"Mr. Arkadin" represents sort of a low point for Orson Welles - certainly a commercial one, and arguably an artistic one as well. Presumably exhausted by his four-year ordeal of producing "Othello" and far removed from his Hollywood glory years, he attempted a comeback with this hodgepodge re-working of the "Citizen Kane" theme. The rich and mysterious Mr. Arkadin hires an investigator to research his past, presumably to keep his secrets away from his enemies. However, everyone interviewed by the private eye mysteriously dies! (This idea was realized more effectively in Alan Parker's 1987 film "Angel Heart"). Although this film showcases' Welles unique style far better than, say, "The Stranger," its utter lack of production values make the experience somewhat grueling. Welles shoots with a manic energy, but fails to reach the giddy heights of "The Lady from Shanghai" or the visual eloquence of "Othello." Fortunately, Welles gets some entertaining performances from his supporting cast, particularly Michael Redgrave as an effeminate shopkeeper and the ubiquitous Akim Tamiroff ("Touch of Evil's" Uncle Joe Grandi) as the kooky Jacob Zouk.
Welles aficionados will yet find much to admire about "Mr. Arkadin." The elements of Welles' trademark style are mostly here, even if they fail to add up to a cohesive work of art. As French New Wave critic Andre Bazin famously remarked, "Mr Arkadin" is "completely the work of Welles."
Welles aficionados will yet find much to admire about "Mr. Arkadin." The elements of Welles' trademark style are mostly here, even if they fail to add up to a cohesive work of art. As French New Wave critic Andre Bazin famously remarked, "Mr Arkadin" is "completely the work of Welles."