Imitators Idolization

Rating: Null/10 (17 November 2003)

One major question comes to mind when watching Citizen Kane. How can a 25 year old newcomer write, direct and produce one of the greatest American films of all time? It's amazing, it boggles the mind. It may be unbelievable, but Orson Welles did this very thing. And, all the way back in 1941. Very few filmmakers have accomplished such a feat. Although directors like Quentin Tarantino and Paul Thomas Anderson have tried, they can't top the original. Citizen Kane is a technical masterpiece and for very good reasons. The cinematography is brilliant. The style is revolutionary and very engaging. Unique camera angles are sprinkled throughout the film, such as the very low floor shot angles and other great techniques. Also the special effects in the film are superb. All the effects that we take for granted today were created and used here. The lighting design is some of the best ever, playing with light and shadow to create a variety of moods. The shadows are used to great effect to convey emotion with the black and white film style. But the one thing that makes Citizen Kane a great movie even to this day, is all the symbolism. A conversation could last hours discussing all the hidden meanings in the film. What do all the aspects represent? What do the metaphors mean? Is it a semi-biography of W.R. Hearst? You know it's a great film when you can watch it multiple times and find different meanings with each viewing. Is it the best film of all time? Maybe. That's debatable. But it's definitely good. You'll have to find that out for yourself. But movie fans and newcomers alike will enjoy this fantastic piece of cinema for all the things is has to offer. A definite must see to all the aspiring film makers out there. See the original and then criticize the imitators. You don't know good film until you've seen Citizen Kane.
Overall grade for Citizen Kane: A+