Citizen Kane: Why It’s Still a Cinematic Masterpiece

Citizen Kane: Why It’s Still a Cinematic Masterpiece

Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane, a RKO Radio Pictures production from 1941, continues to be a subject of discussion and analysis. It’s not simply a film; it’s a cinematic benchmark that redefined storytelling techniques and visual language. The movie examines the life of Charles Foster Kane, played by Orson Welles himself, a publishing magnate whose existence is shrouded in both great success and profound isolation. The structure of the narrative, which shifts across different perspectives and timelines, challenges the linear form that had been the norm up until that point. The story is told through the eyes of various people who knew Kane, each presenting a fragmented account of his life. Jedediah Leland, Kane’s best friend, is portrayed by Joseph Cotten, who provides a unique insight into the early days of their friendship and Kane’s idealistic principles, that he ultimately abandons. We see Susan Alexander Kane, Kane’s second wife, brought to life by Dorothy Comingore. Her portrayal highlights the emptiness of Kane’s later life.

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Citizen Kane: Why It’s Still a Cinematic Masterpiece

The film’s exploration of power and its corrupting effects is still striking. We also have Kane’s business manager, Mr. Bernstein, played by Everett Sloane, who provides a contrasting perspective to the others, he looks at Kane with a certain fondness and an unwavering sense of loyalty. We also see the figure of Walter Parks Thatcher, played by George Coulouris, a banker and the guardian of young Kane, whose intervention significantly alters the trajectory of Kane’s life. Kane’s pursuit of happiness through wealth and influence results in a lonely and unfulfilled existence.

This is a narrative that resonates deeply, it shows how a person’s ambition can cause them to lose sight of what truly matters in life. The technical elements of Citizen Kane were groundbreaking at the time of its release and remain influential. Gregg Toland’s cinematography, with its use of deep focus and innovative camera angles, gives the movie a distinct look. Bernard Herrmann’s score adds emotional texture, helping the audience feel the different dimensions of Kane’s personality.

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The pacing, which is sometimes slow, is still purposeful, allowing the audience to absorb each character’s point of view and also the historical contexts. The movie presents a study in character development, as we see the various sides of Charles Foster Kane. From the idealist young man to the bitter and reclusive old man. The movie is not a straightforward biography, instead it’s a complex portrait. What makes Citizen Kane so effective is its willingness to experiment with various storytelling techniques, it’s not scared of taking risks. It challenges viewers, inviting them to make connections between different parts of Kane’s life. The script, co-written by Welles and Herman J. Mankiewicz, is sharp and thought provoking, and full of memorable dialogue that has become an essential part of film history. Citizen Kane presents a dark view of a person chasing after wealth and recognition and in the process loses himself. Ultimately it’s a cautionary tale about the human condition, with themes that are still relevant today.

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Citizen Kane is a RKO Radio Pictures production.
Release Date: 1941
Director: Orson Welles
Cast: Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Dorothy Comingore, Everett Sloane, George Coulouris.

Head of film reviews at The Viewers Guide with an erudite, insightful, slightly sardonic, deep appreciation for classic cinema. Has a habit of quoting obscure lines from old films in everyday conversation. He keeps a meticulously organized film logbook. He's a bit of a tea snob.