If it is often said that Orson Welles fans are never really going to experience all of his work (unless you’re Peter Bogdanovich or Jonathan Rosenbaum), this notion only arises so often because it is so true. Even once this has been accepted, though, you’re likely to be a bit baffled and guffaw-heavy when starting up Future Shock, a 42-minute documentary made distinctive by two things: his narration, and that, circa 1972, it asks us to contemplate technology’s many perils. [Open Culture]
The piece, directed by Alex Grasshoff, starts on a note not at all unlike some classic Twilight Zone episode, before transitioning into the original trailer for Psycho and then growing (?) into a documentary, technology-focused Reefer Madness. Welles’ contribution is mostly what makes this tolerable, if we’re being honest, but his involvement is large enough to compensate for many rougher patches — unless you really love awkward educational-video editing. (Should that be the case, you’ve found paradise.) Regardless, this is a real gem.
Watch the piece below:
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