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Orson Welles has long been the subject of many cinephiles' fascination.
Yet, while the director’s movies – Citizen Kane, F for Fake, A Touch of Evil , etc – have been celebrated time and time again, little has been made of Welles’ drawings.
Before turning to film, Welles was an aspiring painter, once embarking on a painting and sketching tour of Ireland (during which the young man first appeared on stage professionally). And although he would pursue a career as a filmmaker, radio producer, actor, theatre director, and wine seller , Welles remained an avid painter.
Most of the sketches and painting by the iconic artist have only been seen by friends and family – until now. Award-winning director Mark Cousins was granted access to the treasure-trove of work and made a documentary on the discoveries.
Titled The Eyes of Orson Welles , the film debuted to rave reviews at Cannes Film Festival, and The Independent can exclusively reveal the first trailer. Watch above.
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Lionsgate UK
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Sony
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Cousins directs and narrates the film, which also features appearances from Beatrice Welles, the daughter of Orson.
The Eyes of Orson Welles debuts in UK cinemas 17 August. From 2 August until 23 September the public will also be able to see Welles’s drawings and sketches for the first time in an exclusive exhibition at Summerhall in Edinburgh.
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