There is not much left to say about what has been called the greatest film ever made by more critics than any other movie. Citizen Kane is undeniably a masterpiece of filmmaking. Orson Welles was only in his mid-twenties and had never made a movie before writing, directing and starring in this one. It is interesting that audiences have never embraced Citizen Kane with the same fervency as critics. In fact this is probably the quintessential example of an art-house movie that has never connected with the masses but continues to be placed on a pedestal by the industry itself.
The reasons for this are quite obvious.
On the critic's side are the many brilliant and groundbreaking aspects of the movie. Most notably the much written about deep-focus photography and the cyclical way in which the story is told. Shot for shot this movie is probably the greatest ever made. It is, after all, the best example of a 'director's movie'. In style it was decades ahead of anything else coming out of Hollywood and its impact on hundreds of later movies is undeniable. The acting is also superb. And the movie is filled with iconic images. The close-up of Charles Foster Kane's mouth as he whispers his dying words followed by the shot of the snow globe falling to the floor, and the image of Kane stumping for political office in front of a billboard-sized poster of himself are probably the two most famous. Then there is the surprise ending where the meaning of 'Rosebud' is revealed. Unfortunately time and fame have completely removed any surprise that this revelation originally carried. Still it is a satisfying conclusion to an incredibly well written story.
On the detractor's side is the lack of any sympathetic characters (although it can be argued that Kane himself is ultimately a victim of his own success and therefore sympathetic) and the fact that the plot, once you wade through the intricate style and mish-mashed way that it's presented, is actually extremely simplistic. And can be summed up as... reclusive millionaire whispers 'Rosebud' as his dying words and a reporter interviews people who knew him to discover the meaning. Ultimately, I think audiences are turned off by the fact that, although we are shown the answer to the question, none of the movie's characters ever finds out. In that sense, for many people, the ending is a letdown.
Citizen Kane is rather like Shakespeare in that they are both often labeled boring by the masses. Not to be a snob, but the fact is that they are both acquired tastes that get more flavorful with each serving. For Citizen Kane is truly a feast for the eyes. Nearly every shot is unique and the story is told in such a way that you can watch it over and over and find new details every time. The hard part is getting through it the first time.
