Reviewed by Brett Schummer
April 16/14
Original Score: 5/5
April 16/14
Original Score: 5/5
Orson Welles burns a hole in film history with this confident masterpiece. At the age of 25, Welles makes one of the universally agreed upon greatest films of all time.
This is personally one of my favourite films. What can be said about it that isn't already summed up by "the greatest film ever?" The film tells the tale of the life of a supremely wealthy mogul named Charles Foster Kane. The non-linear narrative is told through flashbacks and retold stories, as a reporter tries to uncover the meaning of Kane's dying words, "Rosebud." As the film progresses you learn more about the title character and what kind of a man he really was.
In the end, the film is quite sad. You learn exactly what kind of a man Mr. Kane was, and the sort of unwanting world that he lived in. In its final moments, Citizen Kane nearly perfectly summarizes the essence of modern life and the pursuit of happiness. In my estimation, this film has probably the most moving ending of any film to date.
The contrast of beauty and tragedy in this film is really what makes it a masterpiece. The cinematography is just plain awesome, and it reveals the plot and psyche of Charles Foster Kane perfectly. The use of shadows and depth of field emphasize what is happening in the plot. I specifically liked the doorframe shots later on in the film that really show an emotional disconnect.
In the end, the film is quite sad. You learn exactly what kind of a man Mr. Kane was, and the sort of unwanting world that he lived in. In its final moments, Citizen Kane nearly perfectly summarizes the essence of modern life and the pursuit of happiness. In my estimation, this film has probably the most moving ending of any film to date.
The contrast of beauty and tragedy in this film is really what makes it a masterpiece. The cinematography is just plain awesome, and it reveals the plot and psyche of Charles Foster Kane perfectly. The use of shadows and depth of field emphasize what is happening in the plot. I specifically liked the doorframe shots later on in the film that really show an emotional disconnect.
Ultimately, this film influenced directors diverse as Steven Spielberg to Wes Anderson (watch The Royal Tennebaums and Moonrise Kingdom, literally so much influence). Techniques in framing, editing, and overall composition will be studied here for years to come. That is why Orson Welles' Citizen Kane is a must-see film that will surely stun audiences to this day.