Award winning filmmaker Chuck Workman’s illuminating, entertaining and ultimately moving documentary is a fitting testament to the life and work of one of cinema’s true greats - the enigmatic Orson Welles.

Orson Welles's life was magical: a musical prodigy at age 10, a director of Shakespeare at 14, a painter at 16, a star of stage and radio at 20, not to mention romances with some of the most beautiful women in the world. His often game-changing contributions to whatever medium he chose to be involved in meant it didn’t take long for Welles to become regarded as a genius; a double-edged acclamation, which hinted at a certain profligacy and arrogance.

The truth was much more complex as illustrated here through extracts from Welles’ works both familiar and unreleased and via testimonies from family, friends and fans, collaborators and critics (including Jean Moreau, Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese). Perhaps best of all though remain the anecdotes, admissions and insights from the great man himself; his infamous struggles – with money, with women (including his marriage to Rita Hayworth), with authority, and of course, with his weight are all part of his remarkable story – a counterpoint to his undoubted charm, enormous talent, and astonishing work.

Whether you’re already a fan of Welles or your knowledge extends no further than the words Citizen Kane, this is an all-encompassing overview of his remarkable life that at the same time examines the brilliance of his instincts that marked his groundbreaking career - the likes of which we are unlikely to see again.

• The 18:00 screening on Tue 14 July will be introduced by Stuart Nolan who was Magician in Residence at our Pervasive Media Studio and is a long time admirer of Orson Welles. Welles was many things, but what he is probably least known as is that he was also a magician - and a very good one at that. Stuart will explain that it is through the world of magic, illusions and tricks that we might come to understand more about the creativity, drive and personality of this extraordinary figure.

Please note that this event will be recorded.

• The screening of Magician: The Astonishing Life and Work of Orson Welles on Tue 14 July is part of our Cinébites deal: get 30% off any main dish in the Café/Bar with a valid cinema ticket.

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