Citizen Kane (1941)
A revolution in filmmaking no longer revolutionary.
Presentation:
Orson Welles gives us one of the earliest classics to revolutionize the film industry. The black and white film utilizes novel cinematography including deep aperture to illustrate disorientation, cross dissolves, transitions and other novel techniques. Like many films this old, you have a different cinematic language with over-stated dialogue and animated characters. It’s a bit melodramatic at times, almost boisterous in tone and pacing. Combined with a novel non-linear storytelling, there are times where it can be difficult to follow the story as the logic and expectations are jarring compared to what modern audiences would expect. Some of the sets are truly larger than life with grand, theatrical dancing, presentation truly ahead of its time.
Analysis:
The hook of this film, "What is the meaning of Rosebud" is truly a great touch even for modern times. This is the biggest takeaway you could have from this film as the rest of the film doesn't translate as gracefully even 10 years later. I think the pacing will feel disjointed for modern audiences, the lack of continuity for older classics is exacerbated in this film due to the non linear flashbacks.
Conclusion:
Due to its revolutionary ideas at its time, this film is considered the best film of all time. I think it’s only the best film of 1941. Credit should be given to such an influential and impactful film especially so early on, but there are films that execute the techniques of the films better even a decade later. Cinematography wise, The Third Man trumps this film visually. Story wise, Kubrick presents a better tragic hero in Barry Lyndon. A wonderful film for fans of classic cinema, but if you watch this film thinking it’s the best film of all time you should be disappointed.
Recommendations
A masterclass in cinematography.