A Work of Genius That Some People Love to Hate

Rating: 10/10 (29 May 2002)

Ask yourself the question: who makes a film like this as their first effort? The answer: only a genius, perhaps a flawed one. Beginning with The Cradle Will Rock and the Mercury Radio Theater, Welles simply overwhelms the careers of his peers. Never underestimate the contribution of Greg Tolin, his deep focus work and dutch angles add a feeling of scale and panorama. Movies are made of moments. Say the word "Rosebud" and what else can you think of but Kane? Is it the greatest? That's like trying to figure out who was the greatest baseball player or football figure. Greatness is like a butterfly, hard to pin down. Well, compared to another epic of its era, "Gone With the Wind", it makes that well thought of film look like a Soap Opera. Kane is a film that delivers something new everytime you see it. Like a Russian Doll, there are layers and layers. Okay, maybe you don't want to intellectualize entertainment, but this film transcends entertainment. Like the best of Shakespeare it gets into the human soul. The result is that it is truth and truth is never dated, nor is it bounded on the east by Eastport. This film should be preserved forever. As a filmmaker, I would be overjoyed to write, produce or direct anything half as good. Frankly, I don't think you can compare Kane to any other film. By the way, the Soundtrack by Bernie Hermann was recast into a Classical Suite, "Welles Raises Kane". Everybody gave 110% to this picture. I wonder if Orson Welles life would have turned out differently, if he hadn't peaked on his first film.