Why ‘Citizen Kane’ is So Admirably Loved

When discussing classic films, Citizen Kane (1941) often occupies an esteemed position on quasi-charts and lists. But why is this film, directed by the audacious Orson Welles, so widely admired? This article delves into its enduring appeal, examining its technical innovations, dramatic themes, and historical context.

Technical Mastery and Innovation

Citizen Kane is not only a story of ambition and loss but also a technical masterpiece. It is an early example of a film that pushes the boundaries of the medium, with a myriad of groundbreaking techniques. Among these, one of the most notable is temporal ellipsis—a technique that involves omitting parts of an event to convey the passage of time. However, Citizen Kane elevates this simple concept to new heights. Imagine a camera focusing on a calendar on a wall, with the dates moving to signify a progression or regression of time. This is a technique that might seem straightforward today, but it was revolutionary in the 1940s.

In addition to temporal ellipsis, Citizen Kane introduced and perfected several other cinematic techniques. These include:

Rear Projection: This technique involves filming actors in a studio and overlaying the image of a background or scene behind them. It provides filmmakers with the flexibility to create vast landscapes without the need for actual filming locations. Deep Focus: Utilizing a shallow depth of field to keep both the foreground and background in sharp focus. This creates a layered depth that enhances the visual storytelling. Dissolves and Montages: These transitions are used to smoothly transition from one scene to another, enhancing the narrative flow and emotional impact.

Welles not only innovated these techniques but also popularized them, influencing generations of filmmakers.

Meaning and Themes

The themes and meanings of Citizen Kane run deep, touching on the American Dream, the nature of fame, and the destructiveness of ambition. The film is told from the perspective of Charles Foster Kane, a man who destroys his own dreams and the dreams of others in his quest for power. He constructs a life and legacy built on empty promises and manipulations, ultimately leading to a tragic downfall.

The character's fate is a reflection of Welles’ own tumultuous journey in Hollywood. The film's narrative structure, with its non-linear storytelling and the enigmatic “Rosebud,” serves as a metaphor for the disintegration of Kane’s life and the quest for truth and understanding. It is a cautionary tale for the filmmakers and audiences alike, ensuring that the film endures as a critical examination of the human condition.

Legacy and Admiration

Why is Citizen Kane so admired? It isn’t just because it is a well-crafted film. Although it has impressive acting and a captivating screenplay, the film's real appeal lies in its visionary approach to filmmaking. It introduced a level of depth, complexity, and creativity that was unprecedented at the time.

The film is seen as a masterpiece not only in its genre but also as a foundational work in the history of cinema. Films like Psycho, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, owe much to the innovations demonstrated in Citizen Kane. Directors from Martin Scorsese to Michael Bay have drawn inspiration from its groundbreaking techniques, elevating the storytelling process and making the films more immersive and engaging.

Furthermore, Citizen Kane is often referenced and celebrated in discussions about the greatest films of all time. This status is not merely a matter of popular opinion but reflects the film's enduring influence on the art form. The words ‘genius’ and ‘masterpiece’ are rarely used in vain when discussing Orson Welles and Citizen Kane.

However, it is important to acknowledge that cultural tastes vary, and what one person finds unwatchable, another might experience as brilliant. This variability in opinion is a fascinating aspect of human nature and underscores the complexity of artistic appreciation.