Review of Citizen Kane (1941) by Alasdair B — 31 Dec 2015

It was only a matter of time before I reviewed what is considered to be, by most viewers and critics, the greatest film ever made. Admittedly, I recently saw the film for the first time. I feel like multiple viewings of the film are needed in order to properly digest and form my opinions, but I will attempt to review it nonetheless. "Citizen Kane" is directed by Orson Welles,who also stars in the film. The cast also includes Joseph Cotten, Dorothy Comingore Agnes Moorehead, and Everett Sloane.

After the death of Charles Foster Kane (Welles), a team of reporters set out to find the meaning of Mr. Kane's final words. With nothing to go on but the word, Rosebud, the reporters interview Kane's acquaintances. Throughout the film, we see the life of Charles Foster Kane, starting with his childhood. He began his adult life owning newspaper companies across America, and went on to build the greatest empire the world has ever known.

What makes this film so good in the eyes of many viewers and critics? Well for one, the performance given by Orson Welles. All of the cast members give stunning performances, but Welles shines above all. It is hands down, one of the best performances I have ever witnessed. The man is a brilliant actor-and director. At a mere 25 years of age, Welles starred in and directed this film. It is an incredible achievement. Going back to the performance now, Wells's character is in part, why the film is so memorable. Kane is a man you really want to root for in the beginning. Sure, he's a rich businessman, but he's likable. He begins a newspaper business at the New York Inquirer, and promises his readers that he will publish honest, unbiased news.

The tragedy of the film is Kane's ultimate downfall. Admittedly, you don't really get to know the man. You see this very external side of him, and you never get to see who the man really is on the inside. As he accumulates more and more wealth, he slowly transforms into a very unlikable person. He started out as a somewhat upstanding, honorable man, who seemed to care about the working man and about honesty. By the end of the film, you wonder if that was even the real Kane. As the film progresses, it becomes more self evident that Kane is a very self centered person. He doesn't care for anyone but himself. He piles material wealth around him, building for himself an enormous palace, filled with countless statues.

Citizen Kane has been described as, "an achievement of cinema" and "revolutionary". Why? Well, I believe it has allot to do with the stunning cinematography. Up until that time, films did not look as they do now. The camera simply followed the subjects around the room, almost seamlessly. Think of the gorgeous shots we see in films today; Roger Deakins, Wally Pfister, and Emmanuel Lubezki come to mind. We notice when a film is shot very well. In this film, Gregg Toland and Wells produce stunning images. The creative lighting is particularly noticeable, and the camera shots are dazzling.

Has this film stood the test of time? For the most part, yes. As a young viewer from the 21st century, this is a hard pill to swallow. It's a daunting task to watch this film. I've heard from most people, "Citizen Kane is the greatest film ever made". Are they right? Almost. I wouldn't go so far to say its the best film ever made. Perhaps this will change after multiple viewings. I will say it is one of the best films ever made. It's up there with 2001 A Space Odyssey and Wizard of Oz for sure. Sure, its a little slow, especially the last forty minutes. However, the performances, direction, and camera work kept me watching.

Another great achievement of this film is its script and direction. This was perhaps what I found most impressive about the film. The script is a masterful piece of writing. The dialogue was some of the greatest dialogue I've ever heard, and it properly and deservedly won an award for its screenplay. Secondly, Orson Welles's direction is superb. Once again, the man was 25 years of age. He acted, co-wrote, and directed this film. It's unbelievable. The man had incredible talent in both acting and setting up shots.

"Citizen Kane" is easily one of the best films ever made. Sure, its a little slow towards the end, but overall, I can't complain. It was a privilege watching such a masterpiece. Orson Welles gives a stunning performance, while also directing the film. The script, cinematography, and direction are flawless. The film itself is nearly flawless. Modern audiences may have a hard time watching the film. Its not for everyone, but film lovers should enjoy it. The more I think about it, the more I like it, and the more I want to see it again.