Citizen Kane

Citizen Kane is undoubtedly one of the gems of world cinema, and even though I am not giving it a full score, because I have seen (subjectively speaking) better films from the last century, it still deserves my admiration. From a technical point of view, this film is really well made, and there's probably no point in mentioning here the work with space, depth of field or cinematography - suffice it to say that in this respect Citizen Kane is a progressive film. As far as the plot is concerned, it is a very well-written story, told from multiple perspectives and inviting the viewer to take an active part in deciphering the mysterious word "rosebud". In short, a gem of world cinema, where perhaps only the running time and the expectation of something (relatively) perfect prevents me from giving it a full score. (27/07/2015)

In terms of American classics from the 1940s or 1950s, it can be difficult to find faults, but surprisingly, I see quite a few in Citizen Kane. However, I cannot fault anything in terms of craftsmanship because the camera work is incredible and the weaving and zooming takes one's breath away. In addition to that, the amazing masks greatly contribute to the atmosphere. Nevertheless, I have a feeling of a slightly inflated bubble in Citizen Kane, where several excellent scenes remain only islands in a stormy sea, and I cannot fully immerse myself in the film due to its unnecessary fragmentation, making it feel somewhat incomplete. The film lingers in my mind, but more as an extraordinary event rather than a gem. In this case, Welles proved to be a better actor than a director. 70% (06/10/2006)

The work of Orson Welles is like a curse to me, and all my attempts to understand him have ended with the realization that we are consistently not on the same page. In fact, I have avoided Kane for many years because I suspected that I wouldn't share the enthusiasm of refined film connoisseurs and critics in this case either. Perhaps it's because I categorize Orson Welles with the same group of creators as Federico Fellini or Lars von Trier, i.e., those whose excessive ego conspicuously enters into their works. In other words, they are self-centered manipulative crooks who deter me emotionally. It is then hard to appreciate the innovative elements, the complex structure of the film, and the fragmentary narrative. Of course, I can state that much of what he worked with is truly revolutionary, but Orson did not win me over personally. I perceive Kane as a school assignment, where the teacher asks students to analyze a work of art. I appreciate the technique, but as a viewer, I am indifferent to Welles. Overall impression: 65%, and that is certainly the maximum the legendary director could ever get from me. (06/04/2019)

A very good film on the theme of "Having everything and having nothing", undoubtedly timeless, not only in terms of the way it looks and how imaginatively it is shot. But is it necessary to talk about it as the best film of all time? Ummm... Anyway, Orson Welles the actor transformed admirably during 120 minutes, while Orson Welles the director never once bored me during 120 minutes and always surprised me with something. And I finally know what a "bud" is, which was on my mind when I watched an episode of Columbo, and I also know what movie the Simpsons parodied in the Mr. Burns teddy bear episode. (13/07/2014)

One of the most respected films, which I personally wouldn't put on the pedestal of the absolute best, but it must be acknowledged that Orson Welles and the screenwriter did an absolutely incredible job. Every scene is perfectly crafted and so is the whole. Additionally, Welles was a great actor, which he showcases here in various emotional dimensions, as well as at different ages. An impressive film, but don't expect something that will completely change your life. (05/09/2014)