Alpha and Omega-the most important film EVER

Rating: 10/10 (29 June 2002)

The greatest film in the entire history of film, by the greatest creative genius of the 20th century. No movie made since, no director following, has been unaffected by "Kane". It defines the art of film in two hours. As brilliant for the use of sound as for its visuals, this was also the most extensive use of visual effects in a non-genre film up to this time. Kubrick was probably the only disciple to equal Welles's visual mastery, but even at his best he seemed to lack the sheer exhuberence evident in every shot of a Welles film. Everything about the craft seemed to excite and inspire him. If "Kane" had been on the shelf, unseen for these past 61 years and released now, it would be hailed as fresh and ahead of its time. The only thing which dates it are the colloquialisms of the forties. Without Welles, there might never have been Kubrick, Scorcese, Spielberg, Coppola, and on and on...