MovieChat Forums > A Man for All Seasons (1966) Discussion > Orson Welles, Why?

Orson Welles, Why?

posted 11 years ago by crlnrgbrght5
16 replies | jump to latest

Why was Fat Orson Welles cast as Cardinal Wolsey? Wolsey was not a Man of great girth. I was wondering the reason being, because Welles couldn't get Work, and the Director admired Him, so They gave Him this Role.

[–] rrb 11 years ago

Do actors have to look like the characters they're playing? Of course not.

Welles was a respected actor who could easily play a man of power. His "unrefined" American accent contrasted Wolsey's low birth with the aristocrats he dealt with. And Welles's fame lent prestige to the film.

[–] AllyWheels 11 years ago

"Wolsey was not a Man of great girth"

*
backs out of the thread quietly

[–] crlnrgbrght5 11 years ago

I know.

[–] nutsberryfarm 11 years ago

he's a good actor?

Season's Greetings!

[–] TudorLady 11 years ago

Hans Holbein's portrait of Wolsey depicted him as a large man and Holbein was famous for his accuracy. (Apart from his Anne of Cleves!) I must admit when Welles said 'Mistress Bo-lyn' I did wince.

The King's Good Servant but God's first

[–] nutsberryfarm 11 years ago

his line readings are classic ham! i like it, tho.

Season's Greetings!

[–] hka-3 9 years ago

Meee too. I'm watching it now for the first time. I had no idea just how large Orson had gotten. It kept reminding me of Mork from Ork's fat jokes about his boss, Orson. Jabba The Hutt came to mind, as well.

Mag, Darling, you're being a bore.

[–] nutsberryfarm 9 years ago



he & scofield give terrific line readings. voice.

🎍Season's greetings!🎅🌲

[–] hka-3 9 years ago

Scofield is a big reason I was drawn to the dialogue in the beginning. I wasn't planning on watching this for more than a few minutes. It's funny how one thing after another finally made me decide I have to see how it ends (still watching, lol).

Mag, Darling, you're being a bore.

[–] nutsberryfarm 9 years ago

a classic. i've read the play too in book form. has some more stuff that's cool.

🎍Season's greetings!🎅🌲

[–] kennellygerard 11 years ago

because Brando wasn't fat enough.. yet

[–] crlnrgbrght5 11 years ago

Lol.

[–] kennellygerard 11 years ago

here is my fave of 2013

http://www.imdb.com/list/yu0xJEbga_Q/

[–] SamoanJoes 9 years ago

1. Who cares?

2. Because he was a good actor.

3. Perhaps his name could sell tickets.

4. Stop trying to be polite by using "girth" when you already called him fat.

[–] crlnrgbrght5 9 years ago

Fatty, fatty, fatty!

[–] DJMan-51 9 years ago

Hey, Orson had to slim down to play Falstaff, fer cryin' out loud!