Mr. Arkadin

About Mr. Arkadin

"Mr. Arkadin", also known as "Confidential Report", is a European film directed and written by Orson Welles, released in 1955. A drama mystery steeped with suspense and layered storytelling, it centres around the elusive and multifaceted character of Mr. Arkadin, as played by Orson Welles himself. The plot involves Guy Van Stratten (Robert Arden), an American cigarette smuggler who becomes infatuated with Arkadin's daughter and enters an intricate web trying to investigate Arkadin's mysterious past.

Making / Production

The production of Mr. Arkadin was complex due to a variety of reasons. Welles switched crew and cast halfway through the filming and had to shoot at multiple locations all around Spain. The script went through many changes, and there was creative disruption and disputes between Welles and the producer. The film was also edited and released in various formats by different distributors, leading to multiple versions of the movie.

Actors

• Orson Welles as "Gregory Arkadin". Welles delivers a masterful performance, portraying the complexity of Arkadin's character using his many nuances.
• Robert Arden as "Guy Van Stratten". Arden brilliantly plays the role of the American smuggler who falls into a rabbit hole of mysteries and conspiracies while investigating Arkadin.
• Patricia Medina as "Mily". Medina shines as the ex-lover of Arkadin, giving a performance filled with depth and emotion.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was heavily edited and released in a variety of formats by different distributors, resulting in several versions existing.
• The role of Arkadin's daughter was initially offered to Marilyn Monroe, who turned it down.
• Orson Welles has been quoted stating that the film was not a success due to it being "too difficult" for audiences.

Awards

Unfortunately, 'Mr. Arkadin' did not win any notable awards.

Quotes

• "A certain butterfly is already on the wing."
• "You, who can make a girl's face out of a Venetian blind, the human heart cause you no trouble at all."

Music, Soundtrack

• "Mr. Arkadin: Main theme" - Provides a stirring backdrop to the movie.
• "Bubbles" - A lighter tune that gives relief from the tense atmosphere.
• "Van Stratten's Story" - A suspenseful track that adds depth to the storytelling.