is a fitting tribute to the maverick Welles. If he were alive today, hed surely raise a glass.
James Mottram
Magician is a good primer for those who are unfamiliar with Welles, while functioning as a greatest-hits reel for students of the man. Aug 24, 2017 | Full Review…
Magician is a good primer for those who are unfamiliar with Welles, while functioning as a greatest-hits reel for students of the man.
Sherilyn Connelly
Magician certainly makes you want to watch all of Welles's films again, including the ones that we can't, which means it probably accomplishes its goals. Jun 3, 2016 | Rating: 3.5/5 | Full Review…
Magician certainly makes you want to watch all of Welles's films again, including the ones that we can't, which means it probably accomplishes its goals.
Joe Bendel
I'm sad to report that at a mere 1 hour and 34 minutes Magician is rushed and sometimes choppy, leaping through Welles's bountiful life. May 23, 2016 | Full Review…
I'm sad to report that at a mere 1 hour and 34 minutes Magician is rushed and sometimes choppy, leaping through Welles's bountiful life.
Gerald Peary
What Workman has assembled is the kind of film Welles would have been happy to part of. It's a unique, warm and fair portrait of a man who was both genius and joke and well aware of it. Dec 21, 2015 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
What Workman has assembled is the kind of film Welles would have been happy to part of. It's a unique, warm and fair portrait of a man who was both genius and joke and well aware of it.
Tom Meek
I'm a pretty big Welles geek, so I enjoyed the experience anyway... but I can't imagine this will enlighten anyone who just wanders in off the street. Dec 18, 2015 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…
I'm a pretty big Welles geek, so I enjoyed the experience anyway... but I can't imagine this will enlighten anyone who just wanders in off the street.
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