Great or Greatest

Rating: Null/10 (31 January 2002)

Citizen Kane is a great movie. Some say it is the greatest. I have discovered that such distinction is unfair and impossible to objectively support. Granted the artistic presentation is superb and was revolutionary in its time, but in the realm of greatness the way an artist presents his work can only augment the important ideas presented. We go to see Mars Attacks for the all-star cast and perhaps a few laughs, but nothing of real value is ever presented or implied in those two horrifying hours.

However, in addition to its artistic power Citizen Kane does contain universal themes, which can still apply to our lives today. Orson Welles' movie shows the tragic consequences of a spiritually or emotionally selfish life. Its themes combined with the artistic presentation make this movie great. But besides this distinction I see no evidence to place it above other movies that also present universal themes in emotional and artistic ways (movies such as Braveheart or Cast Away). Distinctions of `the greatest' can only be made according to one's particular tastes. We all identify with characters and the themes and challenges they encounter for different reasons and to differing degrees. Therefore, we should merely leave objective analysis of movies to the distinction of greatness rather than risk human favoritism in choosing the greatest.