They'll Love Me When I'm Dead

The film They'll Love Me When I'm Dead is a biographical drama directed by Morgan Neville, released in 2018. It is also known as Orson Welles Last Movie. The movie focuses on the life of the legendary film director Orson Welles, specifically on his final film, The Other Side of the Wind. As the film opens, we are introduced to Orson Welles, played by Cox, sitting by a hotel swimming pool in Los Angeles. It is 1979, and Welles is in his early 70s, having suffered a long series of professional setbacks and personal struggles. Despite his legendary status as a director of Citizen Kane and Touch of Evil, Welles' career had slowed down significantly, and he struggled to get his projects greenlit. Meanwhile, the focus of the film shifts between Welles sitting with a journalist, Chuck Workman, played by Todd Karns. The interviews were recorded by Workman himself with Welles, between 1966 and 1970 and provide a comprehensive insight into Welles’ career and The Other Side of the Wind project. As Welles shares stories of his own life, including his struggles with alcoholism and his tumultuous relationships with the Hollywood establishment, the film flashes back to the period in which The Other Side of the Wind is being made. This is a fascinating glimpse into the life of Welles and his creative process. The film is about the film, and its journey from conception to completion, through a combination of archival footage and interviews with those who worked with Welles on the project, as well as the director himself. The story revolves around the story of the film within the film, as Welles and his crew struggle to get funding, shooting permits, and, ultimately, complete the project. The Other Side of the Wind, the film within a film, is a drama about an aging and reclusive film director, J. J. Gittes, played by John Hurt, who is struggling to come to terms with the changing tides of American cinema. The film explores themes of identity, power, and the search for meaning in a post-World War II era. As the story unfolds, it is clear that Welles is drawn to this particular project because it mirrors his own experiences and struggles as a filmmaker. Through The Other Side of the Wind, Welles is able to confront his own demons and explore his passion for filmmaking, even if it means risking his reputation and his finances in the process. Throughout the film, Neville uses archival footage of Welles' own films, as well as interviews with those who knew him, to illustrate Welles' impact on film history. We see clips from some of Welles'' most famous films, such as Citizen Kane and Touch of Evil, showcasing his innovative filmmaking techniques, innovative storytelling style, and his passion for experimentation. The film They’ll Love Me When I’m Dead is a love letter to Orson Welles and his body of work. It is a testament to the enduring power of his films, as well as a reminder of his genius and creativity, despite the industry's tendency to overlook and undervalue him. The title of the film refers to a famous quote from an interviewer who said, "They'll love me when I'm dead." This captures the essence of Welles' personality and professional life – driven, passionate, and fiercely protective of his art. Ultimately, They’ll Love Me When I’m Dead is a celebration of Orson Welles'' life and work. It is a reminder of the enduring power of independent filmmaking and the need for innovative storytellers like Welles to continue pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. As the film comes to a close, we see Welles sitting by the hotel pool, exhausted but triumphant. The Other Side of the Wind has finally been completed, and Welles has once again proven that he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of cinema. Despite his struggles, Welles has left behind a rich legacy, and They’ll Love Me When I’m Dead is a testament to that legacy.