Review of Citizen Kane (1941) by Hal M — 05 Jun 2012

Definitely a great film. And to think Welles was only 25 when he began this! One amazing, classic scene after another! A riveting story line full of the equivocal themes of great art. Still, this is not perfect: Joseph Cotton (brought over with the Mercury Players troupe from Welles' radio show) is really quite weak in his portrayal of a drunk (two significant scenes), and as an old man.

Yet again, when Kane meets Susan Alexander--their very first meeting on the street after he's been sprayed by mud--that's very forced, almost painfully bad. How did Welles the genius think it would pass muster? I still have to give this five stars, duh.

It's so much better than other good films, because it's beyond good!