Very overrated

Rating: 9/10 (24 October 2006)

Supremely overrated. Technically brilliant, with its use of extremely low camera angles and chiaroscuro lighting. A great performance by Welles drives the piece. But that's about all it's got. The story is far from compelling and I never felt involved in the character's tale. The use of flashbacks doesn't paint a very interesting or complete picture of Kane, as there is far too much devoted to overlong anecdotes and not enough to the overall story. The Rosebud twist is a nice way to end the film, but I can't judge how surprising or shocking it was, as I had been spoiled long ago. Oh, and way too long, even at only two hours. It just drags on and on. I can see why it's a technical masterpiece, but other that that, it's nothing special.