Orson Welles: Hello Americans

Similar to the 1st book, perhaps slightly more accessible. Again, an undeniably well researched book. The book's center seems to lie in a subjective critique of Welles' life. For my tastes, there was much too much space devoted to Welles' lesser known or unfinished projects as opposed to his films or projects which remain. I thoroughly enjoyed the chapter on The Lady From Shanghai, which was interesting but too short. For me, these books are a love-hate situation. I greatly admire the amount of research and committment that has gone into these books. I think the writing could be less convoluted, less subjective, and more accessible to the reader. After reading 900+ pages, it seems like I am still waiting for more behind the scenes show more glimpses into Welles' surviving projects. I am very curious as to the details about his performance and involvement in The Third Man -- hopefully its forthcoming in the 3rd book. show less

“Unfailingly intelligent and well written . . . Vivid and three-dimensional.”—Variety

The first volume of Simon Callow's magisterial biography of Orson Welles was praised as a "splendidly entertaining, definitive work" by Entertainment Weekly. Now, this eagerly anticipated second volume examines the years following Citizen Kane up to the time of Macbeth, in which Welles's Hollywood film career unraveled. In close and colorful detail, Callow offers a scrupulous analysis of the factors involved, revealing the immense and sometimes self-defeating complexities of Welles's temperament as well as some of the monstrous personalities with whom he had to contend.

Awesome cover photo of the "giant boy," as he was called in South America. Callow is a meticulous biographer.