Christina Johnston - Citizen Kane
Citizen Kane is indeed a noteworthy and unique piece of American cinematography. Its position on the
'best films of all time" list is warranted in my opinion. I would rank it on my personal top ten movies, because I value the attention to creative detail, dramatic lighting, and important message that it delivers. What makes Citizen Kane exceptional is its depiction of how money can corrupt even the most obstinant of people. Kane began as an average man with a commitment to delivering honest, uncorrupted news to his fellow average man. As he was swept up into politics, affairs, and fortune, the movie slowly shows his evolving motives and values. For example, Kane's new found passion for collecting statues, exotic travels, and dwindling marital commitment signal his moral metamorphosis.
I don't think that Citizen Kane would have the same affect on today's audience as it did on the audience of its time. Modern movies often portray the dangers and evils that money and greed bring. Movies of Citizen Kane's time didn't expose reality to the degree that modern movies do in my opinion. Hollywood was heavily influenced by government censorship, and movies were often made to promote certain ideals and propaganda. Today's audience has been desensitized by modern innovations in movie making, and therefore may not appreciate the complexity in lighting and mood synthesized in Citizen Kane. For example, in the beginning when the man is investigating Kane's book to solve the mystery of the word "rosebud," the book is almost glowing with light on top of the stark table, representing the importance of Kane's life story. Similarly, as both of his wives are leaving him, they are also almost glowing with light as they retreat, symbolizing the goodness in his life leaving him.