Incredible film-making

Rating: 9/10 (26 August 2008)

Continually hailed by the critics (especially the American Film Institute) as the greatest film ever made, "Citzen Kane" remains a classic and one of the most well-written and executed movies of all time. The film was really the first of its kind, and its simple concept of flashbacks (which is taken for granted in all films since) was revolutionized by this movie. I don't know what impresses me so much about this film, whether it's the excellent writing, the mystery that surrounds the film from the beginning, or following the reporters' path from Kane's last word to the revelation at the end. Whatever the reason, it's just a great film. Somewhat loosely based on the life of reporter William Randolph Hearst, "Citzen Kane" can be described as a drama crossed with sort of a mystery. The techniques used in this film, including original ideas for camera angles (such as zooming in through windows) was basically created by this film. Orson Welles proved himself to be an ingenious filmmaker, though "Citzen Kane" was largely underrated for its time, winning only a single Oscar for its screenplay rather than all nine it deserved. Is it the greatest film of all time? Not in my opinion (I choose "Casablanca"). Nevertheless, this is truly monumental movie-making. All movie lovers need to see this film. Nearly perfect.
***1/2 out of ****