Citizen Kane
1941  NR  DRAMA  1h 59min
CAST— Orson Welles, Joseph Cotton, Everett Sloane, Agnes Moorehead, Dorothy Comingore, Ray Collins, George Coulouris, Ruth Warrick, William Alland, Paul Stewart, Erskine Sanford
MUSIC— Bernard Hermann  DIRECTOR— Orson Welles

     The first film of Orson Welles’ career is considered, in many circles, to be the greatest film ever created, and considering Welles’ youthful age of twenty-five, he certainly did an excellent job in all regards, as co-writer, producer, director, and star. The story centers on money-making powerhouse Charles Foster Kane, from his rise to power to his death, where lying on his deathbed he utters the now immortal word “rosebud”. But what does “rosebud” mean? An investigative reporter soon begins traveling across the country, interviewing Kane’s friends and acquaintances to uncover the hidden meaning behind the elusive word. Shot in black and white, using shadows to their full effect, and shot with innovative lenses that leave nothing out of focus, with quick writing and superb acting, the film shows how beautiful the classics can be. Oscar-winner for Best Writing (Original Screenplay). Deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the United States Library of Congress National Film Registry.
OUR RATING— *** ½