Although I’m Hungarian, even I have heard a lot of Citizen Kane, and have always wanted to watch it, so actually I’m quite happy you chose this film.
I didn’t know the story, or its significance in film history, but still, it seemed familiar. All the shots, the speaking scenes, symbolically set situations, fade-ins and outs, all these can be found in almost every movie of quality since then. I didn’t know, and was surprised to find out that Citizen Kane is the father of these techniques. Thus, I can’t imagine how incredibly innovative it could be back in its time.
The idea to portrait a man’s life from 5 perspectives (the news, Mr. Thatcher, Mrs. Kane, the butler and Mr …….) was brilliant. On one side, it makes the story more enjoyable, as eventually it is the same story told five times, but still, not boring at all. On the other hand, it also evokes deeper thoughts in the audience whether we can get to know each other at all, and if yes, is there anything in life that remains after death but human relationships. I was wondering on these questions when in the closing scenes the “inheritance” of Mr. Kane was piled up in huge spaces, and an unknown, impersonal crew was valuating and categorizing the work of a life, even burning items seemingly of no value. Interestingly the sled named “Rosebud” was doomed to be burnt, although it could have been the most priceless possession of Mr. Kane, as being the only remained piece of his childhood, last family winter (snowball), and a question of what could have happened if things had worked out differently.
Mr. Kane could have everything he desired, and still, he lost everything, as he was getting rich, he was getting alienated. The process of losing relationships, in my opinion, was portrayed by the opening space in the film. First, he lives in a small office at the newspaper, then in a house with his first wife (moving further at table), the he shows up in as a candidate in a hall, then in a huge opera-house, and finally in Xanadu, where even private speech echoes.
All in all, this film does worth its reputation.
