Citizen Kane

1941 Drama directed by Orson Welles. We watched a 35mm print, which was by no means pristine, but a 35mm print none the less.

Citizen Kane tells the story of the rise and fall of Charles Foster Kane (Orson Welles). The film begins at Xanadu, the larger than life estate of Kane, where we find Kane on his deathbed. The enigmatic last word of "Rosebud" on Kane's lips. The rest of the film is told though flashbacks from those closest to Kane, as we watch a child of modest means become a newspaper man, a shoo in for Governor, and finally a broken shell. The story is driven by a reporter who talks to Kane's associates, trying to find meaning in the word Rosebud. The reporter hopes that Kane's last words will unlock the secret of who Charles Foster Kane really was.

The film is amazing on so many levels. Cinematography was ground breaking, from deep focus to low angle. The story telling techniques were brilliant, especially how Welles handles the passage of time. The story itself was epic, and satisfying.

Citizen Kane is simply one of the best films ever made. I give it a 9.5

If you've not seen this film, you must.

It kept Joy awake for all but a very brief doze!