For the first time, a Zac Efron movie has not made it to top spot. Me and Orson Welles is a smaller movie, one that does not involve the likes of high school, singing, basketball and dancing genre that his movies are normally associated with.
Talking about the movie, Efron says, “…it was different and it was a very unique opportunity for me at the time and it still is. I think it was something that just didn’t seem so cut and dry. It wasn’t an obvious decision. Even I was a bit surprised, and that’s very cool. I hope I can continue to maintain that and have those options. I mean, that’s why we do this, to grow, and try new things, and that was exactly what this movie represented for me. It came at the perfect time.”
In Me and Orson Welles Efron plays the part of a 17 year old actor, taking part in Welles’ famous Julius Caesar production. Fictional Richard Samuels is plucked off the street and plays a very small part in the production. His week with Orson Welles helps 17 year old Samuels learn to light a match the ‘cool way’, impress a girl and hobnob with the likes of Houseman, Joseph Cotton (James Tupper), George Coulouris (Ben Chaplin) and radio star Les Tremayne (Michael Brandon).
Known more for his acting than his singing, Efron rose to fame with Disney’s High School Musical movie series and Broadway musical Hairspray. He was also declared Rolling Stone’s ‘poster boy for tweeny-boppers’ in August 2007.
