Citizen Kane (1941)
Citizen Kane
As my 100th movie of 2024, I figured I should watch one of the best of all time, which is, of course, ‘Citizen Kane’. This is actually my second time watching it, I just never reviewed it the first time. That was actually for the better, because I liked it even more upon a rewatch. There’s a reason it’s often referred to as the greatest film of all time. Well, several reasons actually. The writing is absolutely superb, and I don’t think I have a single complaint about it. It’s a simple yet complex telling of a man’s life, from rags to riches (though not the way you might think). Charles Foster Kane is one of the most interesting characters ever put to screen, and you find yourself getting invested in all his problems and decisions. Not everything gets explained, but you still learn so much. I was just dumbfounded after I watched this for the first time, because of that. His path to fame and money is tragic and compelling. It’s everything you want to see in a character. And of course, we wouldn’t have gotten that without Orson Welles. That man is just…I don’t even know how to put it. Amazing? Genius? Multitalented? All of the above. Not only is his writing phenomenal, but his direction and acting is on point. One of the greatest jobs one person has ever done for a film. He IS Charles Foster Kane. Also, the cinematography is some of the best you’ll ever see. The way it was done using physical props and sets, as well as lighting tricks, makes it groundbreaking and stunningly beautiful. It’s one of my most favorite shot films of all time. Especially the final scene with the destruction of Kane’s possessions. Perfect. Lastly, the score by Bernard Herrmann was awesome, and fits the time and setting in a great way. Overall, this is one of the greatest movies of all time, and I’m always blown away each time I watch it. It does feel a teensy weensy bit long (which it isn’t), but everything else is perfect. I’d recommend it to all drama/mystery fans. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go watch it now!