Rating: 
Summary: Interesting narrative structures makes it move like fiction
Review: When I told a co-worker that I was reading a book on Welles, she said, "Wow, that must be interesting...he was such a mysterious man." And this book definitely is interesting. Instead of reverting to the dry, analytical narrative that most biographies use, the author uses an effervescent, almost poetical descriptive voice, as well as employing an imaginary dialogue with an inquiring editor. The dialogue technique is used sometimes to escape the pitfalls of libel suits (as someone to "suggest" that so-and-so may have homosexual, etc.) as well as to explore multidimensional interpretations of film.This technique could be distracting, but it isn't. Instead it's compelling, and it gives voice to the reader in an interesting way. Now, on to the content...this book was a fine portrait of Orson, detailing his early success, blazing masterpiece, debilitating failure, and strange downward slide. It examines Welles with both adoration and horror -- how could someone with so much talent burn so brightly and then burn out? Scenic analysis of some films are an added bonus, and prove almost as illuminating as biographical details. These film crit moments aren't too heavy for the amateur, but they also won't bore a seasoned scholar. (ALthough if you haven;t seen "Citizen Kane" before you pick this up, you really should go rent it first...and even if you know it well, as I do, you might want to still rent it because the book does explore it with regards to Welles psyche, and it is very helpful to have scenes fresh in your mind.) This talks about Welles's personal life, but refrains from idle gossip. It emphasizes the *human* struggle in Welles and illuminates the myth without diminishing the pleasant mystery. Highly recommended for theater & film buffs as well as people with a good taste for a tragic story.
Rating: 
Summary: An absolute JOY to read!
Review: WOW! I can't say enough about this book, its amazingly well written. Thomson engages the reader like no other biographer out there. There may be some speculation in it, but it all works to the advantage of his story: adding charater and life to details that otherwise would be written as vague value statements and boring lists of events. I've simply fallen in love! (with Orson, with Thomson, with the whole World all over again!)
The format is one of the best parts, divided into brilliant mini-chapters, supplemented with quotes and excerpts, and frequent interruptions for fun bits of dialogue between reader and author. In a word: Essential!
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