Citizen Kane
Synopsis
A group of reporters are trying to decipher the last word ever spoken by Charles Foster Kane, the millionaire newspaper tycoon: "Rosebud". The film begins with a news reel detailing Kane's life for the masses, and then from there, we are shown flashbacks from Kane's life. As the reporters investigate further, the viewers see a display of a fascinating man's rise to fame, and how he eventually fell off the top of the world.
Critical Acclaim
Upon its release in 1941, Citizen Kane received widespread critical acclaim, though it faced challenges due to its controversial portrayal of media magnate William Randolph Hearst. The film garnered an impressive 99% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics lauding Orson Welles' innovation in storytelling and cinematic techniques. Despite initial resistance from some theaters, the film's artistic achievements quickly overshadowed its contentious origins.
Bosley Crowther of The New York Times hailed Citizen Kane as "the most sensational film ever made in Hollywood," emphasizing its groundbreaking narrative structure and revolutionary use of deep focus cinematography by Gregg Toland. Roger Ebert later remarked on its "visual brilliance" and Welles' "audacious" approach to filmmaking. The film's technical achievements, including the non-linear storytelling and innovative sound design, were particularly praised, setting new standards for the industry.
Citizen Kane was nominated for nine Academy Awards, ultimately winning Best Original Screenplay. Its influence on future filmmakers was profound, with directors like Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg citing it as one of their inspirations. The film has consistently topped "greatest films of all time" lists, including those by the American Film Institute. Its legacy endures as a landmark in cinematic history, demonstrating the power of film as an art form and leaving an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.
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