Arena: The Orson Welles Story (BBC Four 18 January 2024)

BBC Four presents “Arena: The Orson Welles Story” on 18 January 2024 at 10.15pm, the first part of a two-part film profile hosted by Leslie Megahey. Originally broadcast Tuesday 18 May 1982, this documentary offers an in-depth exploration of the life and career of Orson Welles, focusing on his contributions to theatre, radio, and particularly film.

The episode features interviews with notable figures including Jeanne Moreau, John Huston, Peter Bogdanovitch, Robert Wise, Charlton Heston, and most notably Orson Welles himself. The comprehensive interview with Welles took place in Las Vegas and covers various aspects of his career as well as glimpses into his personal life.

Orson Welles is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential filmmakers in history. His rise to international fame began when he created a radio adaptation of H.G. Wells’s novel “The War of the Worlds,” which famously caused panic among listeners who believed a Martian invasion was underway. This groundbreaking event occurred when Welles was just 23 years old.

Welles’s directorial debut in film came with “Citizen Kane,” widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. The documentary delves into this milestone work alongside other renowned films such as “The Magnificent Ambersons,” “The Lady from Shanghai,” and “Touch of Evil.” It explores the distinct elements of Welles’s directorial style that became trademarks: layered and nonlinear narrative forms, dramatic lighting techniques, unconventional camera angles, and deep focus shots.

Notably passionate about Shakespearean works, Welles’s portrayal of John Falstaff in his film “Chimes at Midnight” is often considered one of his finest performances.

Tune in to BBC Four on 18 January 2024 at 10.15pm for the first part of “Arena: The Orson Welles Story.” This indepth documentary offers a comprehensive look at the life and extraordinary career of Orson Welles, providing audiences with deeper insights into his artistic contributions and his lasting impact on the world of cinema.

Featured Image Credit: BBC Four