The Great Orson Welles

George Orson Welles was born on May 6th, 1915 and died on October 10th, 1985, with a typewriter on his lap. He was writing a new script. A film director, producer, actor, scriptwriter, author of essays, plays, stories and even newspaper columnist, he was a prolific and versatile artist and, above all, a great illusionist with a magic conception of the show, so much different from others.

His last appearance was a few days before his death, on the television series Moonlighting (1985-89, Glenn Gordon Caron). The 4th episode of the 2nd season, The Dream Sequence Always Rings Twice, opens with an introduction from Orson Welles. This episode pays tribute to the classic noir films of the 1940s.

On the occasion of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of his birth, we want this post to be a small tribute to a magnificent artist, who never ceased to amaze us.

A Gothic Approach to "Rope"

Alfred Hitchcock's universe offers more than a three dimensional spectacle to many viewers, myself included. As a true magician, his extensive knowledge on human perception leads us to the intended illusion. The more we watch a movie, the more we are able to glimpse different facets calling our attention, as elements of a larger and fascinating framework. At least, that is what happened to me, as I enjoyed "Rope" (1948), for the zillionth time. A traditional English ghost story, which also features an old chest, is referenced in the film. That allusion prompted me to write a post on a Gothic perspective, in order to embroil ourselves in one of Hitchcock's most notable literary influences.