a compelling picture of epic quality

Rating: 10/10 (13 May 2002)

Citizen Kane is truly an American cinema classic. Combined with a brilliant performance by Orson Welles (who also directed, produced, and co-wrote this film)and an amazing story, Citizen Kane brings a sense of power to the screen. It is truly the inspiration for anyone who wants to direct. This is so because this was Orson Welles's first film. Nominated for 8 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Screenplay. (Orson Welles should have won for Best Actor), it ranks as an essential film in the history of cinema. However, the only thing that brings down this picture is trying to understand what the term Rosebud means at the end of the movie. I know that Rosebud was his sled, but how does that describe his life? In spite of that minor detail, Citizen Kane ranks as the second best film ever made, second only to Gone with the Wind.