F For Fake is reasonably entertaining, but hardly a classic effort. I first saw this as part of a series of Welles films in a university level film course. The course instructor used Citizen Kane, The Magnificent Ambersons, MacBeth and F For Fake - screened in that order - in an effort to show how Welles relationship with Hollywood powers changed the way he made films. Certainly, by the time Mr. Welles made this film, he was well past having big studio resources available for his efforts. The result is a documentary that seems slapped together in places, and whose central idea concerning perceptions of what is real comes off as an elaborate, if witty, joke. While entertaining, there is none of the emotional impact that marked his great early works. By the end of the film, the viewer is all too aware that they have been watching Orson Welles - noted film maker, magician and one time star - having a bit of fun. It is a bit of fun for the viewer, but hardly memorable.
Review of F for Fake
