Highly Over-rated, Like Gone With the Wind

Rating: 8/10 (28 June 2014)

Citizen Kane is the fictionalized story of William Randolph Hearst, right down to the inherited mine. It is a fascinating yet overly-long film that, just like GWTW, bogs down during it's last half. Too much time is spent on his 2nd wife, a singer of very limited talent, who ultimately leads to the destruction of Kane's life and happiness. Except for the fact that she is a beautiful woman, she is shallow and boring, and I care very little for her life story, which dominates far too much time in this movie. Although Kane wins the governorship, it is curious that very little time is shown with him doing anything while in office. A sterling cast, with Agnes Moorehead playing his first wife, and Joseph Cotten as the chief narrator. Orson himself is a wonderful actor. His aging makeup, while clumsy at times, is remarkably accurate. The movie is at its best when telling the story of Kane's rise to newspaper power as the king of "yellow journalism". The photography is outstanding, and it makes full use of what was then-called "deep focus" with the entire frame from front to back, sharp as a tack. The simulated newsreel footage is outstanding, as is the musical score by Bernard Hermann. Wonderful sets and masterful miniatures and mattes. However, tedious to watch, as I found myself unable to enjoy it in one sitting, almost falling asleep! It's too much like a good murder mystery. Once you know that "Rosebud" refers to his childhood wooden sled, which was his beloved possession before he became rich and was sent off to an Eastern boarding school, the movie does not require repeated viewing. Once is enough, for me!