Citizen Kane 10/10

Citizen Kane (NR) 1941
Reviewer’s Tilt (8)
Drama-119min
Special DVD Features worth a look- Roger Ebert Commentary

You simply cannot make a movie like this. You cannot eliminate cuts in scenes. You cannot have everything in focus throughout the film. You cannot have the entire cast making a screen debut. You cannot make a movie attacking the most powerful man in the world. You cannot give a first time 25 year old director complete control over the entire process. Thank goodness no one told Director Orson Welles what cannot be done. Although not without flaws, Citizen Kane merits is legendary praise. From the revolutionary "deep focus' cinematography to the adroit use of overlapping dialogue, this film represents a landmark celluloid masterpiece. Kane (Orson Welles) is a young boy ripped from his mother's arms, ironically, as a result of newfound wealth. When Kane's mother's (Agnes Moorehead) land literally becomes a goldmine, she reluctantly abdicates motherhood to give her boy a taste of the well heeled.

Black and white imagery imparts a mythical aspect to the story. Huge props and seamless special effects impart wealth and grandeur to the entire film. Ostensibly a caricature of William Randolph Hearst, Kane is actually a composite of wealthy men who wield power in an almost childlike attempt to gain love and acceptance. Welles is a genius, but heavyweights Gregg Toland (cinematographer), Herman L. Mankiewicz (screenwriter), and Bernard Herrmann (composer) arguably bring their best efforts to bear on this picture. Add in the talents of Welles’ radio Mercury Theatre players, (including Joseph Cotten, Everett Sloane, and Agnes Moorehead) and you get a slight cut above simple genius. This film requires active participation on the part of the viewer, and the commentaries are invaluable to the neophyte. While not your typical bubble gum fare, this film rewards concentration with an experience that will last a lifetime.

Format: Black and White, Fullscreen, Closed captioned.
Sound: (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)
Extras: Biographer Peter Bogdanovich Commentary, Roger Ebert commentary, original 1941 movie premiere, storyboard, rare photos, alternate ad campaign, studio and personal correspondence, call sheets and other memorabilia, trailer.