A Masterpiece

Rating: Null/10 (31 January 2002)

After all the hype surrounding this movie I really had no idea what to expect. I have heard people rave about `Citizen Kane', but I have also heard people on the opposite end of the spectrum. I can honestly say that I really enjoyed it. It might have been a little better had I not known what `Rosebud' was, but I cannot allow pop culture to detract from my appreciation of a classic film.
AFI ranks `Citizen Kane' as its number one film of all time, while I may not share this opinion I think it is definitely worthy of some praise. As a directorial debut Welles shines. In addition to directing the film he also co-wrote the script and played the lead role. Many view `Citizen Kane' as a slap in William Randolpf Hearst's face, but I think there is so much more than that. The underlying theme is a man's search for lost happiness. `Rosebud' turns out to be no more than a sled, but it symbolizes the only time In Charles Foster Kane's life that he ever felt love. He spends the rest of his life trying to force people to love him, only to realize his mistake in the end. It is this theme that captured me. I could identify with it. `Rosebud' was the key that allowed me to look into C.F. Kane's heart and understand him. `Rosebud' gave the movie its humanity, a humanity that is so close to us all.