Citizen Kane

[Lady Arianrod]

I'm a fan of movies in general, so it was inevitable that I would eventually watch Citizen Kane.

I was quite interested in this film before I saw it, and I definitely wasn't disappointed when I watched it. Even though it was incredibly depressing, the truly enigmatic nature of the movie captured me. The personal look into the life of one sad, lonely man was subtle, skillful, and realistic.

This isn't a strong endorsement for the movie, however, because it is almost devastatingly sad in its realism.

Has anyone else seen this movie? If so, what did you think of it?

I'll have to watch the movie again to discover all of the secrets of Citizen Kane .... Perhaps I'll format this post if I enjoy it more (or less) the second time around.

[bigsleepj]

Citizen Kane is a good movie but it has been passed a great injustice to be called "The Greatest Movie of all time". People go into this movie with such high expectations, thus, of being met that the majority of new viewers leave underwhelmed (happened to several friends). It is a great movie and very influential, but more would like it if they threw it it off the "Top Ten movies" lists.

PS: If I had to choose a Greatest Movie of all Time, I'd choose either "Fargo", "Ikiru", "Seven Samurai", "Casablanca" or "Ben Hur", depending on my mood.

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

I don't see what's so good about Fargo or Bladerunner for that matter. I defienetly wouldn't call them the Greatest Movies of All Time, infact I hated them (Bladerunners environment was very inspirational though) . Please tell me why everyone thinks they are so good.

I've heard of Citizen Kane and that its the best movie ever. I just reserved it from my local library and then I'll see it for myself. I'm hoping its good.

[bigsleepj]

I don't see what's so good about Fargo or Bladerunner for that matter. I defienetly wouldn't call them the Greatest Movies of All Time, infact I hated them (Bladerunners environment was very inspirational though) . Please tell me why everyone thinks they are so good.

Bladerunner is overated. It has good atmosphere and special effects but it is still very mediocre and the performances aren't very good as well. People, I think, like what they were trying to do with the movie more than what the movie actually accomplishes. It has a lot of good, complex ideas but still it was not pulled off correctly. Yet it has its atmosphere and special effects in such large, brilliant quantities that I'm tempted to forgive its other faults and get it on DVD. I don't think I will though.

As for "Fargo" its just a great movie. When I first saw it I realized it was like nothing I've ever seen before so that automatically counts in its favor. The acting of all concerned as great as well. So is the cinematography, the writing (which won an Oscar) and the setting. The movie is complex in writing and execution but seemingly simple when you watch it. Incredibly minamalistic production design and such. I also like some of the movie's audacity to actuallly claim it was based on a true story but is in fact made up. No other movie by the Coen Brothers could top this in my book.

I've heard of Citizen Kane and that its the best movie ever. I just reserved it from my local library and then I'll see it for myself. I'm hoping its good.

Oooooh, haven't listened to a word I said.

[Ashley]

I HATE THIS MOVIE!

I had a conniption fit when I saw it made the #1 movie of all time on some big list. I was forced to stay awake during it for my united states history AP class (around 3 days or so of it) and I couldn't believe the ending. What/Who "Rosebud" was just floored me. I don't think I've ever been so disappointed/bored with a movie since.

</rant and rave>

[Lady Arianrod]

:rant: I HATE THIS MOVIE!

I had a conniption fit when I saw it made the #1 movie of all time on some big list. I was forced to stay awake during it for my united states history AP class (around 3 days or so of it) and I couldn't believe the ending. What/Who "Rosebud" was just floored me. I don't think I've ever been so disappointed/bored with a movie since.

</rant and rave>

I don't think this movie should have been rated #1 of all time, but I definitely enjoyed it. I went into the movie knowing what "rosebud" was, but I believe that the simplicity of this revelation made the movie even more tragic and, well... empty.

I can see why the movie would be boring or disappointing for people who expected to see a great movie, but I tried to forget the endless praise that Citizen Kane has received before watching it. I enjoyed the movie, but it's too depressing to watch often.

However, I'm a firm believer in the fact that movies are far less enjoyable in class or any other forced setting. I didn't like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest as much as I thought I would because we saw it in school. The same thing happened with Forrest Gump , The Crucible, and To Kill a Mockingbird .

I didn't like this movie because I was told to by Roger Ebert or the rabid fanboys at imdb. I just happen to like sad stories.

We're all entitled to our opinions, however, and I'm not so in love with the movie that I'll try and convince you to like it. Some of the fans are so overbearing.

I'm a new fan anyway, so maybe the effect will wear off eventually... But until then, I admire the film.

[Ashley]

I guess it's like art--if someone likes it, it's a success.

For the record, that same teacher wrote in my yearbook "in your heart, you know Citizen Kane IS the best movie ever"

[plutogrl03]

I'll have to watch this movie for my Language of Film class (it will be part of our final) so I'm trying to keep an open mind. The library near my college is going to show Citizen Kane tomorrow so I'm going to watch it there first and come up with my own opinion.

[SManBeyond]

For the record, that same teacher wrote in my yearbook "in your heart, you know Citizen Kane IS the best movie ever"

Actually, he's wrong. It's Casablanca.

[bigsleepj]

For the record, that same teacher wrote in my yearbook "in your heart, you know Citizen Kane IS the best movie ever"

Well, you should have showed your teacher Akira Kurosawa's "Ikiru" and told him / her that she should not be a conformist in such issues.

[ThaKladd]

I liked Citizen Kane but I think I have to see it again sometime....

Lady Arianrod: maybe you should se "RKO 281: The Battle Over Citizen Kane" to get more insight into secrets....? http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120801/

[Lady Arianrod]

I liked Citizen Kane but I think I have to see it again sometime....

Lady Arianrod: maybe you should se "RKO 281: The Battle Over Citizen Kane" to get more insight into secrets....? http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120801/

Thanks for the link! I heard of that movie... But I never got the chance to watch it. It looks good.