Review of Citizen Kane (1941) by Reece L — 18 Feb 2015

It's easy to see why so many have labeled Kane as "the best ever"; it certainly sums up more than a few general truths about the human condition better than any film I've ever seen. Although there's enough intellectual fodder here to last any critic a lifetime, it would seem fitting (given Wells' entire body of work that touched on similar subjects) to read it as a critique of the corruption that stems from the capitalistic setting in which the American Dream must reside.

There's an absence of morality in endless expansion, and it ignores the chief aim of all living beings; money can't buy love. Putting aside the technological advancements, the gorgeous, highly-stylized production, and the endlessly witty script, "Citizen Kane" is just a flat-out enjoyable film in all respects.

The fact that it's perhaps the biggest single leap forward the cinema ever whitnesesed and an inspiration to countless works created after its release is just icing on the cake.