This was wheeled out every year at film school and shown to us. My father thought that was funny because when he was at University, they showed it every year to his class. (Incidentally, my parents where at U of I when Roger Ebert was.)
I think I am the only person I know who actually likes this film. One of my criteria is a film has to move me in some way. If I don't react to a movie, I write it off as doing nothing for me. Most films will make me laugh, make me feel good, fire me up or have some sort of exhilarating feeling. Not so with Citizen Kane. Every time I see it, I feel subtly uneasy and depressed. I start thinking about my mortality and how I will probably not be remembered in history. This film does not leave me with an "up" feeling, but I like it because it is so thought provoking. What does a human life mean? Will we matter to anyone a few decades after we die? William Hearst was the Bill Gates of his day, and until I saw the documentary with the DVD his name meant nothing to me.
Before the AFI list came out, I used to tell people Citizen Kane was my favorite film. After it topped the list I stopped saying that because it seemed so cliche. If I was to be put on a deserted with only one movie I would chose Citizen Kane because I think it would hold my interest longer than any other films. One of the things I love about it is you can pick any angle to watching it and it is near perfect: writing, structure, acting, editing, photography.
It is amazing to think that this film was twenty years ahead of its time. Mise-en-scene is attributed to Welles, the structure is extraordinary, and the sound work is innovative. Citizen Kane influenced many notable filmmakers that followed.
Roger Ebert's commentary helped me understand why this film tops critics list year after year. Not only is the film a masterpiece, it represents an ideal to filmmakers: complete control. Ebert's commentary also pointed out Citizen Kane has so many special effects. Who would have thunk, it is the Star Wars of its day.
