Deserving of its praise.

Rating: 10/10 (17 November 2003)

"Citizen Kane" is a film I find truly graceful. The story is portrayed so elegantly, so subtle and yet simple at the same time. Its message is not earth-shattering or prophetic - instead, all elements of the film are focused on the small, yet significant story of one man's search for love.
The movie follows the life of Charles Foster Kane. It tells the story of his acquisition of his first newspaper and his rise to power, as well as his slow decay. But the film is not focused on events, or particular happenings. Each story aspect is a tool to develop and explore the character of Kane and his journey as a man locked into his own palace.
The film's main theme, around which all aspects of the film revolve, can be summed up by the character Leland, college friend of Kane, after Kane's death: "All here really wanted in life was love". Ever he needs and demands love, but ever he shoves it away in his search. Although he is, in the public eye, a bold and charming figure, he is in reality a broken and bitter man attempting to replace his loss with public adoration and material wealth.
The meaning of the word "rosebud" to which the many reporters are searching, I will not reveal here (despite its listing on IMDb as one of the most known movie spoilers of all time according to a recent poll), but I will say that its meaning is simple and yet explains further the theme of the film. The fact that it is explained to the audience but not to the cast is more tribute to the solitary nature of Kane.
"Citizen Kane" is not a movie you can watch passively. To get a full appreciation of the film you must take in each shot as an individual piece. There is a wealth of subtle symbolism pervading the film, portraying visually the emotions and conflicts of the characters that cannot always be read on their faces, while not detracting from the basic necessities of the story. Instead, its symbolism is focused in reality.

Consider, for example, a scene depicting Kane, campaigning for an election. Here Kane is seen alone at a podium, a small figure against he backdrop of yet another depiction of Kane - a larger-than-life, intense being, nearly omniscient in his realm. Yet it is simple to ignore this scene without watching it critically - the backdrop is simply a campaign marketing tool, masking its true purpose, which is to contrast Kane the man with Kane the world-famous tycoon. Yet this is one of the more obvious examples of symbolism in the film.
Yet the film is not perfect. I found the introductory and concluding scenes of the film rather self-indulgent and clumsy in its symbolism when compared the beautiful and subtle cinematography throughout the rest of the film. It is exaggerated and simple. Also, I am at a loss as to the meaning of a bird squawking extremely loudly in the middle of a conversation - it is extremely loud and disorienting, although I'm sure it has a purpose.
"Citizen Kane" is among the most critically acclaimed films of all time, and for good reason. The film tells a complex tale that does not cheat the audience through cheap characters or stale storytelling. It is easily one of the greatest films I have ever seen.