Hopper/Welles

A fascinating document recently unearthed finds two interesting men engaging in a wonderfully raw and candid dialogue about film and politics. Hopper is obviously no match for Welles, and this discussion reveals the intellectual and creative limitations of Hopper ('I'm not a reader') that perhaps were not as apparent in 1970. Welles, however, was clearly aware of them and probes him in both explicit and subtle ways, occasionally tending toward mockery but generally showing respect.

One of Welles' greatest virtues is holding people accountable for what they say and do, which is evident in this protracted conversation. It's clear that Welles likes Hopper as a person and appreciates his potential as a filmmaker, and Hopper seemingly admires and respects Welles. This relationship enables a conversation in which Welles demands that Hopper respond both thoughtfully and honestly to two important questions; what ought films be and what ought filmmaking consist of and accomplish?