My brief review of the film

Rating: Null/10 (16 January 2005)

An artistically directed film noir drama with arguably the best black and white photography of all time, Welles uses an extensive range of film techniques, and in particular the lighting used in the film is very impressive. Welles is also superb in the lead role, playing the title character from young adulthood to old age, with the assistance of some excellent makeup. However, as impressive as it is, none of the supporting characters are all that well drawn out or acted and the use of music in the film feels inappropriate and it detracts from certain scenes. In terms of film techniques it was groundbreaking in its time, and is still quite admirable even by standards today, but as an overall film it is just not quite as satisfying as what it could have been. Still, it certainly is interesting in terms of plot, with issues of love, fame and happiness amongst others in the film, and it certainly is a film great.