Review of Citizen Kane (1941) by The Critic ( — 25 Nov 2012

An iconic piece of American cinema, often regarded as the greatest film ever made.

An assortment of devices are used to tell this particular tale of a media tycoon, played by director/co-writer Orson Welles. The film opens with a news reel so that its audience can keep up with the chronology of the story, stock footage fills in some gaps, and there's even a song and dance routine.

There's a number of examples of delicious dialogue and solid performances across the board, but the film owes much to cinematographer Gregg Toland and editor Robert Wise. The use of camera angles, lighting, and scene transitioning make 'Citizen Kane' a unique piece worth watching, dissecting, and analysing.

The plotting is perhaps what lets the film down at times, being a little sluggish, but there's no denying the production's influence and lasting legacy.

The greatest film ever made? No. But a great film nonetheless.