For all generations

Rating: Null/10 (17 July 1999)

Some of my generation have pegged Citizen Kane as boring and out-dated. Perhaps it is like Crime and Punishment or some equally long and laborious book: it is important, revolutionary, but not thrilling if you aren't completely into that kind of thing. However, as an American I thought it my duty to watch Citizen Kane, which is considered a "timeless classic." Incidentally, Kane is Number One on the AFI Top 100 list--bu the best movie of all time did not even receive the Oscar that year!!! This certainly exemplifies the differences in opinion here. I enjoyed this movie because of its tragic nature: Kane's sad fall from grace and innocence, brought on by the lust for power and wealth. At one point, Kane says, " yes, I bought many...things." And he sounds regretful. I suddenly realized we do buy so many things that do NOT bring us the happiness we anticipated. Kane lacks the one thing he cannot buy-love, and ultimately no one can survive without it.
Perhaps the most famous scene in all of cinematic history, the closing shot of the Rosebud sled is at once the saddest and most riveting I believe I've seen. In that moment we see how that young boy in the snow, ripped from his parents, succombed to corruption and greed, and died as alone as he felt when taken from his parents.