Worth Watching: Richard Linklater’s ‘Me and Orson Welles’ Trailer

Posted by Neil Miller (neil@filmschoolrejects.com) on October 8, 2009

Freestyle Releasing has unveiled the final domestic trailer for Richard Linklater’s upcoming drama Me and Orson Welles, which stars Zac Efron and Christian McKay. Efron plays a teenager who is cast in the Mercury Theatre production of “Julius Ceasar” directed by a young Orson Welles (McKay) in 1937.

Based on the reviews that I’ve read from its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2008 (including James Rocchi’s heart-warmed sentiments on Cinematical), Me and Orson Welles appears to be a conundrum of sorts. A well-crafted reconstruction of the 1930’s New York theatre scene with a very good performance from Christian McKay as the ever-looming Welles, but one that might miss hitting the mark with various demographics based on the involvement of Zac Efron. Kids who might be drawn to the Efron brand might not be interested in an old-timey movie, and adults who are interested in Welles might not dig on a film with that High School Musical brat. It’s a vicious cycle.

At least we know this based on the new trailer below: Freestyle Releasing is trying to get to the youngins with their marketing strategy, focusing heavily on the Efron factor. As well, this trailer also subtly does a great job of creating the legend of Welles, which might be enough to get some older viewers in the seats. As for me, I’m interested in seeing this film almost solely based on being a fan of Richard Linklater, whom I’ve always found to be a director with something to say.

Have a look at the trailer for yourself below, courtesy of Yahoo Movies. Me and Orson Welles opens in theaters on November 25, 2009.

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