Film: Citizen Kane (164/250)
First Time/Rewatch: Rewatch (duh)
What can be said about a film that has consistently topped lists of the greatest films for decades? A film that everybody knows, that is held in the absolute highest regard? It's easy to call a film so universally praised "overrated" or expect it to not live up to the hype. In my case, I hadn't seen this film in years. I remembered it as being Great and Important in a stuffy kind of way, but damn if this movie doesn't deserve every ounce of praise it gets. For one, yes it's great and important, but it's also really enjoyable to watch. Welles has this mischievous and playful quality that comes through even in his serious work. The way it's shot is fun and creative, and it kept me totally engaged. The acting is top-notch (love the credits at the end!) and the cinematography is A. Ma. Zing. We all know the story. We all know that any cinephile worth his salt HAS to watch this. But it's no chore to get through, it's a 100% engaging, enjoyable, and moving experience. And Orson Welles was only 26 years old when this film was released. 26 years old directing this. 26 years old playing a man of towering power charging through life. 26 years old reflecting on his character's youth and what he lost. I can't get over it.
No comments:
Post a Comment