What is there to say about this film that hasn't been said a thousand times before? It is one of, if not the, single greatest achievements in cinema. Orson Welles accomplished at age 25 what filmmakers hope to be able to recreate their entire careers. "Citizen Kane" is, without a doubt, one of my favorite films of all time. I love every second of it. Every scene oozes with the confidence of Welles.Unofficially, but obviously, based on the life of newspaper mogul, William Randolph Hearst, the film begins with the death of Charles Foster Kane (Orson Welles). The news shocks the world as journalists attempt to not only tell the story, but let people know who Kane really is. What better way to discover who this man was than to learn the meaning behind his final words, "Rosebud". Through flashback from various figures from Kane's life we are told of how he was to become a larger-than-life figure and his eventual downfall into a life of recluse. It's a story of a man with everything and nothing.
Everyone should know of this movie. Everyone should own it. Everyone should be talking about it. Everyone should see it. It is a true treasure of filmmaking. Welles set the bar here and very few have been able to match this genius. I doubt anyone who has would ever admit to it. There is a respect held for "Citizen Kane" that is, without a doubt, valid, but moreover, earned. If you've never experienced this movie, please, drop what you are doing and see it!
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