Rating of
4/4
Citizen Kane review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 10/09/11
The story of Charles Foster Kane (Orson Welles), a wealthy insecure and vain entrepreneur longing for love. Newsreel reporter Jerry Thompson (William Alland) tries to unveil the personality and life of Charles. His failed marriages (Emily Monroe Norton - Ruth Warrick/Susan Alexander - Dorothy Comingore) and friendship with Jedediah Leland (Joseph Cotten) were represented. The line's alone make this a gem: Charles Foster Kane – “If I don't look after the interests of the underprivileged, maybe somebody else will, maybe somebody without any money or property...and that would be too bad!” “I don't think there's one word that can describe a man's life.” “Rosebud.” Jedediah Leland – “It's the greatest curse that's ever been inflicted on the human race: memory.” “…Guess all he really wanted out of life was love. That's Charlie's story, how he lost it. You see, he just didn't have any to give.”
The picture is one of the pioneers in cinematography in terms of deep focus, low angle shots, close-ups and flashbacks. Soundtrack, set locations and costumers were suited and elegant. Performances were good and Orson really showed the pain and loneliness of the main character. C.F. Kane represents an unhappy adult longing for love, respect and reminisces his time of happiness during his childhood by stating his last words “Rosebud.” Though the picture shows that is dated due to the typewriters, financial capacity of the publishing company, vehicles and impact of media and doesn’t have that likable character, it still a joy to view. It’s screenplay about humanity engulfing its soul due to materialism while utilizing money to buy respect and adoration were evidently displayed. The movie may have its detractors but it also has very talented people who were influenced by the film such as Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Michael Mann, Ridley Scott, Francis Ford Coppola, Bryan Singer, Coen brothers and Brian De Palma and the structure of storytelling used in Lawrence of Arabia. Citizen Kane will forever be one of the landmark films ever crafted. Its universal subjects is enough reason to watch it aside from its high level for repeat viewings despite its age.
