There
are things which get better with the age and ‘Citizen Kane’ is one gem that has
aged extremely well. While, the movie is regarded to be ‘one of the best movies
in the history of Hollywood,’ it was never just that. This film was a ‘game
changer’ and a milestone in film-making.
‘Citizen
Kane’ released in 1941 is a story about Charles Foster Kane, who is on his
death bed and his last word before passing away is ‘Rosebud’. After he says
this word, everyone tries to figure it out what ‘Rosebud’ actually means. All
the journalists try to find out what the meaning of it. Then we see the history
of Kane’s life and everything he has encountered in his life.
The character of Charles Foster Kane is based
on the American newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst.
A preview of Citizen Kane in
early February 1941 had drawn almost universally favorable reviews from
critics.
But,
you should know that this movie was a failure at the Box Office. Yes, you heard
it right. Often described as the ‘best movie of all time,’ Citizen Kane could
not enjoy success, when it came to earn money. But, this movie was always more
than that.
But,
before getting ahead with the review, we should know something about the man
who had the vision to create an epic like this.
Orson
Welles was in love with theater and the day he put his foot first time on the
set of his movie was the first time that he embraced the world of movies. But,
the movie had sparked controversy months before the release. Due to the
controversy, Radio City Music Hall refused to screen the film and it had to
make its way to a much smaller RKO Palace Theatre on May 1, 1941. Welles had
already made his name through Broadway shows and Radio shows.
Many
consider that his October 1938 version of ‘The War of the Worlds’ was so
amazing and realistic that many listeners believed that Martians have attacked
New Jersey.
Now coming back to the review of the
movie, without a doubt this flick is one of the most critically acclaimed
movies of all time. The entire movie is a flashback Kane’s life.
The acting is really amazing and Welles gives a mesmerizing performance as Kane, both identifying with and
condemning the man.
The story is mesmerizing and witnesses the rise and fall of
other great men. The techniques that he used in the movie were well ahead of
that time. That is one of the main reasons, why this movie is still considered
to be a game changer. The bright lights, pitch-black silhouettes, the unique
camera angles and the opening scene which tells us Kane’s history make this
movie an epic.
But, the movie’s story is the main reason
because of which it remains timeless and momentous. The visual style of
‘Citizen Kane’ looks stunningly fresh and inventive even today and the
unconventional narrative structure of the Oscar-winning screenplay still seems
daring.
Citizen Kane helped define the language of
film, and the totality of its achievement provides no end of fascinating topics
to discuss at length.
This movie has stood the test of time. It has
aged well and it shows no sign of losing popularity.
It was nominated for 9 Academy Awards and won
an Academy Award for Original Screenplay.
The flick also topped the American
Film Institute’s ‘100 Years, 100 Movies’ list of 1998 and 2007.
If you are planning to start watching movies,
‘Citizen Kane’ should always be on top of your list.
Happy Watching!!
