Model T of Movies

Rating: 8/10 (23 June 2009)

To argue that Citizen Kane is the greatest movie ever is like arguing that the Model T is the greatest car ever made. There was a day when it was true, but if you are arguing now, you are just being silly.
That isn't a knock against the Model T. If you see one driving down the road, it is certainly worth a look. But if you honestly ask yourself where it ranks on cars you'd like to have, it is pretty far down the list.
Film buffs want their art to have timeless capacity to it. It would be comforting to folks in Hollywood to know that Citizen Kane is being appreciated and enjoyed 400 years from now along the lines that the Mona Lisa is appreciated and enjoyed. But I don't see it happening.
This film will have some lasting historical value. But movies are valued much more on their storytelling than their artistic achievement. The story of Citizen Kane is only above average.