film by bill biss
Christian MCKay stars in
Me and ORsOn Welles
There is something to be said about being in the right place at the right wanted to show…because he’s seen in public so much of the time in the film, I
time. When Director Richard Linklater was in the process of adapting the
really looked forward to those moments where I could lower the mask. Just show
book Me and Orson Welles to the screen, the most crucial element was to find
a little bit of the vulnerability behind it. I mean, we forget that he was 22 years of
an actor to portray Orson Welles. His search led him to a theatre in Canada
age. It’s just extraordinary. He was sticking his neck on the line. Founding his the-
and a play starring actor Christian McKay who was doing a one-man perfor-
atre company [Mercury Theatre] in the caldron of New York theatre. It’s extremely
mance as…you guessed it…Orson Welles.
intimidating. He had no fear at all. He was pouring his money earned on radio into
Christian McKay makes his film debut in excellent company. His co-stars are the
lovely Claire Danes and the matinee idol Zac Efron. Under the skilled direction of
his own theatre and his production of Julius Caesar.”
Richard Linklater, McKay learned the task of acting in film as opposed to the stage
The screen chemistry between Christian as Orson and Zac Efron as the young
and delivers a knockout performance as the young Orson Welles of 1937. The film
aspiring actor Richard Samuels is really believable as well. The first impression
is a delightful valentine to the theatre and Welles’ legendary talent. In a whirlwind
upon leaving the theatre after this film was “Zac Efron grows up in this role!”
press day, Christian McKay took a few minutes to speak with The Rage Monthly Wholeheartedly agreeing McKay adds, “That’s marvelous. Yes. It’s a coming-of-
about this role of a lifetime, co-starring with Zac Efron and the phenomenal talent
age story as much for Orson as it is for Richard. As much for me, as it is Zac, yeah.
of Orson Welles.
I agree with that. I think you hit the nail on the head there, as we say.” One scene
Christian McKay is beginning his film career with a great director, a lovely lead-
of them together in the film really shows a softer side of the young Orson Welles.
ing lady and one of the most popular teen idols of the day. A very genial Christian
Christian continues, “That’s what I’m talking about is the vulnerability. Taking the
McKay replies, “Yes. It might be my very last!” He adds, “and a very difficult part.”
mask down. It’s that Richard [Efron] is no challenge to Orson. He can speak to him.
McKay did an extensive amount of research for the role. What is one the most
He can let out the secret…if you like.”
important characteristics that he brought to portraying Orson Welles? “I really
Some critics have described McKay’s performance as Orson Welles as a “villain.”
14 RAGE monthly | December 2009
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