The morning after I saw Mank at the cinemas, I was like Fincher Smincher, I want to watch me some Orson Welles! The Immortal Story (1968) was available to stream on Mubi and was the last film that Welles completed in his life time as a director, something he shot for French TV, hence the 68 minute run time. I didn’t know too much about it aside from the image of Welles in old man make up staring deathly at the camera, obvious make-up putty for a fake nose. Based on a short story by author Karen Blixen and set in 19th century Macau, Welles plays a wealthy businessman, Mr Charles Clay, who lives alone except for his book-keeper, Levinsky (Roger Coggio) who he orders to read books of financial expenses on sleepless nights. When the assistant talks about actual stories in books (rather than lists of expenses and transactions) and retells an urban legend discussed by sailors – a story of a wealthy merchant who picks up a sailor on the street and pays them in gold to sleep with the merchant’s wife. Welles’ character is annoyed by the idea of a story told that hasn’t happened, so he hatches a plan to have his assistant arrange the story to happen in front of him. This brings into play a savvy courtesan Virginie Ducrot (Jeanne Moreau) and a penniless sailor, Paul (Norman Eshley), each who have their own histories and stories that complicate this planned “re-staging”. It’s an intriguing chamber piece, colourful interiors and opulent set design. The filmmaking provides atmosphere and symbolic meaning in the plot details of money exchanged, personal histories shared, and the greater contemplation of story-telling’s value. Wonderful close-ups and editing also provide a sensual air, particularly with Moreau’s performance and presence in the frame. Coggio is also great as the book-keeper. I watched The Immortal Story early on a Saturday morning sitting in a comfy chair with a cup of coffee nearby, which was kind of a perfect way to experience it. As a result, the film felt like a waking dream. Recommended.
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