Orson Welles (1915-1985) was an American director, actor, screenwriter, and producer, considered one of the greatest innovators in film history.

His most celebrated work is **"Citizen Kane" (1941)**, a revolutionary masterpiece that redefined cinematic grammar with its audacious use of deep focus, extreme camera angles, and non-linear storytelling. Despite his often-troubled relationships with studios, he directed other significant films such as **"The Magnificent Ambersons" (1942)**, **"The Lady from Shanghai" (1947)**, and the stylistically virtuosic noir **"Touch of Evil" (1958)**.

Welles was a complete auteur, known for his distinctive visual style, dark atmosphere, and complex characters. He often played roles of powerful but tragic men, such as Charles Foster Kane in *Citizen Kane* or Falstaff in **"Chimes at Midnight" (1965)**. His influence on modern filmmaking is immense, solidifying his legacy as a visionary and rebellious genius.