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Orson Welles's epic tale of a publishing tycoon's rise and fall is entertaining, poignant, and inventive in its storytelling, earning its reputation as a landmark achievement in film.
All Critics (80) | Top Critics (20) | Fresh (80) | Rotten (0) | DVD (18)
It is a triumph of the film, and proof of its solid value and of the sense of its director and all concerned, that a human touch is not lost. Sympathy for the preposterous Mr. Kane survives. Indeed, there is something about him which seems admirable. Sep 5, 2018 | Full Review…
It is a triumph of the film, and proof of its solid value and of the sense of its director and all concerned, that a human touch is not lost. Sympathy for the preposterous Mr. Kane survives. Indeed, there is something about him which seems admirable.
John C. Mosher
Welles' performance is nothing less than astonishing. He begins as a youth of 21, goes through middle age to his death, and makes every moment believable in voice, walk, and gesture. Even in his love scenes is Welles effective. May 1, 2017 | Full Review…
Welles' performance is nothing less than astonishing. He begins as a youth of 21, goes through middle age to his death, and makes every moment believable in voice, walk, and gesture. Even in his love scenes is Welles effective.
This stuff is fine theatre, technically or any other way, and along with them the film is exciting for the recklessness of its independence, even if it seems to have little to be free for. Apr 29, 2016 | Full Review…
This stuff is fine theatre, technically or any other way, and along with them the film is exciting for the recklessness of its independence, even if it seems to have little to be free for.
Otis Ferguson
What's striking now is how utterly modern it is in structure. Apr 29, 2016 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review…
What's striking now is how utterly modern it is in structure.
Kate Muir
Some day, and the time won't be long in arriving, Welles will be the greatest director in Hollywood. Apr 30, 2015 | Full Review…
Some day, and the time won't be long in arriving, Welles will be the greatest director in Hollywood.
Kate Cameron
It can be classified as, in a number of aspects, one of the most arresting pictures ever produced. Jan 18, 2013 | Full Review…
It can be classified as, in a number of aspects, one of the most arresting pictures ever produced.
Edwin Schallert
Orson Welles was ahead of his time. Nov 30, 2018 | Rating: A+ | Full Review…
Orson Welles was ahead of his time.
Chris Stuckmann
Welles almost creates a mise en abyme throughout Citizen Kane, inviting but ultimately refuting the tendency to want to reduce everything to one core sentimental genesis. Nov 10, 2018 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review…
Welles almost creates a mise en abyme throughout Citizen Kane, inviting but ultimately refuting the tendency to want to reduce everything to one core sentimental genesis.
PJ Nabarro
The construction is deliberately episodic, and individual settings often appear to owe more to the modern conceptions of stage-technique than to the cinema. But the ingenuity with which the episodes are assembled sets a new level in film-construction. Jul 3, 2018 | Full Review…
The construction is deliberately episodic, and individual settings often appear to owe more to the modern conceptions of stage-technique than to the cinema. But the ingenuity with which the episodes are assembled sets a new level in film-construction.
Edgar Anstey
Citizen Kane helped define the language of film, and the totality of its achievement provides no end of fascinating topics to discuss at length. Apr 18, 2017 | Full Review…
Citizen Kane helped define the language of film, and the totality of its achievement provides no end of fascinating topics to discuss at length.
Rob Vaux
a visual marvel of expressionistic deep-focus cinematography, elaborate production design, and varied editing rhythms Dec 3, 2016 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review…
a visual marvel of expressionistic deep-focus cinematography, elaborate production design, and varied editing rhythms
James Kendrick
It's a gripping and absolutely fascinating drama and Welles is utterly unparalleled. Nov 11, 2016 | Full Review…
It's a gripping and absolutely fascinating drama and Welles is utterly unparalleled.
Felix Vasquez Jr.
There are many reasons why so many rever this film for so very many years, but the story at the heart of it, that of a little boy trying to buy love no matter what, no matter how old he gets, until the day he dies, is what gets me every time, the humanity. But rest assured, just about every category they give Oscars away for is well represented here.
Super Reviewer
Watching Citizen Kane today is almost like an exercise in deciding what is more perfect: if Gregg Toland's cinematography and gorgeous deep focus; Robert Wise's exceptional editing; Welles' magnificent direction and acting; or the film's superlative script told in a non-linear structure.
There is no confusion about why this is commonly considered one of the greatest films of all time.
Citizen Kane is one of the greatest pieces of cinema that remains one of the most engaging pictures ever put to celluloid. Orson Wells crafts a picture that tells a simple, subtle story that works brilliantly in capturing your attention from the first frame onwards. The cast do an immaculate job in their performances and each actor brings something unique to the screen to really make this film standout among other classics. Wells direction is terrific and he is able to craft a story that uses basic elements to create something truly remarkable with this picture. Orson Wells also stars in the film as the lead characters, Charles Kane who is a powerful tycoon Wells is superb in the part, and his work behind the camera is immaculate, fluent and brings the viewer into a truly special experience. The film is a must see due to its significance to the cinematic medium. Citizen Kane is a film that has stood the test of time, and yet again proves that the best pictures are the ones that tell a good story that is simple, yet well told and elevated by a talented cast that add so much to the film to make it a truly outstanding piece of cinema. Cinema fans owe it to themselves to check this treasure and Wells is a wonderful director that has crafted an excellent, engaging and memorable film that you soon won't forget. The picture is flawless and it has stood out among other classics. With that being said, is this my favorite of classic cinema? It isn't, but it definitely is among the finest pieces of work of this era and any era for that matter. I'd have to say that Casablanca is my favorite, with Citizen Kane a close second. Either way, this is a sweeping masterpiece of film, one that has stood out and lives on through each decade as an exemplary film that each new viewer can take something out from the film. Citizen Kane is a flawless picture that has its place secured in cinematic history.
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