"It's Terrific!" is an overstatement

Rating: 5/10 (31 October 2005)

"I am, have been, and always will be one thingan American!" says Charles Foster Kane (Orson Welles) at the beginning of the new motion picture Citizen Kane. Buckle your lap belt because this will be the most entertaining portion of the entire film.
Citizen Kane tells the story of Charles Foster Kane, a multimillionaire newspaper magnate and his death. Depressing already, I know. But when his final word is "Rosebud," everything shakes up a little bit. One reporter is determined to find out the meaning behind this word and how it relates to the life of Charles Foster Kane. As things unravel and unfold, the mystery becomes clear.
Directed by Orson Welles, a.k.a. the actor who played Charles Foster Kane himself might suggest something. Welles has directed two films before thisand acted in both of them! In The Hearts of Age (1934), Welles played the character named Death. Also, in 1938, he directed Too Much Johnson and was Keystone Kop. In addition, Welles has contributed to the Swiss Family Robinson as an uncredited voice narration. Although, Welles seemed comfortable with the character and acting while having a great sense of humor.
Other acting included Joseph Cotten (Too Much Johnson) and newcomers to the motion picture industry Everett Sloane and Agnes Moorehead. I believe we will be seeing much more of these two in the future.
Cinematographically, the movie was narrated in chapters, which made it easier to follow. Adding a challenge to the movie was the never-ending flashbacks that could throw you off. There was the ever-popular fading in and out of scenes and creative camera angles that would grab the viewer into the movie. One major camera transition from the outside rain into a bar really flabbergasted me. I was thoroughly impressed.
In conclusion, Kane did not affect me. The acting was young, the plot was not easily understandable, parts were left bare and some parts of the movie were left on a limb. Also, many character's faces were left dark. This could be taken as a signature from the director, and brilliant at that, but it was not necessary for this particular movie.
I would only recommend this movie to someone who enjoys looking way beyond the face of movies. It is very political and difficult to follow. If you are in that mood and can handle back-and-forth movies, take a gander at this one. Otherwise, you may want to stay far, far away.