Film Institute - Reels

Film Institute Anthology

The Film Institute Gallery showcases the celebrated speakers who have captivated our audiences; see the videos below which highlight events from our engaging Films and Filmmakers Series.

WELLES AT 100

James Naremore, author of the book THE MAGIC WORLD OF ORSON WELLES

Naremore was a speaker at a two-part event at the Film Institute in November 2015, celebrating the 100th birthday of the film giant Orson Welles, which also included a screening of the documentary film Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles (2015). A three-part video series spotlights Naremore’s biography about the life and work of the cinematic giant.

Who is Orson Welles?

Naremore describes the power of Welles’ talents as a filmmaker and why his films prevail as undeniable masterpieces to be studied and celebrated.

Welles and Citizen Kane

Was Herman Mankiewicz the sole writer of the Citizen Kane screenplay? Why was Citizen Kane a box office disappointment despite the film’s critical success? Naremore dispels myths about the legendary film which received nine Academy Awards and is considered by many as the best film ever made. It was also Welles’ first feature film, and one he directed, wrote, produced, and starred in as the leading role.

Welles Creates Independent Filmmaking

Naremore describes how Welles’ fierce determination to create films outside of the structured Hollywood studio system made him a trailblazer of modern independent filmmaking.

The three-part video series was produced by the BFA Filmmaking program, part of the School of Communication and Media.