I concur with

Rating: 10/10 (21 September 2005)

the general view that "Citizen Kane" is probably the greatest American movie of all time.
The problem for me when it comes to films that are highly rated is that my expectation prior to actually seeing the movie is already very high. So high that 8 out of 10 times, the movie falls flat of that high expectation.
So it came as a mild surprise that "Citizen Kane" did NOT disappoint me when I saw it for the first time this month.
What makes this movie so good in the first place is its dialog. The clever use of words by Herman Mankiewicz is both refreshing and titillating, adding a whole new dimension rarely seen in movies since or thereafter.
Running a close second is the superb acting performance given by the entire Mercury Theater ensemble. Leading the pack of course is Orson Welles' memorable portrayal of Charles Foster Kane. The 25 year old actor delivers a powerful and convincing debut presentation of an entire life encapsulated in 2 hours' worth of storytelling.
And what else can I add to Gregg Toland's pioneering cinematography that has not already been voiced out by so many expert and amateur critics alike?
Last but not the least is the music..... Bernard Herrmann is just wonderful. Listen to appreciate. Words are not enough.
Great story, great acting, great movie presentation..... are not these the elements of a great movie? I don't doubt that "Citizen Kane" will remain GREAT in the minds of a lot of people for a long long time to come.