Filming 'The Trial'

Filming 'The Trial' (1981)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

This "documentary" is actually a Q&A session that was done with Orson Welles after a screening of THE TRIAL at USC. Film students get the terrific opportunity to ask Welles about the movie and hear his thoughts on a wide range of subjects.

You know, getting to hear a master like Welles talk about his film in so many details is something truly great to hear. At the same time, it's kind of sad to see him having to make movies like this because he couldn't getting funding for the projects he would have wanted to do. Which is kind of funny because one person asks Welles about his various unreleased projects like THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WIND (still not fully completed as I write this) and DON QUIXOTE (partially completed with controversy).

As far as FILMING 'THE TRIAL' goes, this is certainly a must-see if you're a fan of the film or of Welles because he gets to talk about some interesting subjects including funding for movies, various decisions that he made in regards to the look and style of THE TRIAL and he even talks about the negative reviews Anthony Perkins got and why he blames himself for it.

There are some annoying moments in the film including questions having to be asked several times because Welles can't hear them. The film is certainly rather raw as there's just a camera in the crowd that goes back and forth between the people and Welles. Still, it's a master getting to talk about movies and as we know Welles was one of the most amusing and entertaining people to listen to.