The Classic
Without Citizen Kane, I can't imagine what the movie industry would be like today. Orson Welles captured all the essence of a modern film, but he did it in 1941. The film is an amazing accomplishment, and it is indeed the standard from which all future drama movies are done. Or is it a mystery? Can you figure out what Rosebud is before those credits role? If you pay attention you can!
Charles Foster Kane, poweful newspaper owner, has just died, leaving behind a wealth of treasure. As he dies, he utters the word, 'rosebud'. But what is Rosebud? A reporter is determined to find the answer, and he does this by talking to former friends and colleagues of Kane. He was a powerful man, and he touched the lives of many people. What happened to Kane? His story is told in a flashback, which in 1941, was quite a feat.
The movie itself is very artisitic, and the story still holds up well today. It has withstood the test of time, which can be considered the true measure for any great film. The camera angles are very dramatic, a rare thing for films in those days. He see shots where the heads are cut off, and must rely on body langauge for emotion. The same can be said about the eyes. For instance, in once scene, we see only the face of an enraged Kane. But his eyes change emotions, it's really a fantastic scene.
Even the acting itself is advanced for its time. It's not corny or over the top, it is realistic and believable. It's amazing to see Kane's life advance, seeing how differently he acts and the kind of man he changes into. If this movie were released in theatres next week, it would still be good.
This is the movie that standards are set too. Without this film, there is no Gilliam or Kurosawa. It is epic in achievment, and a stroke of genious to be sure.