Review of Citizen Kane (1941) by Parker S — 26 Jun 2012

I immediately saw the unique use of camera angles and cinematography, the wonderful and believable acting, the interesting storyline. They all worked really well. This was supposedly revolutionary in cinema.

The camera work was unheard of, and the flashbacks were also new. It stands the test of time and I think it stands among the movies today, even though most movies borrow techniques of this iconic movie.

I think that the symbolism of "Rosebud" is up to interpretation, but I came away with the fact that Charlie was never loved; and he just wanted to have his childlike innocence back again. His parents gave him over to a rich man, for his own good.

His best friend really wasn't his friend at all and his marriages dissolved. He died alone, in a large mansion, with no one at his side except those he payed. It was quite a sad movie, but I really enjoyed it.

But I think the term "best movie" is all about context. I'm sure back when this was released in the 40's, this movie was extremely strange with all the scenes in focus, camera trickery and non-linear storyline.

While movies do this all the time today, this was unheard of. It forever changed the way cinema operated and so while I don't know if this is "The" best movie, I nonetheless would recommend it if only as a history lesson on movies.