Review of Citizen Kane (1941) by Matthew D — 05 Aug 2018

Is Citizen Kane "The Greatest Film Ever Made"?

Is Citizen Kane "The Greatest Film Ever Made" as is often cited by film critics and fans alike since its release?

I think that is subjective and entirely up to the viewer, that is, you. Someone could trace Citizen Kane's greatness in its legacy and massive influence on every single film it influenced afterwards. I believe that Citizen Kane is the greatest film ever directed. For it is Orson Welles' fine attention to detail, meticulous storytelling, and his utmost care in the crafting of his art that makes Citizen Kane so notable.

He chose very specific sequences, shots, and scenes to hopefully get the audience to understand that man that was Charles Foster Kane. The film starts with a news reel that tells Kane's entire life. We learn the "whens" and "whats" of his life.

Then we follow a journalist hoping to uncover the significance and meaning to Kane's last word: "Rosebud." In this journey, he interviews Kane's "whos": his adopted father, his banker, his best friend, his second wife, and finally his butler. Herein, we find out the "hows" of Kane's life. The intimate details of his mortal coil as Kane's closest citizens experienced them.

Lastly, upon the great reveal of the biggest twist ending in film history, you understand the "why" in Kane's life. Why did Charles Foster Kane do what he did. Why buy things instead of investing, why love who he loved, and in the way he loved. It all makes sense and Welles plotted it all out for you.

For Orson Welles, Kane is just a man that he may explain as a film character. It's all there for you to find out and enjoy as you will for yourself.

Films are unique in the world of art as they are a visual medium for an auteur director to reveal something to the audience. We see what we want to see as well as what the director intends for us to see in their work.

Orson Welles' debut film Citizen Kane is a clear example of a masterful director focusing the audience's view on particular shots, subjects, themes, characters, developments, reveals all through cinematography, editing, and the unique angling of the lens. Welles accomplishes so very much in this movie.

The acting is excellent throughout from all actors and actresses. You believe everyone. The old age makeup and the makeup to make them appear weary and worn is so authentic. The sets are grand, Bernard Herrmann's score is intense and magnificent like the man that is Charles Foster Kane.

However, these are all merely clockwork to the final machination of Citizen Kane as a film. All of these aspects are supervised lovingly and hand crafted by Orson Welles. I think Welles truly made a masterpiece of film. For all its individual parts are remarkable, but what endures about Citizen Kane is how Welles speaks to humanity's greatest theme and motivation: love. It is this simple beautiful thing that we function for, with, and towards evermore.