18 Jan 2012
Director: Richard Linklater
UK
2008
114 min
A hugely entertaining backstage drama from cult US film-maker Linklater, this is far more than a vehicle for teen heartthrob Zac Efron. Indeed the film belongs to previously unknown Christian McKay as Welles, in a performance that is part impression, part possession from beyond the grave.
Efron is the teenager who finds himself in a 1987 stage production (headed by Welles) and his love story with Claire Danes (who is excellent) is engaging enough. It is in the moments when McKay’s Welles is on – screen that the film really takes flight. This performance captures the ego, the passion and the genius of one of film’s greatest legends.