When Orson Welles Called Peter Bogdanovich Out of the Blue
Back in 1970, Peter Bogdanovich got an unexpected phone call from none other than the legendary Orson Welles. “What are you doing on Thursday?” Orson asked him. Peter, who was just starting out in the film industry, explained that he was heading to Texas to work on what would become his career-defining film, The Last Picture Show. But Orson had other plans. He wanted Peter to act in his ambitious project, The Other Side of the Wind. It was a bold move, and Peter couldn’t say no to such a towering figure in cinema history.
“He told me, ‘Your flight’s at three? Meet me at the airport at noon,’” Peter recounted in an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly, the latest issue of which is now available on newsstands. This was the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would span years and redefine the boundaries of filmmaking.
The Evolution of Roles in The Other Side of the Wind
Seven years later, Peter and Orson were still working on The Other Side of the Wind. The film’s production was anything but straightforward, with its sporadic schedule and ever-changing demands. During this time, Peter’s role in the film evolved significantly. Initially cast as a journalist interviewing the iconic director John Huston, Peter eventually switched to playing one of Huston’s protégés—a part originally intended for the talented impressionist Rich Little.
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“Orson wasn’t happy with Rich,” Peter revealed. “He felt that Rich couldn’t act the part the way he envisioned it. So, he decided to give me the role instead.” This decision marked a pivotal moment in Peter’s career, showcasing his versatility and deepening his connection to the film’s complex narrative.
Peter at the 56th New York Film Festival. (Photo Credit: Getty Images)
The Legacy of The Other Side of the Wind
More than four decades after Orson and Peter wrapped up filming The Other Side of the Wind, the film has finally been completed, thanks to producer Frank Marshall, known for his work on Jurassic World. It’s now available on Netflix, alongside They’ll Love Me When I’m Dead, a documentary that delves into the chaotic backstory of this groundbreaking project. The film has already earned rave reviews on the festival circuit, with some predicting an extremely posthumous Best Director nomination for Orson at next year’s Oscars.
This isn’t the first time Orson’s work has been recognized by the Academy. His 1941 debut, Citizen Kane, received multiple nominations and is often hailed as the greatest film ever made. Yet, The Other Side of the Wind carries a special significance, reflecting Orson’s struggle to remain relevant in the rapidly evolving landscape of 1970s Hollywood.
