Citizen Kane (1941)

The Greatest Film Ever Made?

Introduction

Few films in cinematic history have achieved the legendary status of Citizen Kane (1941). Directed, co-written, produced by, and starring Orson Welles, this groundbreaking film revolutionised the art of film making and storytelling. Often cited as the greatest film of all time, Citizen Kane is renowned for its innovative use of deep focus cinematography, nonlinear narrative structure, and intricate character study. Despite its initial commercial struggles, the film has since been recognised as a masterpiece, influencing generations of filmmakers and shaping the language of cinema.

Plot Summary

Citizen Kane is a fictionalised biographical drama that chronicles the rise and fall of Charles Foster Kane (Orson Welles), a newspaper tycoon whose life is explored through the recollections of those who knew him. The film begins with Kane’s death at his vast estate, Xanadu, with his final enigmatic word—“Rosebud.” A journalist, Jerry Thompson (William Alland), embarks on a quest to unravel the meaning of Kane’s last word, interviewing key figures from Kane’s life, including his childhood guardian Walter Parks Thatcher, his business associate Mr. Bernstein, and his estranged friend Jedediah Leland.

Through these fragmented accounts, the film pieces together the portrait of Kane as a man who achieved immense wealth and power but ultimately led a lonely and unfulfilled life. His ambitions, personal relationships, and relentless pursuit of control all contribute to his eventual isolation. The mystery of “Rosebud” is revealed in the film’s final moments, providing a poignant and tragic insight into Kane’s lost innocence and childhood happiness.

Innovative Cinematic Techniques

One of the most remarkable aspects of Citizen Kane is its revolutionary cinematography, credited to Gregg Toland. The film pioneered several techniques that have since become standard in film making:

Deep Focus Cinematography

Toland’s use of deep focus allowed multiple planes of action to remain in sharp focus simultaneously. This technique gave scenes a greater sense of depth and complexity, enabling Welles to compose intricate visual narratives within a single shot. Notable examples include the childhood scene where young Kane plays outside in the snow, visible through a distant window, while his fate is decided inside.

Nonlinear Storytelling

Unlike traditional Hollywood films of the time, Citizen Kane employs a fractured, nonlinear narrative. The story is told through flashbacks from multiple perspectives, creating a mosaic-like portrait of Kane rather than a straightforward chronological biography. This structure keeps the audience engaged and actively involved in piecing together Kane’s life.

Expressionistic Lighting and Set Design

The film’s lighting, inspired by German Expressionism, uses high-contrast shadows and dramatic angles to enhance its themes of power and isolation. The cavernous spaces of Xanadu and the looming, oppressive ceilings contribute to the film’s visual grandeur and symbolic depth.

Innovative Sound Design

Welles, who had a background in radio, experimented with sound techniques that were unconventional for the time. Echoes, overlapping dialogue, and strategic silence were used to heighten dramatic effect and realism, creating an immersive auditory experience.

Themes and Symbolism

Beyond its technical innovations, Citizen Kane is a profound meditation on themes of power, ambition, and the illusion of happiness.

The Corrupting Influence of Power

Kane’s journey from an idealistic young man to a domineering and egotistical mogul illustrates how power can erode one’s morals and relationships. His transformation mirrors the real-life trajectories of media tycoons such as William Randolph Hearst, whose life Kane’s character was loosely based upon.

Isolation and Loneliness

Despite his vast wealth and influence, Kane dies alone in his extravagant mansion. His failed relationships—with his best friend, his two wives, and ultimately himself—underscore the emptiness of his achievements.

Rosebud: The Lost Innocence

The revelation that “Rosebud” was the name of Kane’s childhood sled suggests that, at his core, he longed for the simplicity and happiness of his youth. This final twist offers a haunting commentary on the nature of nostalgia and the unfulfilled desires that shape a person’s life.

Impact and Legacy

Despite its groundbreaking artistry, Citizen Kane faced challenges upon release. William Randolph Hearst, angered by the film’s unflattering parallels to his own life, used his media empire to suppress its distribution. The film struggled at the box office but received critical acclaim and nine Academy Award nominations, winning for Best Original Screenplay.

Over time, Citizen Kane gained recognition as a landmark achievement. The British Film Institute’s Sight & Sound poll ranked it as the greatest film of all time for decades, and it continues to be studied in film schools worldwide. Directors such as Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, and Christopher Nolan have cited Citizen Kane as a major influence on their work.

Conclusion

Citizen Kane is more than just a film; it is a cornerstone of cinematic innovation and storytelling. Orson Welles’ audacious vision, combined with groundbreaking cinematography and a compelling narrative, ensures its place in history as one of the most important films ever made. Its themes of power, identity, and lost innocence remain as relevant today as they were in 1941, making Citizen Kane an eternal masterpiece that continues to captivate and inspire generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.