A wealthy, passive rich man shows no true colors other than green.

Rating: 8/10 (16 November 2003)

Looked at by a younger crowd, certain special effects shown in "Citizen Kane" are next to nothing. If it is looked at by a somewhat different view, and acceptance of the time period, its classic aspect shows through. Beginning and ending at the final scene, the movie explores themes of: love, loneliness, greed, and an outspoken man from the perspectives of those around him.

The intensity of the piece is displayed with a single word and shown in its significance at Xanadu, Kane's mansion, lonely and unfinished. Married, yet still alone, Kane may be perceived as a man who just had a lot of money, with no real place to put it. Truth being that Kane's wealth overlooks the longing for compassion. By giving away bought material, and longing for actual feeling in return, Kane finds himself in near desperation.
The movie shows a boys with anticipating potential, turned suddenly and against his will into a man with little talents other than stealing coworkers and accepting a bad reputation. After ridiculously spontaneous engagements, and empty friendships, Kane is even more reduced to an unfinished Xanadu and impartial servants. "Citizen Kane" is a man who claimed himself to be an American. With all the profits and capitalism and uneducated spending, it's a perfect title.
Loosely based on the life of William Randolph Hearst, "Citizen Kane" is a good motion picture that wouldn't be a waste of time to see. On a scale of one to ten (ten being the best) "Citizen Kane" rates an eight. High in wealth and low in social standings, Charles Kane is viewed from many angels: by the camera, and by viewers.